PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE: A GOAL TO ACHIEVE IN A LIFETIME
As we journey through life, maturing with every passing year, the search for meaning and purpose becomes more profound. Along this path, one of the most valuable realizations is the importance of having a goal to achieve within our lifetime. A lifetime goal serves as a guiding light, providing direction and motivation to make the most of our existence. Without such a goal, life may feel like an aimless voyage, subject to the currents of circumstance. In this article, I would like to share a few inspiring goals that could serve as ideas for others to reflect on and create their own unique lifetime goal.
From the moment we are born, our first instinctive goal is to breathe — an unconscious act that sustains our very existence. This simple yet essential achievement marks the beginning of our journey. As we grow, life becomes a series of small and large goals, both subconscious and conscious. Learning how to walk, speak, read, and survive the challenges of life are all victories we often overlook. Whether we recognize it or not, we have already accomplished far more than we have failed. If the scale had tipped more toward failure than achievement, we would not have survived this far. This understanding reminds us that achievement is part of our nature, and with the right mindset, we are capable of achieving even greater things.
One of the lifetime goals I have set for myself is to live for a hundred years. This may sound ambitious, especially in a world where life is full of uncertainties. I am fully aware that life holds no guarantees — accidents, illnesses, or unforeseen circumstances could cut my journey short at any time. However, setting this goal is not about controlling fate; it is about aligning my mind and heart to pursue a life of health, balance, and purpose. This goal motivates me to take care of my physical and mental well-being, to maintain a positive outlook, and to make decisions that support longevity. Even if I do not reach a hundred years, the journey of working toward this goal will help me live a better, more intentional life.
Another significant goal I am striving to achieve is to generate wealth and resources through legal and honorable means. Coming from a poor family, I know the struggles of lacking financial stability. For many years, I worked hard in a company, yet my financial status remained at the lower level of society. It took me two decades to realize that relying solely on employment would not be enough to improve my life. This realization inspired me to explore side hustles and learn about financial management. Slowly but surely, I started to earn extra income and gradually moved from poor class to upper poor class. After four years of consistent effort, I have now reached a level just below the middle class. Although I am still working hard to increase my income, this journey has taught me that progress is possible with patience, knowledge, and perseverance. My ultimate goal is not only to achieve financial stability but to create sustainable wealth that will support me and my loved ones for generations to come.
The third lifetime goal I have set is to help others rise out of poverty once I have reached a stable position. Because I believe I can live a hundred years, I feel that I will have enough time to not only improve myself but also extend my help to those who are in the same situation I was in at the beginning of my journey. However, I understand that I cannot help others effectively if I am still struggling to meet my own needs. That is why I am working to level up to the middle class and slightly above it — not out of greed, but to be in a better position to give back. My desire is to inspire others through my own life example, showing them that it is possible to rise from poverty with determination, hard work, and the right mindset.
I know that many of my goals are still dreams waiting to become reality. But I also believe that imagination is the birthplace of achievement. There are people who dream of going to space and looking down on Earth, feeling the pride of reaching such a remarkable destination. While that kind of dream is extraordinary, I find more meaning in the imagination of living a long, fulfilled life, lifting myself out of poverty, and helping others do the same. For me, the greatest legacy is not in reaching the stars but in helping others rise from the dust of hardship.
In the end, the goals we choose to pursue in our lifetime are entirely up to us. What matters most is that they align with our values, bring meaning to our lives, and contribute positively to others. Life gives us the freedom to imagine, dream, and achieve — as long as our goals do not harm ourselves or others. Whether it is to live long, build wealth, or uplift others, every goal that promotes goodness and love is worth pursuing. Let us not waste the precious gift of life without setting a meaningful goal to achieve in our lifetime. Through dedication and perseverance, our goals can transform not only our own lives but the lives of those around us, leaving behind a legacy of hope and inspiration.