Focus on Achieving Life Goals

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”

Author unknown

You will probably reach the peak of your career at about the age of 60 and at that time your personal life will be well defined. To accomplish what you desire in life, both in your work and home perspective, to make the most of your talent and ability, you need to identify and clearly define those goals and make sure they are in sync with each other. Then plan how to get there, prepare to succeed, and execute your plan.

One way to identify your ultimate goal in career and personal life is to find a quiet place where you can think and reflect. Close your eyes and picture yourself at the peak of your career, both in a work setting and in your home. What would that picture look like? What would you be doing? What people are with you in that picture? What would make you happy? Then document every detail in that picture or pictures.

Now that you have identified your goals in life, plan the best path to get there. Include personal life and career life together as both are important and need to be planned together. What type of organization offers the best path and what do you need to do to reach your family dreams? Define specific action items that provide the best approach to accomplish both dreams. Make sure you have timetables for these action items. If you find yourself straying from the path or lagging the timetable, re-examine your dreams and if they are still the same, take action to get back on your plan and timetable.

Next you need to prepare yourself to reach your dreams. You can define what education would be needed. You are never too old to go back to school and acquire that basic education. Then ask your self what training you would need for each step in your action plan. Acquire training to excel in your present job and to prepare you for the next step. Also, identify what training would help you become a better family person and seek that out.

To execute your life plan, seek to excel in everything you do. Don’t waste time in work positions and personal situations that don’t help you reach your goals. Ensure the values of your organization and personal contacts are consistent with yours.

As a side note, when interviewing to hire people, it is useful to determine if the present opening fits their dreams. If not, no matter how good they look for the present job, they will probably not be a good fit for the long run.

Having said all of this, it is important to remember to be flexible and adjust as you learn and grow. Technology, times, and our desires change over time but armed with the above, you are better able to adjust and move forward.