“Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.” -John Dewey
Let’s get this out there. Goals are critical. Goals are important. Goals must be measurable and specific. We need to have them. But, we can’t view them as the most critical element to our success, wellness, and happiness. They are not the ultimate purpose. They are a means to an end and the path to many new beginnings. Most of us believe goals are the central piece. They are the initial targets. They are not the most important part, however.
No doubt, our goals do have considerable value. They play a key role. They are shorter term in nature. They:
- Set up targets for us. We aim to reach the destination.
- Get us up in the morning. We need that boost.
- Give us energy when we hit a snag. Managing energy is critical.
- Serve as a way to measure our progress. We need that affirmation
- Provide us with a lift during adversity. Getting stuck is a risk.
If goals aren’t the most important part, then what is? Well, the highest purpose of our goals is who we become in the pursuit of those goals. The ongoing process of striving for goals is the most important part. This is why it’s difficult. It takes time. It is an ever-evolving and natural part of our progress as human beings on this planet.
It is, in fact, having a holistic and integrated process in place that yields the most value. It is longer term in nature. In reality, this process never ends. It is a continuous path of independence to ourselves and interdependence with others. The benefits are ever-lasting. They hit three of the highest level areas:
INTEGRITY. In other words, achieving full accountability within ourselves. This is internal only. If we break integrity, others may not know. We will always know. A prudent process helps us to build this internal integrity.
CHARACTER. In other words, who we become for the benefit of others based on the consistent habits we form. This starts internally, but reveals itself externally. If we break character, others will likely know. A prudent process helps ensure our character is maintained and grows over time.
LEGACY. In other words, what we leave behind in terms of impact based on who we became and what we did. We can argue, this is what we’re all striving for. To enhance our legacy and make the world and the people in that world better because we lived. A prudent process helps us be more proactive about our ultimate legacy.
This is why financial planning has to be more than numbers and calculations. It must be a financial process with a dash of:
- Life purpose and direction planning
- Ongoing encouragement and guidance
- Accountability and progress
- Positivity and relationship
- Engaging conversation, with a balance of listening and talking
Start with goals. Build a process. End with a legacy. A legacy purposefully chosen and built over time. No shortcuts. No quick fixes. Steer the ship to the destination(s). Become the person you were meant to be.
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” -Zig Ziglar
