"Una de las cosas más esenciales que necesitas hacer por ti mismo es elegir un objetivo que sea importante para ti."

Choosing a goal that matters to you is like finding your North Star. It gives you direction and purpose, something to strive for that genuinely resonates with who you are. Without this guiding light, you might find yourself drifting through life, feeling unfulfilled and unsure of your path. Imagine waking up every day with a clear sense of what you're working towards—it's empowering, isn't it?

Let's travel back a bit to understand why this idea is crucial. Throughout history, great leaders and thinkers emphasized the power of having clear, meaningful goals. For example, Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, wrote about the importance of finding purpose even in the darkest times. His book, "Man's Search for Meaning," highlights how having a goal or purpose can give you the strength to endure almost anything. So, it's not just about achieving success; it's about having something that keeps you going.

Now, think about your own life. Ever had a project or hobby that you were deeply passionate about? Maybe it was learning to play the guitar, training for a marathon, or starting a small business. Take Laura, for instance. She was stuck in a job that paid well but left her feeling empty. On a whim, she started volunteering at a local animal shelter and fell in love with the work. This passion led her to set a new goal: opening her own animal rescue center. It wasn't an easy path—there were sleepless nights, financial worries, and countless obstacles. But because it mattered to her, she persevered. Today, she's running a successful rescue operation, and her life feels more aligned with her true self.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by reflecting on what truly excites you. What are you curious about? What activities make you lose track of time? Don't worry if your goal seems ambitious or if others don’t fully understand it. It's your North Star, not theirs.

Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career. You could either stay in your current job, which is comfortable but uninspiring, or you could pursue a long-held dream of writing a novel. Your heart races at the thought of crafting characters and weaving stories. It's daunting, but if you choose this goal, you're choosing something that speaks to your core. Start small—maybe join a writing group or set aside an hour a day to write. The key is to take that first step.

Let me tell you about my friend Jake. Jake was always fascinated by photography but ended up in a corporate job because it was the "responsible" thing to do. Years went by, and he felt more disconnected from his true self. One day, he decided to take a chance. He saved up, bought a decent camera, and started taking photos in his spare time. Fast forward a couple of years, and Jake is now a freelance photographer. He’s not just working; he’s thriving because he chose a goal that lit him up from the inside.

In essence, choosing a goal that matters to you is about aligning your life with your passions and values. It's not always the easiest path, but it's the most rewarding one. So, take some time, listen to your heart, and find your North Star. Then, follow it with everything you've got.