Goals are defined as personal ambitions, a desired outcome.

Let’s begin the assessment at the beginning, so to speak.  What were your skills and interests as a child? What did you want to do when you grew up? Are there similar skills or interests existing that are adult appropriate?

I’m a teacher.  My childhood goal was to become a teacher. As a kid I practiced by teaching friends when I learned something new, when I could help them with their homework, or when we played ‘the teacher game.’ Personally, I think our childhood actions spoke truth about who we are, prior to our becoming adulterated with the reality of what we could or should do with our lives.

While we may not actually want to achieve our childhood dream, what skills or interests have you maintained and are they beneficial or applicable in your adult life? What actions and resources are needed to achieve your goals and how do we access them?

Consider this. Read the biography of someone you admire as a potential focal point to provide a source of data to use in your goal planning process.  What’s in their background (experiences, training, resources, etc.)  that could assist you in identifying and/or achieving your goals?  There may be similarities that exist you’re not aware of.

While it’s true, anything is possible, when it comes to goals it’s helpful to consider, is it probable?

As adults, we all bring unique qualities to a job or anywhere we happen to be, so we need to know who we are and be comfortable with this knowledge.  We need to get to know ourselves more intimately. How are we spending our time? What are our interests, social engagements, and activities (religion, groups, etc.?)  How does this activity relate to our goals?  Is your time being used for your goals or for personal enjoyment? It’s important to clarify accurately and honestly what our intent is on how we use our time, as it cannot be replaced!  We can enjoy the benefits from participation if we’re honest about why we’re participating.

There needs to be an alignment with your goals before they are set in stone.  Once you decide on a goal, consider… What you know, your skills, how you work (process & work ethic), how it will align with your lifestyle, and mainly why you chose this goal.

What is your motivation for this goal?  Is it one of the following?

Personal achievement- promotion, career plan

Competition- you’re very competitive and you must win!

To motivate others- be supportive, a mentor

Personal satisfaction- build self confidence

Family- security, other

To impress or look good- be seen as awesome!

What are you actively doing to achieve your goal? What is your plan for goal-related tasks?

·         Improvement – work ethic, commitment, focus

·         Networking- improved social connections

·       Knowledge and skill development-      acquiring more

·         Personal development- building self-confidence

Once the goal is achieved, what’s next?  Achieving the goal is only the beginning. There are tasks, people, etc., that are required for you to maintain or sustain yourself at that level.

Goals have a life of their own. They ‘follow each other.’ If you are aware of what’s happening, you will jump at the opportunity to grow and achieve your next goal!

My Road Trip Guide for My Personal Journey is a valuable tool if the reader is willing to take time to engage in the activities, reflect on the lessons learned, and incorporate this new knowledge into their daily lives.