More ideas to define clear outcomes for our lives

Upon reading Marisa's comment, I started to read a little bit more about outcomes. We can achieve what we want. We need to understand where we're standing now and all the steps we need to take to get to our desired place.

Below's a home-made summary of the notes I took. They've been over simplified. I hope it sheds some light on what to take into account when designing a plan of action to achieve our outcomes:

The first step to any effective plan is to find out what you want. If you consider how long we spend buying a car or a house surely determining what we want in our life deserves a little time. Allow yourself free reign and enjoy all of the possibilities.

The second step is to start creating a path between what you want and where you are. If other people have achieved similar goals then you have proof that it is possible to make your dreams a reality.

The third step is to consider your area of control or influence. This allows you to focus on what you can do. It also brings to attention what you can’t do.
Recognising what you can and cannot do is the fourth step. This allows you to plan for where you need help or need to gather greater expertise or influence.
Now consider what are the costs of attaining your goal. This is the fifth step and helps you to balance your time and priorities.

At the sixth step, now that your plans have started taking a solid realistic shape consider the resource you have to bring to bear to each goal. Don’t limit yourself or write yourself off otherwise that is just letting fear taking control again. Consider your time, skills, experience, and available resources, such as the skills of friends and family.

The final step may seem trivial but ask yourself if you would accept your outcome. Many people work hard to save for retirement only to find it was the work in moving towards it that they enjoyed more than the money they gained. This final consideration will help sharpen your focus on your outcome and make more real for you now.

This process, of course, doesn’t guarantee success and happiness. However it’s certainly a smart way of living, working and planning. While I have yet to achieve many of my goals, I’m enjoying the journey.

Love,

Georgi