This past week, I accepted the challenge of hiking Mount Timpanogas, one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Mountains (Utah). It was a breathtaking experience! During the hike, it got me thinking about goals and the purpose of goals, specifically financial goals... Here are just a few of my random thoughts about goal setting that struck me.
WHY HAVE GOALS?
- Assist in organization
- Define priorities
- Encourage self-understanding
- Enhance self-confidence
- Feed determination/motivate
- Guide behavior
- Guide decision-making
- Identify needed changes
- Improve planning
- Increase probability of success
- Keep us focused
- Provide purpose and direction
"Goals are not just the destination you're driving toward, they're also the painted white lines that keep you on the road."
Most of you are familiar with S.M.A.R.T. goals - some have suggested expanding the definition of a SMART goal...
S - Specific -- consider stretching, synergistic, and systematic.
M - Measurable -- add meaningful, memorable, and motivating.
A - Achievable -- and action plans, accountability, agreed-upon.
R - Relevant -- also realistic, reasonable, resonating, and rewarding.
T - Time-based -- timely, tangible, and thoughtful.
This quote from Alice in Wonderland (conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat) has always been a favorite of mine ...
"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the cat.
"I don't much care where ..." said Alice.
"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the cat.
