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I talk with folks all of the time about
setting their goals. Most of us have universal goals that apply to just about
anyone. The list usually reads something like this:
- Lose weight
- Exercise
- Watch less TV
- Read more books
- Spend less money
- Earn more money
- Spend more time with loved ones
- Reduce debt
- Save for retirement
- Lose more weight
These are all undoubtedly great goals.
My next question in the conversation is always, " So,
what is your plan to get these accomplished?" This question creates 30 seconds
of dead air, followed by, "Well, I don't know." I have not yet heard
a universal plan for achieving these goals. Most often, we don't
know what the plan is because we haven't taken the time to plan. Planning is best
accomplished when it's scheduled as a block of time dedicated
just for this purpose. A block of time is hours, not free moments when driving
to pick up the dry cleaning or five minutes in the shower. As a society, we are
very uncomfortable with the idea of taking an afternoon or day to be alone;to simply think about goals and how we expect
to achieve them. Scheduled blocks of time for doing nothing but thinking are thought to be blasphemy by multi-tasking devotees.
If your normal day is like mine, it's comprised of a
series of scheduled events peppered with a flurry of interruptions of all varieties
and magnitude. Serious time for planning just does not exist. The secret of successful planning is taking
the time to be justifiably selfish and alone for the morning or afternoon. For
example, hiking up the mountain and parking yourself in the comfort of a shade
tree for a few hours to get your whirring mind quiet. The distraction free environment
will let you start on your best work. You will then be able to ask the questions
like; where am I now in my life and where do I want to go in the next 36 months?
These are two simple questions that never get answered
in the thought whirlpool that goes on daily in our heads. Why don't you give it
a try? No cell phones allowed. No companion allowed. A pencil, pad and
calendar are the only tools needed. Try it and let me know how well it works for
you. Find your own thinking tree like the one pictured above or as Newton found out, any apple tree works. Plan
for some planning time right now! | 
