We live in a goal oriented society. What is our goal? Is it meaningful, challenging or clear? In fact, I have coached many clients about having high quality goals. Having the right goal helps us avoid drift, that feeling of moving forward without a sense of purpose. While this all makes sense, a conversation with a good friend this past week changed my perspective on goals. Do we have the right kind of goal?
What’s The Next Goal?
My friend had just sold his business bringing to a close a very successful part of his life. He is at the stage where many people retire and we were discussing what’s next. Life transitions like this are typically very challenging. We give up the familiarity of a regular routine, replacing it with uncertainty. What will the future look like? What should I be doing? This is where the traditional goal setting exercise fits well. Theory tells us by setting a clear and compelling goal we can provide the certainty we need and successfully navigate the next stage of our lives.
A Different Approach
Wrestling with finding a goal with a clear outcome, my friend stumbled across a different approach. He had been invited to stay with friends in southern Europe. Instead of following the normal journey, he decided to turn it into an adventure of sorts. An extended road trip weaving his way stopping by to visit other friends along the way. His goal was to have a good time and he achieved it easily. It was a memorable experience.
As we talked about his experience, I realized his goal wasn’t to achieve a thing such as be good at something or earn something. It was much deeper. His goal was all about being and feeling. It was about experiencing a sense of joy and satisfaction. Could this be what is missing when we contemplate what is next in our lives? Rather than strive to achieve a result should we instead focus on our experience? How do we want to feel every day?
Andy, it’s always a pleasure reading these — I can tell you really take some time to focus and ensure a quality experience. This one demonstrates that additional depth of thinking that characterizes you and your work.
On a personal note, I was reminded of the years I spent with Boeing in the Missiles and Space Division. I helped build the Space Station for facilitating research that would lead to a better life on earth and demonstrate true international collaboration. Those were worthy goals. Yes, I also later helped build air launched cruise missiles and advanced fighter aircraft. With the goal of giving our fighting soldiers and allies a better chance of stopping atrocities and survival. When you think about how that includes our kids and grandkids … also worthy goals. So often, WHAT we do and HOW we’ll remember (and be remembered) are about how we TRULY FEEL about WHY we do it.
Well done. Randy
Thank you so much Randy, you are very kind. You raise an interesting point about connecting any goal to how we truly feel and if there is a positive connection it will create commitment, the motivation to make it happen. Recognizing this is a great measure of the significance of any goal.