Feb 25 2008
What Next?
We live in a society filled with goals. I hear people talk about finishing school and getting that degree. Others are going for that perfect job, perhaps getting out of “dead end” work. Evelyn and I have our goals too, like owning land and running our own business.
There’s a problem, though, and I see it quite often: The “What Next?” Syndrome.
I think that people look too much at the immediate goal without looking beyond. Say you want to finish school. Fine. That’s a great goal, but then what? It’s not like things are magically going to change the minute you get that degree. Got that amazing new job? How many months will pass before you are sick of it?
Evelyn and I lived through this in a big way when we moved to Puerto Rico. That was a big goal, with lots of things needing to occur to make it happen, and we got there. After decompressing for a while we were left with that feeling of “What Next?”
I don’t have any magical solution to this Syndrome, but I do have this bit of advice: Always look beyond your immediate goals. I realize that things get hazier the further out you look, and things often feel overwhelming, but it’s an important process to go through. At the least, it will give you a sense of being prepared and less likely to feel let-down once you reach your goals.
Also, you need to realize that life is a continuous series of goals. Single events like marriage, jobs, school, kids, and so on are simply “mile markers” along the road of life. Look at life as an ongoing adventure, not some game you have to win.
7 Responses to “What Next?”
Interesting you post a blog about whats next. This morning I was reading a book and there is a chapter about Clive Wearing. He has the worlds worse case of amnesia. His memory last at the most 30 seconds. Every few seconds he’ll think he’s just awoken. His diary is highly depressing “I have just come alive.” *crossed out* “no, NOW I have just woken up”. And so forth. It makes the whole idea of whats next a different context.
I saw this and thought of this post:
http://pst.rbma.com/content/Mutts?date=20080227
Looks like that link needs some sort of authorization.
Paste the text in here, if you want.
Hopefully this will work:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mutts.asp?date=20080227
I used to be that kind of person. Always needed to know what was next, but now my life really took an unexpected turn and motherhood has taught me one thing: I want to see my baby grow and enjoy until she decides she wants to fly. I guess with her growing up, there will be lots of goals (most related to her), but also some related to Mike and me. I guess life has turn into a wonderful adventure for me
not knowing what will hit me next!
Down with goals!
On another note, Martin said to me yesterday (2/29) — ‘To me, this day is just one day that I don’t get paid for.’
Of course, all salaried employees would hate 2/29.
Ha. That’s a good point, about 2/29. I was reading somewhere that it should be a (real) Labor Day for everyone. That will never happen, of course, but you can dream.