It is said that goals are set on a number of different levels: First you create your "big picture" of what you want to do with your life, and decide what large-scale goals you want to achieve. Second, you break these down into the smaller and smaller targets that you must hit so that you reach your lifetime goals. Finally, once you have your plan, you start working to achieve it. HOW MANY OF YOU WERE TOLD THIS BY YOUR PARENTS?
Obviously those of us who had ancestors who came to the United States had a goal of a better life. Was a better life for him and his wife and four children living in New Solum township, indeed, a better life? Did he plan? Of course he did, he was a farmer. How much can a farmer plan?
Did Grandpa Benhard plan or did he keep a watchful eye for what was available. Perhaps he had an attitude goal, that is to keep his eyes open for opportunities.
What about Daddy? We know he got into the construction business because there was plenty of buildings to be built after the war. We know that he asked his father and brother to become partners and they declined. We know that it was Stan's goal to build the best he could with the materials available. We know he had pride in the finished product. Over all, his big picture was construction; one job at a time. There is more to it than that, but it gives you a sense of planning and waiting as a waiter, so to speak.
We know there are people out there that seemed to be born with a sense of what their purpose in life would be. We hear this from teachers and nurses who always wanted to take care of the ill or teach first graders to read. How does this happen? Are they conditioned by parents and teachers? Are truly obvious gifts the spring board?
We know that along life's path, there are many side roads. According to the experts, we need to focus on the big picture. But how many of you are like Old Trunks who need a bonk on the head to seemingly stay on task? What about the times when, "One day at a time" happens to us? Do you still see the big picture?
When you have interviewed for a job, what do you say when you are asked, "What is your goal?" Do you lead with a life objective? I am asking, I don't know the answer. Can we split all of this up and see if we can find a thread?
For many, college out of high school is a natural flow. Get a degree and work it, or at least get a degree because, as Ella said, "No one can take it away from you."
What if you are a natural artist? Does one pursue that?
Attitude has to count. Much has been written about this and the need for change. I wonder if attitude is what you are and we get mixed up with what we look like.
So, let's put in physical. Are you meeting your physical goals? Does that mean eat right, exercise, sleep eight hours, and drink X many glasses of water a day and after all this and more, your body still craps out on you while fluffy people eat fat, never exercise and bibble and live a long life.
Do we really know how far we want to go in an occupation/profession? How many can say, I want to be a CEO of a fortune 500 company?
Do we make a decision to have a family? Do we make a decision on how we want to parent? Do you see this in yourself or does someone else see it and move you along? Better said might be, do you know your own potential?
Without sounding like a financial planner, do you have investments which will make your goals? I knew someone from England. His goal was to come to the USA and work as a type setter. He seemed very well off. But he wasn't until he and his wife were given ocean front property in Florida and he sold it for a great sum and was able to live off the principle.
Is pleasure important? Can we say we have a pleasure goal?
What do you think about volunteering? Do we make a committment to this, or do we just fall into it?
I can understand long term goals and practice short term goals. I understand aim for a star and hit a lamp post instead of aiming at the lamp post. Yet, there are reasons for lamp posts and Old Trunks has certainly bonked a few.
Old Trunks knows the more people that are in your circle the harder it is to keeping walking because we do not live in a vacuum and others, believe it or not, need to be communicated with as well.
Let's think about this for a couple of days, at least.
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