Some
people make firm
goals,
write them down, and deliberately set out to achieve
them. According to a Yale University study this is only about 3% of the
population! The rest never set any real goals for themselves. Oh, they may
have hopes, dreams and aspirations but do they actually DO anything about them?
We
never arrive at our goals by hoping and dreaming, or even by planning alone. The
only thing that will get us there is
ACTION.
Handwriting shows not only where the plans are, but also the potential for
action – or inaction!
People with great aspirations cross their lower case “t”s high. People with
moderate, realistic, practical goals cross their “t”s in the middle of the
t-stem. Low crossed “t”s indicate someone who, although he may become extremely
successful in time, prefers just to aim at one step at a time. Very low t-bars,
those below the level of the tops of the lower case letters, indicate someone
who really doesn’t expect to succeed.
This
outlook alone affects what we aim for, and ultimately, our chances of success.
But as the saying goes “if you aim for the moon and miss, at least you’ll land
amongst the stars.” By aiming high, your chances for success increase.
But
you have to DO something. Action is the success in motion part of planning.
Again, potential for action shows in t-bars, but not in their height. How
strong and heavy are they?
Think of an elephant pushing though obstacles. Now think of a kitten trying to
push through the same. Obviously the force of an elephant can push through a
much greater physical obstacle than the force of a kitten.
This
is how it works with the heaviness of t-bars. The heavier the t-bar, the more
drive is involved in getting started on goal achievement. The lighter the
t-bars, the less force and drive is present. Watch someone who writes with
forceful t-bars get started on a project they believe in. They are the “movers
and shakers” – you can just feel their drive.
Conversely, listen to the hopes and dreams of a very light t-bar write, and then
sit back, have a cup of coffee and wait. It would probably be best to stick to
decaffeinated coffee – you’re probably there for a while. Light t-bar writers
often need a good push from behind to translate plans into action.
The
elephant and kitten comparison also works for ability to keep going, once
started. For this we look at the lower extenders – that is g, y, j where they
extend below the baseline. Only look at the stroke as it goes downwards, for
now. Is the downstroke the “elephant” pushing ahead with strength (heavy and
strong) or is it the timid, gentle kitten only progressing where there is no
resistance (light and weak)?
The
heavy strong downstroke is strong determination, the light is weak
determination. Obviously there is also moderate strength for both t-bar and
downstroke.
So
are you a mover and a shaker? Do you set high goals, take action and push
through with determination?
If
not, try putting some pressure behind high t-bars, and lower extenders. Keep at
it till it becomes natural – and watch how your success grows!
