I previously covered the idea of Core Values as the foundation upon which our decisions are made. The guiding decisions of life could be considered as Core Goals. These are the active

choices we make while determining our worthy pursuits. I say ‘active’ because it is vital that we spend the time and energy to outline our future path. Without this road map we will move

through life being Reactive to change rather than having a defined response to most thing life can throw at us. Sounds like a bunch of B.S. but I feel strongly that we need to have an idea

where we want to be, where we are and how we are going to get to the ‘there’.

I remember reading that some Japanese corporations have a written plan for 150 years in the future! That seems crazy (even if they are from Okinawa) as nobody can predict that far into

the future - but they do not have to as the 150 year plans only outline where they would like to be and therefore, will guide the corporations decisions when faced with change.

Maybe we don’t need 150 year plans but I propose that at the least a LifeTime Plan is prudent. In my mind, even a plan beyond the grave provides some consolation for the inevitability

of death. This part of the plan happens to revolve around a Family Foundation and Legacy planning. I think a valuable part of developing goals is the act of Visualization - seeing how

the future could be and then making choices along the way to achieve that could. We have all heard about high-level athletes visualizing that 10 seconds of action that leads to success -

why not use their secret in our own lives?

A famous study conducted at Harvard University found that only 3% of Harvard’s 1953 graduating class had clear written goals with plans to achieve them. Twenty years later, the same

class was surveyed again, and it was learned that that same 3% was worth more in financial terms than the other 97% combined! In addition the researchers found that the 3% had better

health, relationships, and social skills. [Note: I had read reference to this ’study’ several times but have yet to track down the original documentation]

How do we set our goals? I still stick with ‘SMART’ goal setting because it is meaningful and simple.

S = Specific - write down exactly what you want to achieve, don’t be shy just put the pen to the paper

M = Measurable - not everything that can be counted counts but you must be able to measure your goal be it in time, sweat, dollars, miles, weight… otherwise you will never know if each step is in the right direction

A = Action-Oriented - we achieve through action and learn by doing. An old adage in Medicine is ‘See one, Do one, Teach one’ which weighs in on the need to get your hands dirty in order to advance

R = Realistic - I occasionally debate this aspect with myself as I hold the quote from Michaelangelo dearly “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that is too low and we reach it.” On the other hand, if we never even glimpse our target we will lose focus and determination so set realistic but lofty goals and once you attain them….set more!

T = Timely - A goal without a deadline is but a dream. It’s great to dream but really we are talking about action and achievement here not dreaming. We must know exactly WHEN we will succeed in reaching our goal. My way of dealing with this is to set up ‘baby goals’ with defined time-lines which lead into the ‘big boy’ goal. Not only does this provide a sense of achievement but it helps visualize moving closer to the ultimate goal.

Without first understanding and accepting your own Core Values and Core Goals any decisions you make will be reactive and situational rather than proactive and controlled.

Take the time, as I have done (and do) to put this on paper.

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