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Let’s say you’re invited to a party. Not just a run-of-the-mill party, where the last celebration’s tattered streamers and scotch tape line the corners. This is a party you’ve secretly been dying to get invited to. It’s been your dream. The day is here, and you’re more than ready.

You grab the address, scribbled down on a piece of paper, and head out to the car. You had bragged to friends last night, ” It’s finally going to happen! I’m a success!” You’re one short drive away from dancing, laughing, and enjoying the best food and drinks. You’re going to be the life of the party.

You take a familiar highway and drive in the general direction. You start imagining what it’ll be like you finally arrive: you’ll meet exciting new party-goers and soak up the whole atmosphere. You’ll be one of the cool people.

How long have you been driving? Wait, did you miss a turn somewhere? Now, this doesn’t look anything like what you imagined. You’re definitely off-track. You call your friend and ask for directions again.

Sure, I’ll help you get here. Where are you now?”
The neighborhood looks different, and the street names are unfamiliar.
“Uh, I’m not sure. I see some tall buildings, a few storefronts, and a little park further down the way. I don’t know where I took a wrong turn.”

Do you have a map?

It can be just as easy to get lost when you’re setting a new goal. You know where you want to be, what it’ll look like, and how you’ll feel once you’ve succeeded. But do you have a map? If you get lost, do you know where you are now — so you can get back on the right road?

It’s not always easy to stay on track. Sometimes, you’ll discover another neat place, and you promise you won’t be away for more than a long lunch.

While fun-filled exploration has its place, too many of them add up to cross country trips. You’ve made that wrong turn without realizing you’re somewhere … but it’s not close to where you wanted to go.

Have your goals clearly in mind and keep checking that what you’re actively doing will take you to your destination. If not, you’re taking a wrong turn, and you’ll be farther away from your final destination.

Goal setting can be easy and fun

Here are a couple great lenses on goal setting. Diane1 shares the 10 Top Tips for Goal Achievement. Joan Adams shows a fun way on How To Set Goals With Pictures.

You know the other reason why you should know where you are now? When you succeed, you’ll be able to look back and admire the journey you took to get there.

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