Long-Term Goals
Long term goals has always been a challenge for me. I think it's always in the back of my mind that I might die tomorrow, so why create long term goals!?
I asked google the question below and got a pretty good response from Quora. See the response in the Appendix.
"Q: Why work on long term goals if you might die tomorrow?"
Your ultimate long-term goal must be to die with class / to die with style. We are all going to die some day, our ultimate end.
Of the 5 answers to the above question, the answer I liked the most was probably the most simple:
- Uncertainty about lifespan: While one may feel they could die tomorrow, the reality is that most people live well beyond that. Pursuing long-term goals provides an insurance policy against living a longer life than expected.
Long-term goals can be hard to plan, because the future is very unpredictable. You might want to be the best in your field, then a few years down the line your field becomes irrelevant (perhaps replaced by AI). I think the best approach is to focus on achievable and real goals - like certifications or qualifications for instance - and take each day as it comes.
Have goals but no long-term goal!
And what might my goals be?
- Simplify my life
- Reduce my possessions (i.e. only 1 car, less dolls)
- Reduce my consumption (i.e. buy less crap)
- Reduce my distractions (i.e. waste less time on crap)
- Build security (because you never know when you might hit hard times):
- Savings & Investments
- Gold
- Pay off the mortgage
- Be a good husband and father in-law
- Bring the wife to the UK to visit.
- A future idea - live in Thailand and no longer pay UK tax.
- Be serious about your fitness (healthy body + healthy mind = healthy life)
- Running, weights, press-ups, sit-ups , stretches, etc.
- Qualifications:
- Qualified in RedHat automation
- Qualified in N***** products
- Try to be the best that I can be in my current profession.
- And when I get made redundant for my current job, become a lorry driver?
- Then do Open University type degrees*
- Be prepared for the end (i.e. sort your will and get your house/life in order).
There are several reasons why it can still be worthwhile to work on long-term goals, even if one might die tomorrow:
- Legacy and impact: By working towards long-term goals, one has the opportunity to create something that outlasts them and leaves a lasting positive impact on the world. This can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, even in the face of one's own mortality.
- Personal growth and fulfillment: The process of working towards long-term goals can be deeply rewarding and help an individual grow, learn, and develop new skills and capabilities. This personal growth can be valuable regardless of how long one lives.
- Motivation and hope: Having long-term goals can provide a sense of direction and motivation that makes life feel more meaningful and worthwhile, even in the face of uncertainty about one's lifespan.
- Benefiting others: Many long-term goals, such as curing diseases, developing renewable energy, or advancing scientific knowledge, are ultimately aimed at benefiting humanity as a whole. Working towards these goals can create positive impacts that outlive the individual.
- Uncertainty about lifespan: While one may feel they could die tomorrow, the reality is that most people live well beyond that. Pursuing long-term goals provides an insurance policy against living a longer life than expected.
Ultimately, the pursuit of long-term goals can bring a richness and sense of purpose to one's life, regardless of the uncertainty around lifespan. It's about striving to make a positive difference that extends beyond one's own lifetime.
