My Three Life Goals
People often think I operate with a five year plan. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just make sure I like what I see ahead in my life for the next 18 months.
I do have three big life goals that I set when I was a young adult. These are inviolate:
- See the world (I already achieved this to my satisfaction.)
- Make a mark. I am still working on that one–my ambitions expand and morph in this area.
- Be a good person.
The last one is super squishy. But it transcends the obvious Ten Commandment stuff. My definition of “being a good person” means showing up for the people I love, especially for their big events. I am not the person who can handle a daily call and my need for socializing is pretty low. But I aim to be there when it matters. The times when I failed to do so are ones I never forget. I use the disappointment I feel in myself as a catalyst to get on the plane the next time an inconvenient or urgent event occurs.
Lately this “be a good person” definition is broadening to overtly encompass “be helpful.” I am not writing this to toot my own horn–but I am recognizing that at my stage of life I know a lot of people and have made a lot of decisions and mistakes that I can share with my friends, colleagues and family. I absolutely love doing this and it is often the reason I work an extra long day–because you can’t help people without putting in the time.
On the subject of “Make a mark” I saw a post on LinkedIn today that made me happy. In the earliest starvation days of Grommet I bought a plane ticket to go to Chicago and hear Gary Vanynerchuk speak. I knew he was a visionary. Ten+ years later, seeing my name next to his (however wildly imbalanced our profiles are) gave me a frisson of joy.
Oh, on the subject of goals, my friend Julie Rodecker pointed me to a post about a loom at our high school alma mater and that led to my suddenly having a fourth life goal: buy this loom below. Isn’t she a beauty?
Jules Pieri 
3 Responses to “My Three Life Goals”
Even if you’re not a weaver don’t pass up on that loom, she is gorgeous!
Congratulations on being billed with one of your superheroes. I’ve followed your posts for several years, have always enjoyed your comments and love watching The Grommet grow! Kudos to you!
Kathleen,
Thanks for the kind words…I am a weaver but have a much more modest 36″ wide, four shuttle loom I bought with my high school graduation money. This one would be quite a step up. I am tempted…I need to set a milestone goal to “earn” it.
Hey Jules,
Congrats on FINALLY, after 10 years, reach that point of authority and influence!
Also, congrats on completing your book. I found your book listed on Amazon, and eventually found the entire maker community through that!
Also Jules, I currently have an idea or two to help your book launch! 😉
Let me know if you’re curious!