Sometimes I wonder if there’s much difference between a list of goals and a “to-do” list. As I try to focus on a new future – a yet unknown future – I’ve been giving a lot of thought to my goals and objectives for my time on this Earth.
Being one of those people who like to keep lists, I thought maybe I needed to make a list of my goals so that I had something to focus on. (Admittedly, before ‘widow brain’ took over and I lost my drive and ambition, I even had a master list to keep track of my lists.)
I started to write things out and it wasn’t long before there were more than 100 items on my list. It made me realize that I’m confusing my goals – my life’s ambitions – with my daily chores and life’s obligations. Not only that, I’m confusing my goals with the steps needed to achieve them.
So I’ve simplified. I’ve identified the four main goals in my life and those are the things I will work toward.
My life’s goals:
1) To be blissfully happy
2) To earn my master’s degree
3) To publish a book
4) To rule the world*
Within each of those goals, there are long task lists. Certainly, some tasks will include sub task lists of their own. Over time, I will add links to the four goals with lists of tasks that I feel need to be tackled in order to accomplish each of these goals. The tasks may change from time-to-time, but the four goals will remain the same. Or, I may wake up one day and realize that in order to complete the most important goal – to be blissfully happy – I may have to sacrifice the others. And that would be OK, because being happy is worth it.
* I did start with just three goals, feeling that “to rule the world” might be a bit bold for a goals list. But the obvious absence was noticed by a woman I’ve known “online” for several years. And I decided that maybe it’s OK to mention it here, since everyone knows it’s my life’s ambition anyhow…
NOTE: Feel free to comment. Feel free to offer support. And feel free to let me know how you would accomplish these goals if they were yours. But please remember that each person’s path to reaching their goals – even similar ones – is different based on life experience and personal beliefs. So if I don’t do it ‘your way’ it doesn’t mean I don’t think your way is right, I just don’t think it’s right for me. (But your input is still valuable to me!)
Firstly – and this is never having met you in person – but I was surprised that world domination or at least the creation of an armed grammar SWAT team wasn’t in the top three.
Secondly – this might be a very English viewpoint but I’ve always thought (for me) that blissful happiness is one of those fleeting peaks which come and go in life and my equivalent of your No 1. is ‘wonderful contentment’. Bliss is a little bit wild and uncontrollable, nice when it happens every now and then but contentment is more grounded, peaceful, balanced. (Boring – everyone is thinking)
Very good points, Lynne. I did consider world domination as a goal, but I figured that I needed to start small. I can always add that in later…
The grammar bit would certainly fall into the world domination bit, but both my masters’ degree and books would also include lessons in grammar – sort of – as part of my communications studies.
The blissful happiness part is certainly subjective. I equate blissful to the “perfectly happy” definition. Which can be fleeting, but can also be a fairly stable condition given the right set of circumstances. Plus, I figure if I reach for the furthest star and fail, there will be plenty of stars to gather up along the way!
On further consideration, I think the fact that you noticed the absence of ruling the world from my list was a bit deal. And since I said from the start that my goals may change, I’ve decided that I will declare that goal here for all the world to see!!
Wow! I really do have an over-sized ego!
I am a bit surprised that world domination wasn’t on there Aunt Frannie! I hope I’ll come over there soon. Shrodie’s cute, I’m surprised there isn’t something to do with her on your “to-do” list, or goals. Visit soon!
I’d love for you to visit, Cassandra! You’re welcome here any time. I will try to make it to visit you one of these days, too. Love you!