The goals we strive towards define us. They direct our days and focus our efforts. No success is possible without goals because as many authors have said, “If you aim for nothing you are sure to hit it.” While we understand how influential goals are, it is should be realized that most goals neutral: the same goal can be worthwhile for one and worthless for another. Goal we set may have no value or significance to another. For example, I have a friend whose chief goal is to make a fortune. Since the accumulation of wealth drives him, regardless of how you or I feel about it, his goal is useful and because it motivates him to action. In this way the goal is worthwhile. For others wealth has never been a motivator. Being satisfied with enough to eat, a place to sleep and some left over for a bit of fun, this goal would be worthless. These people will need other goals to act upon and strive towards. Perhaps it would be fame or even altruism. Whatever motivates a person to action is their goal and the goal is for them worthwhile. This does not make all goals equal, nor does it make them all good. It merely says the individual has determined the goal worth the effort to accomplish it. Read the rest of this entry »