5 Simple Steps to Uncovering Your Next Big GoalDo you know what you want? What you really want? While they might not always be easy to find, the answers to this question are there, waiting for you. And if you just have 15 minutes to spare, those answers can soon be yours.Before you begin, you'll need a pencil, a pad of paper, a planner or personal calendar, and a timer or watch. As you answer each of the questions below, don't over think it or worry about the "right" things to say. The point is to gather the first things that pop into your head, so feel free to write anything and everything that comes to mind.
THE FIRST STEP - THINKING LONG-TERM What do you want to accomplish by the end of your life? Start the timer and spend three minutes - and three minutes only - writing down your answers. Have you always wanted to write a novel? Start a business? Join the Peace Corps?
THE SECOND STEP - THINKING NEXT YEAR What do you want to accomplish one year from today? Again, just spend three minutes recording all the thoughts and ideas that pop into your head. Would you like to pursue a new career path? Spend more time with your family?
THE THIRD STEP - THINKING NEXT MONTH What if you found out that you had just one month to live? What would you do with your remaining thirty days? Spend three minutes writing your answers. Would you travel to another country? Get in touch with old friends? Risk it all can chase that dream you've kept locked away inside?
THE FOURTH STEP - WHAT DID YOU FIND? Review your answers to each of the questions above. What broader themes do you notice? What do they say about who you are and what you really want out of life? After three minutes of looking over what you've written, answer the question: What I really want to do next is...
THE FINAL STEP - PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER With the next big idea in hand, it's important to make sure it doesn't go to waste. Think of a specific action you can take within the next seven days that will get this new goal rolling in the right direction and schedule it in your planner.When the scheduled time arrives, take the action. Don't put it off or reschedule. Once it's done, think of the next step to take and give it a deadline. Continue the process until you accomplish the goal, and then start it all over again!
