Are you ready for the jump?

If you have a written plan that you review regularly, that sets the course for where and what you want to be in 2015, 2020, or even 2030, you can stop reading now and skip to the crossword puzzle. However, if you haven’t figured out what you want to be when you grow up, read on. It will change your life dramatically for the better. In fact, if you haven’t written down what your life is going to look like and what’s on your “to do” list for the next 10 years, how the hell do you know where you’re going? If you flounder trying to meet short-term goals (less than 3 years) and don’t have a handle on the big picture, i.e. core values, 5-year and 10-year goals, you’re less likely to be satisfied than you are. those who have a plan and stick to it.

You will always operate according to a plan

The rule is; you will always operate according to a plan. If you don’t have one of your own, you will follow or fall for someone else’s plan. When you come to those various forks in the road and you don’t have a plan, there’s a high chance you’ll make a decision about which way to go based on someone else’s plan. However, if you have your own long-term plan, you’ll make those incremental decisions based on where you want to be: your plan.

Now, there are people who enjoy being directed and have no problem following someone else’s agenda. However, I believe that the vast majority of you would like your life to turn out the way you want it to turn out and not be left to the discretion of those around you.

four step program

There are several organizations that can help you with a structured process to help you set long-term goals for the future. You can also accomplish this alone or with your partner if you are disciplined enough to set aside several hours and take on this endeavor with total abandon. However, before you sign up or start on your own, make sure the following four areas are addressed:

First, find out what your core values ​​are. These are the values ​​that truly are the most important to you. They are not tangible, material things. They consist of wonderful thoughts and values ​​that you live for and would die for. There are dozens of values ​​that can be identified, but some of the most popular are family, spirit, integrity, honesty, wealth, security, power, etc. The list goes on. Don’t limit yourself. Take a lot of time with this first part. Make a list of those core values ​​that are most important to you. Now identify those top three values ​​you would die for (this is serious stuff). Keep this in mind throughout your planning process. These are the values ​​that will have the greatest impact in motivating and driving your life decisions.

Second, find out where you want to be and what you want to be in 10 years. Keep in mind your core values. If you died in 10 years, what would you want on your tombstone (besides pepperoni and cheese)? What do you want someone to say about you in your eulogy? Write your own eulogy.

Third, set your personal goals that will make this compliment accurate. For those of you in the business world, the accolade is like a mission statement that your company has. Your short-term goals (1 month – 1 year) and your long-term goals (1 year – 5 years) are then developed to support your mission statement or accolade.

Fourth, set career goals (both short-term and long-term) that support your personal goals. They most likely contain many material targets. Alright. I know mom said, “Money is the root of all evil,” she may be right if you don’t have legitimate core values ​​that are the foundation for earning that money. The conclusion is; now is the perfect time to plan the rest of your life. The next millennium will be exciting and successful for you if you operate according to your plan.