Always With the End in Site
 

Many of us find it difficult to set goals. We often struggle with "what to do next". It's no wonder as no one ever talks about how to map out dreams! Won't it be great if we had a class in high school on how to set goals. It could save so much heart ache. I would like to offer you a way of finding your goals. 

What makes you happy ~ I mean really happy. For me, it is cool, crisp night air, hugs from my children, supporting a friend with a sick child, traveling, meeting inspiring people, perfect health and being at the beach. The feelings these things invoke in me is the guide I use to set goals. They are some of my "end goals"; meaning this is they way I want to feel at the end of any task, challenge or chore I decide to take on. 

There are two basic types of goals: means goals and end goals. Means goals are the steps we think we need to take to reach our end goals. They can distract us and even lead us in the wrong direction as we focus on them. An end goal is the clear image in our minds of where we want to be or how we want to feel. We often confuse a mean goal with an end goal. Society has a way of making us only see the "means goals" which is all about what we think we need to meet our goals. By focusing on the means we forget our end goals. Have you ever taken a job "for the money" only to find that you can't stand it? Have you ever taken a class to "learn new skills" only to dread the mere thought of attending the class? Worrying about our GPA, stressing about finding a life partner, making money, getting into college are all examples of means goals. These are not the experiences that make us happy yet we loose ourselves in them all too often. Focusing on the end goals is what will help us find our happiness and fulfillment. 

So how do we find our true end goals? Let take 6 minutes to find out! You will need a sheet or two of paper, something to write with, a stop watch and 6 minutes of uninterrupted time. When you have these, please continue on. I will ask you three questions. You will need 2 minutes to write an answer for each one. Please read and answer one at a time, each in turn. Do not think about your response just write; write anything that comes to you. After the two minutes, take a breath and continue to the next allowing another 2 minutes.

Ready. Set your timer for 2 minutes.

 1) What do you want to experience in your lifetime? You could include comments around your health, your housing, and/or your social life. Write! 

 Ready. Set your timer for another 2 minutes. 

2) What do you want to learn in your lifetime? This includes all of your different interests: gardening, cooking, math, archeology, animals, meditation, ballroom dancing etc. Write! 

 Ready. Set your timer for another 2 minutes. 

3) How do you want to contribute to the world? This is about supporting, giving back and growing all the touches you in your lifetime. Including, but not limited to: supporting, comforting, teaching, inspiring, creating. 

The writing you have before you are your end goals. In answering the questions, you have remember the things that give you joy, fulfillment and accomplishment. This is the place where all your decisions should come from. All around you will be messages that say you need to make plans for your future; taking measured steps.  This is fine but be sure you have a clear starting point (where you are now) and an even clearer end point (your end goals). This will ensure you are on the right path. The clearer you are on your end goals, the easier your path will show itself to you. It is my hope for you that your path glows.