Purpose, Path, Goals … and Your Plan

There is an art and science to navigating your path. For me, it starts with your purpose, and flows from there. The younger we are the more open eyed we can be about this logic trace, and for those I mentor in their late teens and early twenties I try to convince them to apply a science to complement the art of life. For anyone who feels out of place, applying this logic may help.

Purpose - I believe your purpose is given/unveiled to you from God. If that is the case, then you must be in relationship with God to receive, and you must be willing/able to discern when it is disclosed. I also believe your purpose is not bound by time, it is a life-long pursuit that may never be fully attained.

With those parameters, you have to decide what level of investment is warranted to ascertain your purpose, which becomes the first step in navigating your path.

Path - in this context, it is broad and general, defines the “what” more so than the “how.” It provides parameters and lays out the direction you should take to enable achieving your purpose. This may seem abstract or generic, but it will be underpinned with your plan. So, beforehand, figure out what minimal things you need to equip yourself with (i.e. education, experiences, money, contacts, positions) so when it is needed to execute your plan you have it.

Goals - The crossover between the broad/abstract and the practical are goals. By definition a goal is the object of a person's ambition or effort. So, what specific achievements must be accomplished in relative timeframes to enable you to travel your path? You must decide upon the timeframes (i.e. 2, 5, 10 year increments) and define the goal(s) (i.e. a degree (s), salaried job, home ownership, entrepreneurship) ... and then work towards and assess which goals are met over time.

Plan - Set short-term goals (6-24 months) that are easily measurable and appreciably attainable. Achieving short-term goals should enable mid to longer term goals. It will allow for objective assessment of progress and better set the conditions for following your path. This moves you towards the more practically demanding aspect - having an implementable plan that tracks with short-term goals. It should be clear, concise and measurable. Your plan should be thought out and consistent with desired goals.

Approach - Though last, it is as important as its predecessors. It resides mostly in your mindset and manifest in your ethic. A strong work-ethic, a persistent and dogged disposition, high standards and demanding of yourself ... or not. These tenants have been engrained and are currently being reinforced, or they have not and you have to create the commensurate mindset and refine your ethic to achieve your goals.

If your approach does not enable tangible results that contribute to furthering your plan, that aligns with your goals, which puts you on your path that allows achievement of your purpose ... then you may want to check yourself.

Just a thought 😊