We all scream for ice cream!

As I thought about what I wanted to write this week, I reflected on two experiences I had at Friendly’s restaurants. One was while out to dinner with my family, including my uncle.  When the waitress came to take our orders, he ordered a hot fudge sundae and an entree. Before the waitress left, he explained he wanted the sundae before his meal. Everyone chuckled at the table and I remember asking if he was serious. He told me he was absolutely serious. He did not want to be too full from his dinner causing him to miss out on his sundae. He explained, “Life is too short. I eat dessert first.”

The other experience was with family friends. A member of our party boldly announced at the start of dinner that she would be having a light meal followed by the Crowd Pleaser Sundae. In case you aren’t familiar with Friendly’s Crowd Pleaser Sundae, it is 12 scoops of ice cream with a choice of 6 toppings followed by whip cream and cherries. She ended her announcement with a smile stating, “And I don’t share.” She was serious. She skipped the items in her meal which she found less satisfying in order to indulge in the largest sundae I have ever seen. She ate 90% of it at the table and asked the waitress for a to-go container and a spoon. She told the waitress to skip the lid because she would eat the remaining ice cream in the car before it melted. I vividly remember her sitting in the front passenger seat after we said our goodbyes with a blanket on her lap while she dug into the last of the dessert.

Some of you may be thinking both my uncle and my family’s friend have the right idea when it comes to ice cream and others may strongly disagree with their eating habits. Let’s look beyond the sweets and take a moment to appreciate how clearly both of them knew what they wanted, had no problem declaring it, and fully enjoyed it despite what anyone else may have thought. What if we were able to approach our deepest desires with this mindset and passion? Think of all we could achieve!

Priorities & Perceptions

One of the most simple reasons why we don’t achieve our goals is because we don’t make them a priority. We lack the crystal clear focus needed to get really specific about what we want and how we are going to get it. Plus, we care what other people think about us and our goals. We don’t want to be perceived as failures or judged because of our dreams.

There is no reason we shouldn’t make our goals a priority. There’s no reason not to get really tuned in to what we want and there is no reason we should really care what other people think. Going after what you truly love, even if you fail at first, should be viewed as a wonderful act and encouraged often. Our goals and desires deserve to be pursued boldly, without reservation, and without apology as long as they do not bring harm to anyone or anything else.

Take a moment today to think about what you really want in life. What is your equivalent to eating dessert first? Then ask yourself these questions:

1. Is my goal a priority? What can I stop doing or change so I can spend time on what is important to me?

2. Where is my focus right now? Is this going to bring me closer to my goal? If not, where does my focus need to be?

3. Am I afraid of failing to the extreme point of not even starting?

4. Do I care what others think of me? Why? What does this really give me in return?

We are worthy of commiting to our goals fully, asserting specifically our desire to achieve them, and enjoying the rewards along the journey. Let’s be courageous and fearless as we reach for our aspirations because nothing is as sweet as being true to ourselves.