GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

Christopher Columbus could not have reached the American shores if he did not set out with the conviction of viability of his plan to sail westward to reach India. The hazardous voyage through unknown waters did not deter him, for the determined end he perceived was clear to him. The Indian sub-continent was his destination and westward was his sight. Providence, or we might say a higher will, landed him on the New Continent. Columbus earned greater fortunes than the anticipated treasures of Asia.

To achieve anything, whether mundane or unearthly, the primary and crucial step is to set out with a clear-cut goal or goals before us. No one has ever hit the mark without taking an aim. Even when the pathways are not clear to us, the destination must be clear.There are goals as varied as human nature, but we can classify them in the order of significance or value calculated to give meaning and purpose to human existence. Motivational psychology has also tried to classify human goals.

In terms of men psychobiological needs and drives. For most men the instant drive is toward his so-called primary goals which cater to his immediate personal needs. They do not directly subscribe to the ultimate goal of man's endeavor as acknowledged in the highest tradition of supreme achievement. This first category obviously covers health, education, good social relationship, finance, career, etc. Once these are satisfied, there may arise "higher" needs.

Thus a second category of goal crystallizes. The life energy is now directed to achieving efficiency and excellence which could ensure satisfaction derived from personal development. The intelligent and well-informed people are geared to the second category of goal, viz., self-development and achieving distinction in one's own field of end eavour. But these fall short of the "Highest" possibilities awaiting human evolution.