A Simple Story.

0031hrs.
Just had my regular coffee session with a close friend of mine. Had a nice chat with him about our goals, investments and our dreams. I understand, and agree from the conversation that when one is working towards their goals, they tend to be blinded by other factors.

A great example to share. This person, lets call him John. 8 years ago, John was a student in a college and he is stubborn like hell. Unwilling to take any form of pocket money from his parents because he wants to prove that he can survive by juggling between a part time job, and managing his schoolwork. The year end holiday is approaching, and he wants to save up his first $5000 by school reopen, so that he can focus on his final year.
John manage to secure 2 part time jobs. Right after his last paper, will be the first step to earn his $5000. From 9am to 6am in this particular cafe, and 630pm to 1130pm at another cafe. EVERY weekday. On Friday, he finished at 1am, and on Saturday, he finished at 3am. A fine young man, full of energy like a bull. He have absolute no problem with the working hours.
A month later while at work, he received a phone call from his brother at 545pm, telling him that their grandfather is very sick, and might not be able to hold on for long. John thought about it.
“Should he proceed to the other workplace?”
Foolish John went ahead. At 7pm, His brother called.
His grandfather has left the world. John will never be able to see him ever again.
If, he chose to go straight to the hospital, he will be able to hold his hands, and tell him that magical sentence.
“I love you.”

At his grandfather’s wake, he starts to see things clearer. He have not met his relatives and cousins for a long time. He realise one more thing. His own beloved father, is sick as well. His cancer has relapsed recently after 3 years. The cells have spread to his shoulder and he have difficulty turning his head. He, did not even notice it even though they are staying under the same roof. That busy lifestyle have stopped the communication he has with his family all along. He is just too focus in working towards his $5000 goal. After the funeral, he quit his job and stayed home to spend more time with his dad.
But then, it was all too late.
3 months later, his dad pass away.

Having a goal is indeed a good thing in life. To work hard and achieve what you want. In the process of achieving it, you might gain some, and lose some. If you can afford to lose it, carry on with what you have set upon. If you can’t, slow down and amend the route. Make sure there’s a balance before continuing the journey.
Reaching your goal slower but with a clear conscious and happy mindset, is much fulfilling then reaching your goal fast, but in the process, you have regrets and losing things that you can’t afford to lose.

Today, John is a happier man. He might not be successful in his career yet, but he definitely knows the correct way to balance things out with his love ones. When the time comes for his career to take off, he knows that he have got plenty of people to share the happiness with. He is just waiting for that very moment, when happiness shine onto him like the morning rays.