When it comes to setting lifelong goals, many of us
were told to make a list of specific goals and to work towards them. We
were even told to make measure, attainable, and time-bound goals. But have you
ever thought of starting with end in mind and working backwards? I know I didn’t.
In the article, Stars & Steppingstones by Jeff Sandefer, Sandefer
suggests to start with a vision or goal in mind and work backwards from
there. His advice is to set time frame (age) for when we what to have
accomplished this goal, and back up decade-by-decade mapping out smaller goals
(stepping stones). Doing this help us reevaluate the decisions we make each day
to measure what changes or sacrifices we need to make to reach that goal.
This may seem as an abstract way of thinking, but can be effective if
thought thoroughly.
This week’s lessons, not only gave me new perspectives on setting goals
for myself, but also helped me reflect a lot on how I am living my life. Am I
taking risks? Do I know what my calling in life is? Am I following my dreams?
Is what I am doing today beneficial to my lifelong goals? These were some of
the questions that I asked myself through this week readings.
Pondering this questions help me realize that I need to follow Sandefer’s
advice and map my life out to the best of my ability. This will help me put in
perspective what is exactly important in my life. We never know when it will be our time to leave this world, so it we need to follow our dreams now and live a gratifying life.
