Goals have always been an important part of my life. For me, goal setting is about a journey of experiences, growth and contribution. It’s always been about possibility. Not just about what one can accomplish when they have committed to something, but who they become as a result of that process.
In becoming who you are I referenced a set of questions I ask of myself often.
- Why?
- Why not?
- Why not me?
- Why not now?
When it comes to goal setting I ask myself:
- What type of experiences do I want to have?
- Who will I have to become to have those experiences?
- How can I contribute or give something back?
Ask yourself these questions, make a list and see where they take you. This can be anything that you want it to be, but they have to be personal and matter to you.
Examples:
- Hiking Machu Picchu
- Waking up next to someone you love
- Having a child
- Hearing the smile of someone you love over the phone
- Listening to rain drops while snuggled under a blanket
- Growth in your personal life
- Having deep and meaningful relationships
- Cooking for someone you care about
- Traveling
- Listening to music
- Writing a book
- Having a pet
- Learning a new language
These are a sample of experiences that I personally want to have, not in any particular order. None of these goals are tailored around financial success or owning a home with 2-3 cars, etc. Because honestly a lot of those things don’t really matter. Why not just decide what is really important for you in your life?
Who will I have to become to be a part of these experiences?
How do I have to grow? Maybe, you have to become a better father, lover, spouse, student, learner, etc. The growth becomes the conduit for all of those experiences to come into your life. What is more important though is how you contribute back to the world by the person you are becoming throughout the process.
This can become a short-cut to having a more richer, deeper and more meaningful experience in life. We are not given tomorrow, we are only given this present moment. Sometimes, we will have fear, anxiety, love, and happiness, but most of all we need acceptance.
Through settings goals that are truly meaningful acceptance comes easy. I’ve made a lot of goals in my life and didn’t end up fulfilled chasing what I thought I wanted all along. Succeeding without happiness is no longer an option for me. Happiness is not guaranteed everyday, which is why we need acceptance.
Ask yourself these questions with the honesty of a child. If you’ve enjoyed this post, please do me a favor, share it and sign up to be notified of future posts.