I Set Goals Detached from Outcomes and Pick up Solutions

What is Balance?: A useful model of a Balanced Life has six aspects: Family, Health, Fun, Education, Spiritual and Economic . Life is easier when I address each aspect to some extent each day. I address these aspects with my thoughts, attitudes, actions and awareness.

In the morning I consider my plans for the day. What areas need attention? When I face indecision during the day, I pause and consider the aspects of my life. How will my decision affect the current balance. I once thought I did not have time during the day to pause and reflect. Today I have more time because I pause. It takes more work to correct a life badly out of balance than to maintain one in balance.

Set Goals: I set goals in the six aspects. I write them down; keep them close; read them often. I review them with those most impacted – family, business associates, etc. Goals shared with others generate commitment. In the morning, I pray first, review goals and then meditate or read something spiritual. I am then in the right space to review my plans in light of my goals.

Detach from Outcomes: Life is better when I realize that the process of moving toward goals is the reward not the attainment of the goal itself. In the past, I sought the goal so I would be happy “then”. When I reached the goal, I experienced a loss of desire. I felt a sense of loss rather than fulfillment. A new desire filled the emptiness and off I set on the quest for “then” again. When the steps I take today toward a goal are themselves the reward, serenity becomes a state of being – a background upon which my life is painted one stroke at a time.

Pick Up Solutions: Solutions are lying at my feet. Some match my goals and the principles. Others do not. I pause to consider the balance and my goals. When I pickup and apply the solutions that match the principles and my goals, the results are always favorable – I just don't know what the results will be. I am OK with that fact. I do not care if things will not turn out the way I plan as long as the results are beyond my wildest dreams.