Is it a Goal or a Dream?

Good Morning,

Ahh, a new year, a new chance to establish goals and get things accomplished. These words are uttered repeatedly every new year by well-meaning and intelligent people. Yet a high percentage of those newly established goals will remain unmet.  Part of the reason is because we fail to establish goals that meet the essential standards of a goal in the first place.

 Decades ago, in my life as a Financial Planner I learned how to help clients establish and prioritize their essential goals. This started with asking them the crucial questions to which the answer must be “yes” in order for it to rise to the level of a genuine goal.  There are 3 questions (the third of which has for aspects to it). If something is truly a goal, you will answer yes to:

1)    Do you want it? (This is important and also the easiest to say yes to.)

2)    Do you need it? (If you want it, but don’t feel a strong need for it you probably cannot answer yes).

3)    Can you afford it?

•   In terms of the time commitment required?

•   In terms of the financial resources needed?

• In terms of the family sacrifice that may be necessary?

• In terms of the personal growth pain that will be required?

The bottom line is this, if you cannot answer a definite yes to every one of these questions, it is more of a dream than a goal. It may happen, but more than likely will not happen.

This validation test is useful as you think about the goals you feel are imperative for you to pursue. The result will probably be a much smaller list than prior to asking the questions.

As we all stand at the threshold of a new year, what goals do you have that meet the litmus test of a legitimate goal? Think carefully on this. Your core values will come into play. Your life purpose statement (if you have one) will definitely be involved. Your faith and pursuit of a Christ-centered life will hopefully guide your thoughts.  Finally, since almost all goal pursuits effect more than just you, bring your spouse into the conversation as well.

If you are serious enough about moving forward to ask the 3 questions, let me know how this simple (but thoughtful) process worked for you.

Questions to ponder this week:

1.    What have I been saying is important to me that frankly doesn’t meet the goal test?

2.    How can this process help you gain momentum in 2023?

Live on purpose, Ron Klopfenstein, CPLC