The Goal Challenge

I don’t often talk about death, but I do talk about goal setting very often. The difference this time is that I had a good friend of mine pass away over the last few weeks at a very young age. I have known him for almost 20 years, we have worked together, and seen each other with family socially so his passing hit us hard. He was 61 years old and found out through a sore shoulder that he had cancer. I saw him just in August and his treatment was going great and he looked amazing. Last week I got the cal that he had passed. I don’t think I have to tell you how devastated I was, but it made me think.

I have already been talking about leadership and business, I review my business plan on a regular basis, and refocus the whole business every December if required. I understand the importance of goals. My friend had goals and some he will never attain. When I mention goals to other people many understand and many don’t. I have heard too many times about people creating that bucket list and then trying to do it in their retirement, I have also heard of people making that bucket list and never making it to retirement. So the question is, what’s on your bucket list, what dreams and goals have you put down on paper and then stopped working towards because they were too hard or too far away? I am throwing out a challenge to everyone.

The challenge is this, I want you to create your bucket list, I like to use 6 month, 1 year, and 5 year goals, but you can use whatever you feel comfortable with and I suggest with timeframes attached. Now your challenge is to actively attain your goals and mark at least one goal off your list every year. You may not be able to hit everything but you will be moving forward in life. In my life I never want to go out wondering what if…? I also hate the thought of going with a life that was full of hard work and no fun. My friend worked very hard and was a great provider, I know I worked beside him for 12 years of the time I knew him. We may not have control of when life ends, we only have one life so we may as well use it the best we can.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is a business and leadership consultant from Ontario Canada. He is the author of several business books titled “Running by the Mile”, and “How to Start an Artistic Business in 12 Easy Steps.” For more information visit his website at www.outridge.ca