If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on
If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.
In the words of the teacher, “If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.” Thus spoke Jim Rohn, a guide of seekers who longed to turn discipline into destiny. His words unveil a sacred exchange: the more we shape our goals and plans, the more they, in turn, shape the fabric of our being.
The meaning is this: no man labors upon his goals without those goals laboring upon him. To strive is to be transformed. Every step taken toward a vision carves new strength into the heart and steadies the mind. Likewise, to follow a plan with devotion is to be molded by its order, to learn patience, foresight, and the art of building steadily. Thus, the work is never one-sided, for the worker and the work shape one another in harmony.
In the final teaching, Rohn declares: “Whatever good things we build end up building us.” Here lies the eternal law — that no noble creation leaves its maker unchanged. The craftsman who builds a temple is himself built into a man of patience and precision. The student who builds knowledge is herself built into wisdom. The parent who builds a family is also built into love and sacrifice. Every act of creation is also an act of self-creation.
The origin of this wisdom flows from the ancient bond between labor and transformation, echoed in every generation. Rohn, who taught discipline and vision to those who sought greatness, gave voice to what the ancients knew well: that we are not merely makers of things, but the things we make are makers of us. To the generations that come, his words endure as a summons: build with courage, build with goodness, for in building the world, you also build your soul.
PNPhuc Nguyen
Jim Rohn’s perspective suggests that the effort we put into our goals transforms us, but I wonder: Is there a balance between pushing ourselves and maintaining our well-being in the process? Can working hard on our goals and plans sometimes take a toll on us, and if so, how do we strike a healthy balance between ambition and self-care?
LYle yen
I love the concept Jim Rohn presents here, that our goals and plans don’t just serve as a means to an end but actually shape who we are along the way. But, in a world where quick results are often valued, how do we cultivate patience and resilience in the process of building something meaningful? Can we learn to enjoy the journey as much as we hope to enjoy the destination?
PMNguyet Pham Minh
This quote is a reminder that the journey toward our goals is just as important as the destination. But, as much as we are shaped by our efforts, is there a risk of becoming too focused on the 'building' process and losing sight of the bigger picture? How do we ensure that our goals align with what truly matters to us, rather than just the pursuit of success?
ACNguyen Anh Chi
Jim Rohn’s words make me think about how important it is to set a solid foundation with clear goals and plans. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? Can the process of working towards something still build us, even if we don’t achieve the exact outcome we envisioned? How do we redefine success when the journey shapes us in unexpected ways?
TTDich Duong Thanh Thuy
This quote really highlights the reciprocal relationship between effort and results. It suggests that the more we invest in our goals and plans, the more those same goals and plans will shape us. But it also makes me wonder: How do we stay focused when the process of building something great takes time and doesn’t always show immediate results? Is it possible to stay committed without feeling discouraged?