Some times when I think about opening my solo practice it seems light years away! It would be easy to think it may never happen, But I never get stressed over long term goals. The reason is I focus on short term goals. I focus on what is the next step without worrying about the long term goal.
I focus this week on just being prepared for class to the best of my ability. That will take me each week to the next short term goal of having a good semester. Each week and each semester will finally bring me to graduation in May of 2011. Then taking the bar and opening my office actually seem like goals that are not light years away.
Now you know I count in weeks to reach my long term goals. What works best for you? Please comment so we can all help each other.
Michael, for me…I think loosely about my long term goals, use them as a focal point. Create a very rough outline of what I need to do to achieve them, then focus on the present and the short term goals for the immediate future. This way I’ve got my ‘peripheral’ eye on the prize but my concentrated efforts are on the immediate and short term future.
I consider future goals a dynamic process, and I leave room for all types of opportunities to present themselves. You can’t ‘write down the future in rigid terms because you don’t allow for pleasant surprises. And I like pleasant surprises. On the flip side, some not so pleasant surprises can present themselves, but I just consider them a detour in the road or another opportunity I may not have anticipated.
And, to let you in on a little secret, I see everything (both good and bad on the surface) as an opportunity – just not always one I’ve considered. That’s why you have to stay open, flexible and optimistic!
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Michael:
I have had some interesting experiences with goal setting. Ultimately, I think it’s important to set both long and short term goals, though it has taken some trial and error to figure out what system works best for me. I’m a big dreamer, so I usually don’t have much trouble producing long term goals. Short terms goals, on the other hand, can be a challenge. I tend to plan for short term goals in far too much detail and end up micro-managing myself. Because, as Susan noted, life can be unpredicatble, I end up discouraged – feeling undiciplined. Now, I try to set myself up for success by having more flexible schedules and checking my daily activities with my long term goals. This way, if my daily actions are not consistently aligned with what I want to acomplish in the long term, I know it’s time to reevaluate my priorities. This is similar to your “prepare for each class results in a good semester” philosphy.
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You know it is funny really, I still get a little nervous after all of these years when I am faced with a big litigation goal. You would think that after 23 years I would not get that splashed in the face feel when I take on a case, or faced with an extensive motion for summary judgment, or trial prep or something. Long term business goals are different for me from an emotional standpoint. This is maybe because they do not necessarily have the same consequences for a lawyers as do judicial deadlines. This occurs in both regards, however, because when first faced with the prospect of legal issues an arguments, or business or practice strategies, it is just instantaneously overwhelming. The solution always has been, and always will be, to just take a deep breath. Then just start breaking the matter down into its own subparts. In litigation this is done by deadlines. In the business or practice area it is the same only the deadlines are usually more abstract. This is because achieving one goal leads to answers for the next, or adds definition. Long term goals become a series of short term goals toward a common purpose. They are easier to manage both mentally and objectively when you do this. I think this helps because, as the saying goes, you can only go as far as you can see, but when you get there you can always see further.
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@Susan,
I would have said something very similar to you, but not as eloquently!
My long term goals are always in my mind, but like you they are dynamic. They can easily be changed based on something that happens in the interim. But, I think if you don’t look at your long term goals at all, you might not have that focal point to work towards.
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Susan, I hate to admit it, but I have a hard time sometimes looking at the unexpected things as an opportunity. I agree that is one of the best ways to stay optimistic, but it is tough sometimes. Life sometimes comes at you so fast that I agree the goals need to be loosely defined. We must be ready to adapt to whatever comes our way.
Crystal, I am right there with you, and I have always been a big dreamer! I think it is one of the things that drives non-traditional students. We realize there are more ways we can contribute in life and we take huge chances to fulfill those dreams. Sometimes it is easy to “bite of more than we can chew.”
Chuck, I agree totally. When we have big goals the best thing to do is break it down into manageable parts. It is really the only way to manage a goal that is far off or with many tasks.
Frank, I like the way you said we need to keep the goals in the back of our mind. When times get tough during the process it is a big lift to my spirits to think about the rewards of reaching my goals.
Thanks for your comments! I really wondered if anyone would read my first real post. I was thrilled when you all made comments!!
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