One often thinks of setting a goal like running a marathon. We approach a beginning and then take a step up or step until we reach the final sense of accomplishment. In other words, a goal for us often has a starting line and a fishing line. We want to start a goal for the sole purpose of having it finished and completed.

The victory of having completed that goal is sweet enough for us to start and work towards it. Granted, this is not a negative outlook to have towards life. Goals give us a sense of purpose and motivation. However, keeping in this narrow mindset allows us to become blind to small things we might miss along the way to a greater goal.It is hard to speak on abstract terms.

Given this, it is easier to apply this idea to a concept. For example, think about an artist. An artist often starts off knowing nothing about art. If they are anything like me, they start off not even knowing how to draw a straight line. So an artist may set a goal, perhaps that goal may be to be the greatest sketch artist of all time. So, the artist works tirelessly day after day to perfect the art of his or her sketch drawing.

Months, years, maybe decades pass and finally, the artist has reached his or her goal. However, along the way, the artist found himself or herself reaching smaller and smaller goals. After all, in order to be the best sketch artist the artist had to learn to properly choose a pencil. Then how to draw a straight line, then a curved line. Then the artist had to learn to draw a full circle and square. Etc, etc, etc.

While trying to achieve a larger and supposedly grander goal, the artist found many little milestones along the way.

Milestones are an interesting concept for as much as they are celebrated, they often go unnoticed. Granted, we do have celebratory events like birthdays and other holidays. However, outside of these events, we don't keep notice of these little achievements.

However, in my opinion, it is important to allow oneself to celebrate the little milestones we face along the way to a bigger goal. Keeping your eyes on the prize is a fine mentality to take on, but allowing one to recognize one's progress is something of a self-motivator and allows one to paint on a fresh coat of positivity.

If you are losing a lot of weight, count the week by week victories in everything from losing a half a pound to choosing fruit instead of a cookie. If you are learning how to sew, celebrate your correct needle technique. If you are a college student, celebrate you waking up and going to class or getting a portion of your essay completed.

Heck, your milestones for the day don't even have to be on such a larger scale. Be proud that you went to bed at a reasonable hour and got more sleep because of it. Be happy that today you decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator in order to get more exercise. Be joyful that you remembered to eat your meals on time. Accomplishments and milestones don't have to be glaring visible; they can be found in the little things we do as well.

In a world filled with moments of stress and negativity, it does wonders to introduce the idea of celebrated milestones. After all, life is tough, but the little things we do from spending time with friends to getting out of bed gives us a sense of purpose and meaning.

And that milestone should be celebrated.