I no longer make resolutions. A typical resolution is I will exercise more this year, which most often fails, as it is not very specific. I set specific goals during the entire year. When looking at the grander goals of our life how do we know we are on the right path? How much time and effort do we put into getting something we really want? When is it time to let go of effort and trust the universe will provide?

Some practical tips are stop when your goals have any adverse consequences. Stop when a current goal gets in the way of another current goal or a new goal. If the goal was not our true path we feel a sense of relief when we surrender. I had this Winston Churchill quote on my wall, “Never, ever ever ever ever give up” I stayed too long in jobs and relationships that were not meant to be.

We can get so caught up in working toward our goals and forcing things to work we often don’t listen to our internal guidance. Sometimes in the spiritual community we are told if we are paddling the river upstream that is not our true path. I think we do some times have to paddle upstream temporarily. However, if we are on the right path to our big life goals it does often feel like we are floating downstream.

We some times will achieve something we really want when we can let go of the outcome. When we put for effort for a goal, but then trust what ever is for our greater good (and the good of all others) will manifest, we sometimes get even more than we ever hoped for…..

One of the most inspiring talks I heard was Oprah describe getting her role in The Color Purple. She wanted it more than anything in the world. She read for it, but did not hear back for months. Oprah learned Alfre Woodard was up for the role too. It was at the exact moment she let go and decided to wish her competitor well in the part that she got a call she had the role. You can see a ten minute video of the story here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjYRLX4ukO4

“When you’ve worked as hard and done as much and strived and tried and given and pled and bargained and hoped… Surrender.  When you have done all that you can do, and there’s nothing left for you to do, give it up. Give it up to that thing that is greater than yourself, and let it then become a part of the flow.” Oprah Winfrey