By RAY ADLER
Ask Adler
In a previous column we talked about setting goals.
Ancient wisdom from the Book of Habakkuk tells us to write our goals on tablets of stone and make it plain. Zig Zigler encouraged short-term, medium-term, and long-term written goals. I have found written goals to be highly effective as written goals are tangible and can be reviewed and periodically re-evaluated. Goals should be specific, measurable, actionable, risky, time-keyed with a deadline, exciting, and relevant (see Ask Adler, Jan. 6, 2022).
Today I would like to talk about LIFE goals. LIFE goals are those goals directed toward helping others, whether it be a church, a non-profit, a client, a friend, or even the community. LIFE stands for Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise.
It is not uncommon for one to focus on their personal goals, an inward focus. Goals, by their nature, are personal, so it is not surprising that most goals emphasis self-improvement. For example, being a better parent, eating healthier, working toward a promotion at work. But how many of your goals are directed outside of yourself? I would suggest that setting goals with the intention of serving others brings an added dimension of joy to one’s life. In my own experience, setting and striving to accomplish LIFE goals has brought satisfaction to my life and the life of my family.
LIFE goals are wonderful in that they naturally expand and mature throughout one’s lifetime. As a young person, one may be limited in the areas of Influence, Finances, and Expertise, but will have an abundance of Labor to offer. We all have seen a charity car wash full of excited teenagers or a Girl Scout Troop selling cookies outside Kroger. The young person matures into adulthood, beginning a career and building wealth. Here, in addition to Labor, one can begin offering Finances and Expertise. Lastly, as one enters their later years, at the precipice of their career, after the house is paid off and the kids are grown, the balance shifts to Influence, Finances, and Expertise. Learn, earn, and then return. No matter what stage of life, LIFE goals can be made and achieved. One need only examine what they have to offer, and act on their goals.
As I enter my later years, I can testify to the fruitfulness of setting and achieving LIFE goals. In seeking to serve others, I have gained valuable friendships and been given opportunities that I could never have imagined. More important, I have been able to see countless lives changed for the better, which in turn has blessed both my family and me.
Educational material and not legal advice, written by the team at Adler attorneys. Email andrea@noblesvilleattorney.com with questions or comments.