When I earned the Boy Scout rank of Eagle I had to write a letter of my ‘Life Goals and Ambitions’. I rediscovered this letter the other day and it was a real eye-opener. I said a lot of interesting things that I wouldn’t have guessed. I realized today it’s important to revisit your future plans…
Five years ago…
My life ambitions include reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, graduating from high school with an International Baccalaureate degree, going to college and becoming an entrepreneur … I want to study and obtain degrees and certifications in Computer Science. Of of my goals is to become a Cisco Certified Networks Associate. This certification will broaden my knowledge of computer networks and will provide a pathway to great job opportunities. I would also like to graduate from college with a Computer Science degree … I would like to study in California because I believe the technological environment makes it a great place to learn … I want to start my own technology business with the knowledge I’ve obtained. I feel with the new knowledge I will have, and my current skills, I can start and run a technology company. As time goes on, I might change my mind or I might have a different idea for the company I would start. But, I believe starting a business would provide me the opportunity to continue to challenge myself and exercise my leadership abilities.
That silly kid seemed to know what he was talking about. I talked about the idea of long-term goals before. I think it’s good to have direction and it’s obvious that I had one.
Five years later…
I look back and yes, I became Eagle, I graduated with my diplomas and I graduated college with a degree. But, I didn’t get it in Computer Science. In fact, I wasn’t even in the engineering school. I began an Information Systems degree and I even changed that to Accounting.
So what happened? I realized I didn’t want to remain technical. I decided job opportunities aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. There’s more to it (like enjoying what you do). I also saw what happened to technology companies in California. Times change, so could I.
Did I fail at reaching my goals? I wouldn’t look at it that way. I may not be a CCNA and I may not have my own business. But, I feel like I’m still on the right path. I’m still learning and I’m still gaining leadership experience.
Evaluate your goals
It’s important to see where you think you’re headed. At this point it’s like I’m on a road trip. I’m starting in Boston and I know I want to be on the West coast. I start driving and I hit a fork. At that point, I’ll I decide what to do. I have no map, just a sense of direction. Maybe I’ll detour down to New Orleans. Perhaps I’ll stop in Kansas for a bit. I don’t know. I don’t even know which state I’m aiming for. I’m simply headed in the general direction…
Do I still want to be a technology entrepreneur? I don’t know. I think I’ll sit down and write up some ideas of what I hope to do in a few years.
It’ll be fun to look back… again.
“I have no map just a sense of direction” That and courage is all anyone needs!
ummm…please don’t aim for Kansas. :)
How old were you when you wrote that? You seemed to be fairly focused on what you wanted your life to be like… unlike most kids who “don’t know” what they want to actually do — even when they’re at senior high!
Hi, Devin. I like the honesty of this post. I’m sure you’ll find something good on your road trip. There is widespread acknowledgement that Eagle Scouts are great people to hire. I think one of the reasons for this is that they are great at setting goals and reaching them. Bodes well for your next steps :)
Penelope
Thanks Cheryl! Good thing, too. I’m no good at refolding maps.. ;)
Hey zzap, I guess I was 15 or 16 at the time (junior in high school) and yeah, I guess I tried to have, like I said, a good direction of where I was headed.
Hi Penelope, you’re certainly one to comment on honest and open posts. I think you’re right too. Looking far up the ‘trail’ isn’t something most people do. It’s unattainable when you look at it that way. But, when you break it down into smaller milestones things start to fall into place.
Thanks everyone for your comments.