No matter what level of strategy or tactical activities we are planning for, it is incumbent upon us to choose the right tool for the right job. There are a myriad of tools out there to help us make goals that work. Here is where we can look around to see what tool sets are available to do what we need to do in order to further our business objectives. We can use the Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound or the Significant, Meaningful, Action-oriented, Rewarding, and Trackable otherwise known as the SMART goal methods. We can focus on performance goals instead of outcome goals. We can write them down, prioritize, be as precise and positive as possible. The important thing is to find what works for us individually. Once we know what works for us, we need to use the appropriate goal setting techniques at the different strategic and tactical levels in order to give scope to our lives as well as task by task focus.

Our goal setting activities creates a map for ourselves. This map is intended for exploring the possibilities of our lives to the fullest extent available to us in our given situation and environment.  The structure of our map is how we bridge the river of creative tension with our goals and objectives.  Our decisions and actions are what transport us to the treasure of our life.  With a vision of what we want out of life, the actions can vary as needed by the reality of our ever-changing situation.  Our goals can align with the environment and its needs.  Once we have the structure of the map, there is still a myriad of experiences to fill it in and modify as we go in order to achieve what we set out to do with our lives. The planning is indispensable. When in the middle of an unfolding situation, we may have to through the plans out and adapt as needed all the while keeping our objectives and vision in mind in order to take advantage of opportunities that arise.  In doing so, we create the treasure of our valued life.