It is good to focus on the blessings received when reaching a goal. What blessings could you focus on? If your goal relates to Bible reading or prayer, think about how it will strengthen your friendship with Jehovah. (Ps. 145:18, 19) If your goal is to cultivate a Christian quality, focus on how it will improve your relationships with others. (Col. 3:14) Why not make a list of all the reasons why you want to reach your goal? Regularly consult that list. Also, spend time with those who will motivate you. (Prov. 13:20) Realistically, though, we all have days when we do not feel motivated. Does this mean that we cannot work on our goal? No. We can still work toward our goal even when we are not motivated. Though this will require self-discipline, the results are worthwhile. w23.05 27-28 ¶5-8

Knowing that we are accountable for our decisions can prompt us to confess our sins, correct our errors, and avoid repeating our mistakes. Taking such actions can help us to stay in the race for life. If you cannot undo a poor decision, accept your current situation. Do not waste your emotional and mental energy justifying yourself or blaming yourself or others. Instead, acknowledge your mistakes and work to make the best of your present circumstances. If you feel guilty about a wrong you committed, humbly turn to Jehovah in prayer, admit your error, and ask him to forgive you. (Ps. 25:11; 51:3, 4) Apologize to those you may have wronged, and if necessary, seek the help of the elders. (Jas. 5:14, 15) Learn from your mistakes, and try to avoid repeating them. As you do, you can be certain that Jehovah will show you mercy and provide you with the support you need.​—Ps. 103:8-13. w23.08 28-29 ¶8-9

King Jehoash benefited from the good influence of Jehoiada. As a result, the young king wanted to please Jehovah. But after Jehoiada died, Jehoash listened to apostate princes. (2 Chron. 24:4, 17, 18) Deeply hurt, Jehovah “kept sending prophets among them to bring them back . . . , but they refused to listen.” They did not even listen to Jehoiada’s son Zechariah, who was not only Jehovah’s prophet and priest but also Jehoash’s cousin. In fact, King Jehoash had Zechariah killed. (2 Chron. 22:11; 24:19-22) Jehoash did not maintain a healthy fear of Jehovah. Jehovah had stated: “Those despising me will be treated with contempt.” (1 Sam. 2:30) A small Syrian army later defeated Jehoash’s “very large army” and “severely wounded” him. (2 Chron. 24:24, 25) Jehoash was assassinated by his own servants for killing Zechariah. w23.06 18-19 ¶16-17