As part of going through the
goal setting process for this year, it is important that we use proper language
in writing out our objectives. One of
the key points in setting goals is to define the actions that you will take to
achieve them. The key here is the
actions that YOU will take. If my goal
is to sit here and rely on others, then you are banking on someone else’s goals
to include you and benefit you. Let me
be the first to warn you…You will have a long wait. No matter what you might think that you have
done for others, that does not mean that you are entitled to something in
return. Humans tend to be a little more
self-centered by nature!
I remember hearing political
campaigns where the people in the audience would tell reporters “that is my
candidate, because he will take care of me.”
Again, sorry to be the first to warn you…Many, but not all, politicians
will tell you what you want to hear or present agenda items to you to lead you
to a conclusion that may or may not benefit you. We are a species who are definitely
influenced by our emotions, the two strongest being fear and love. Some of the greatest (and evil) dictators of
all time played on emotions to mobilize the masses to engage in activities that
they might have done on their own. If
someone can arouse your fears, tell you what to do and then they will make it
better – beware.
Many years ago, I decided to
get my MBA in Finance. The company that
I was working for at that time had a tuition reimbursement program. Being employed as an Accountant, there was no
issue on getting their agreement. I
spent four years going to school at night to get this new degree, where it was my
choice to go back to school, my choice to improve self and my choice to
dedicate the time required to get a good grade in the effort. I had heard plenty of stories that if you go
back to school, when you graduate you are entitled to a raise
automatically. When I graduated, my manager
congratulated me with a pat on the back and Debbie (my fiancé at the time) sent
me balloons at work. I found out that I
was entitled to no raise, promotion or even a happy hour. I was not upset, because my reasons for going
back to school were for my personal benefit, not to make me entitled. At work, my pay is based on the value that I
bring to my company, not what I think that I am entitled to.
One week after talking goals,
why was this on my mind? Because
sometimes, we do forget that we need to be in control of our own paths. Roadblocks, bumps in the road and extenuating
circumstances are all things that are beyond our control. True in our lives, whether personal, at work,
at play or anywhere else. If we focus on
the things that can control, we will have a better chance of reaching our
goals, as opposed to ceding control and relying on others. To be up front, I have thought about after my
years invested in raising / providing for my family, working long hours and
helping other, etc., that will come a day where I can sit back, relax and let
someone else take care of me. It is a
mindset thing because, I do not know if I even could sit still, cede control of
everything to someone or even just relax.
I do know, that if that were to happen, I better plan now for it instead
of waiting to see who will do all that for me.
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