At this time of year I love setting goals and encourage everyone I meet to do the same. Most every notable accomplishment I’ve experienced I can track back to having a clear goal. However, I know that some of you just resist the process, believing that setting goals takes the spontaneity out of life. That you will never again be allowed to impulsively go to the movies, take a walk or enjoy the sunset. Actually, I expect the opposite results. I expect you to have more time to do those things and more. And that has caused me to rethink my model for setting goals. 
I have found that often the most fulfilled and “successful” people are the most spontaneous, have the most time for leisurely enjoyed lunches, and are not irritated at unexpected “interruptions.” I have also experienced that my most creative thinking often comes when I am on my morning walk, driving along a detour, tinkering with my cool John Deere tractor or playing Quiddler with Joanne. Unbroken focus on the goals may lead a person to measurable “success” but may be a hindrance to finding real fulfillment. In fact, blind focus will likely cause us to miss God’s subtle and quiet voice in the rainbow or the unexpected chance encounter.
Here’s my new recommendation: Create a clear focus and plan for 85% of your time. Keep the 15% open for new hobbies, meditation, reading, or just interruptions. Instead of seeing these as hindrances, they may very well be the fertilizer for your ultimate success.
Next week Joanne and I will be in Chicago for our annual pre-Christmas jaunt. No plans, no phones, no computers, no necessary shopping; just free time walking the streets, looking at the sights and eating at our favorite restaurants. But now that I think about it, I had this clearly on my goals for 2014 and made the arrangements many months ago. Sounds like a worthy goal to me. It appears that unless I have the 85% in place, the 15% will never occur. Without clear goals, everything looks like a crisis and 100% of your time will be consumed.
What “interruption” led to a big success for you this year?
Enjoy Chicago Dan! I live in the Chicagoland area and would love to meet you and your wife for coffee while you are here. You have been a great inspiration to me over the last year and I want to thank you for that. However, if our paths do not cross, have a great time and enjoy the holidays!
Brian – how cool. Thanks for your generous offer. We will be in Chicago for a very brief time this year and look forward to that special time of no commitments to just reflect, plan and enjoy the sights.
Have fun in Chicago Dan – I lived there for three years. It’s so much fun around the holidays!
My interruption was a book. I had “tried” to start reading it several times, but always thought that my work tasks were higher priority. Finally, I opened the book and started reading. I had at least a dozen “ah-ha” moments for my own business (and balancing my life) after reading just the first few chapters. And, the new ideas were not what the book was about. By reading, my mind had a chance to relax and stop thinking about my list of work tasks – and my brain went crazy with new ideas. Many of these ideas are becoming my goals for 2015. I’m so glad I opened that book.
This is a great way to frame this Dan. Sometimes being so goal focused can take the joy out of living. We have to allow margin in our lives to enjoy life as it unfolds. Great reminder for me as I’m finalizing my 2015 goals.
Adam – this is something I keep learning about. The margins are so important for allowing the new and unexpected into my life. I trust you’re experiencing the same.
Enjoy Chicago Dan! My husband and I are anticipating a trip there soon.
You are right Dan. Laser like focus sounds good but it requires the exclusion of all else. It may be okay in short bursts but I don’t think that is any way to live a life. I agree, the 15% of freewheeling time you talk about allows for new connections, serendipity, and innovation. Where would we be without those things? Too unidirectional, I say.
Great advice. Ever since I started my business 4 years ago it’s rare I work more than 40 hours a week. I actually usually work a little bit less than that. Working smart is better than constantly grinding. It leaves no room for living life, and it leaves no room for spontaneous good ideas to surface.
Caleb – sounds good. Having our own businesses should allow us to work less – and enjoy life more. Looks like Bearded Bros is allowing you to do that.