I met my alternate self three months shy of my 40th birthday as I struggled with clinically diagnosed depression. During this same period, I was challenged, immensely by the debilitating effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and being rendered permanently partially disabled as the result of being involved in two car accidents in six days (neither of which was I at fault).

I recall an incredible sense of emptiness and a daunting feeling of being completely overwhelmed; especially when trying to figure out which pills went with what “ills.” I was unable to return to the vocation I loved. That hurt more than my pain. Most of my time was spent in bed where I eventually became 48 pounds “over-fat.”

When dreams and reasons for living are wiped out by the greatest, of the least unexpected, most people priorities typically change. My priorities? Well, they just disappeared. I was defeated physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and knocking on “Financially’s” door. Making the bed was not a priority; it simply went unmade. And when it came down to paying the bills, many went unpaid.

One day I was moved enough to actually cultivate the emotion of being “fed up!” During this awakening, I made the decision to reclaim complete responsibility for my life. And I did. 37 months post-accident, I went to work on my mind, body, and spirit. I studied and applied everything that would enhance these areas. It wasn’t long before I was 51 pounds lighter, and at least 52 times brighter.

Following my “awakening” I set goals to become an author, speaker, consultant, and educator. I quickly established myself in each discipline and began to promote and practice life-altering strategies. My approach was innovative, strategic, fun, proven and desired-results focused. Paramount to enhancing my personal energy level was to identify, outline and writing down my physical goals.

Returning to playing competitive softball, being the team’s starting shortstop and winning the league championship were my top three goals. I promised myself I would return to play softball at a competitive level if it killed me. It almost did! Playing softball on several teams simultaneously left me limping around with a blue, pain-alleviating ointment. I had soreness in muscles I never even knew existed! Nevertheless, by the season’s end, I had accomplished all of my goals. I figured, if I could overcome all of my physical, spiritual and psychological ailments, discovered how to run faster; jump higher; throw farther; look younger, stay up longer – manifest twice as much energy than I did when I was a “starting” NCAA athlete half my age – anyone else can do the “undoable,” too! Whatever the “undoable,” may be.

As I continued following a disciplined program to attain goals in every area of my life, something just short of magical happened. My personality sparked with a resurgence of charisma, confidence and boldness. My muscles grew stronger, my energy increased and the fat melted off my body. Taking part in an activity not only became easier, but quite enjoyable. Suddenly, I was living life as I had designed.

Great goals make you stretch. They absolutely can take you well beyond anything you could possibly imagine! The most important part of setting great goals is not the goals themselves, but the person you become in the stretch.

by Fran Briggs

Meditation: for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. – Philippians 2:13

You will succeed because Jesus loves You!

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