Thoughts on Goal Setting

My wife and I have some very interesting conversations, especially as it pertains to goal setting. Having much corporate and military training in this area I tend to see things from the SMART model (Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic and Time Bound). My wife Ann on the other hand is much more Taoist in her approach to goal setting, as in setting a general direction but allowing the universe to take its course (mind you these are my words, after all I am a man, and I still don't quite "get her").

After much pondering, and a trip to see the Tall Ships in Tacoma, I saw two very different approaches to ships and sailing that provided me with an epiphany.

In olden times, sailing ships would set to sea by deciding generally where the captain wanted to go, set off in the general direction based on the rough charts, and make corrections using a sextant and looking at the stars. The sails would be set based on the winds and the direction of attack. The means of propulsion was completely by sail. The universe itself would be responsible for providing the wind to allow the ship to move. In this analogy the goal setter sets his direction and sets his sail by getting the appropriate training and skill-sets. This allows the universe to propel them to the next goal. By using general headings and serendipity to move them through life and career they get where they want to go.

Then there is the modern ship. In this case to get underway a detailed course is set using GPS navigation, the engines are started and the propeller turns at the correct rate to go exactly the speed to make the correct time of arrival at the destination. In this analogy the goal setter determines his path, assembles resources, sets a time frame and drives towards the goal. Getting there on time is the most important requirement.

The difference between the two approaches lies in where the energy comes from to make the voyage. In the second example all energy for movement is expended by the ship (goal setter) itself in the fuel required to turn the propeller as well as making the course corrections. For the sailing ship the propulsion is supplied by the universe in the form of wind. All of the energy is set in preparing the sails and making general heading corrections.

Both of these courses are perfectly viable. The only difference is in the perception of the driving force. There is of course the third option… having a sail but using the outboard when the wind goes away.