#indie30, Musings, Travel Plans

High Sights, Diligence, and Travel Goals

November 1, 2011

Thanks to Sean, Chris, Olivia, Jessica, and the rest of the wonderful crew over at BootsnAll for feeding travel dreams and equipping adventurers to live boldly. This month they’re at it again, inspiring travelers to reflect on experiences and memories during November’s 30 Days of Indie Travel. I look forward to posting from time to time and reading stories in the #indie30 stream.

The Question – Day 1: Goals

What were your travel goals last year? Did you accomplish them? What travel goals do you hope to accomplish this year?

Tools and inspiration: Learn more about setting a BHAG–a big, hairy, audacious goal. 

The Answer – In a Nutshell:

Travel Goals 2011: Save, Save, Save. (A continuation of travel-related goals from 2010, 2009, etc. — and yes, we’ve met the mark!)

Travel Goals 2012: Go, Go, Go. (Things are looking good: there’s a date on the calendar and we have tickets in hand to begin our Round the World Journey.)

The Musings – Since marrying, Ted and I have intentionally compiled a list of goals each year and agreed to aim toward them together, praying for wisdom and direction as we go.

I’m a firm believer in the power of putting goals in plain sight, whether writing a list and taping it to the mirror or covering a wall with images of inspiration. Day in and day out, seeing, reading, acknowledging the priorities we’ve said to ourselves we value – these practices have kept us on track to meet and pass milestones on the journey.

Our Wall of Dreams, Pinning Inspirations and Mapping Out Travel Calendars in Clear Sight

Too, it would only be fair to acknowledge our bigger ambitions in life. Beyond travel, beyond adventure, beyond possessions (or lack there of), we have a goal set before us as a couple of faith: to experience God’s love and truth in profound ways, and to reflect that beauty to the world.

12 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. 13 Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward-to Jesus. 14 I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

 15 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision-you’ll see it yet! 16 Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. -Philippians Chapter Three, The Message

Funny BootsnAll’s mention of BHAGs. This past year, I spent time reading or listening to audio recordings of recommended books on business and leadership; one in particular was James Collins’ Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t. Mr. Collins referenced his concept of BHAGs (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals) several times throughout, and I so appreciated his acknowledgment of the effectiveness of setting overarching, unifying, unusually audacious goals.

Such bold visions rally troops in a company, band together family members, and motivate the individual to set high sights and apply diligence with every last ounce of strength.

There’s a favorite Dave Ramsey quote posted on a sticky note above my office at work:
“Diligence is discipline with excellence over an extended period of time.”

Another favorite of his: “The difference between a dream and a goal is a PLAN.”

As this year (and entire life season, really) of diligent, disciplined saving and planning draws to a close, I’m so grateful to report that we’ve met our 2011 goals, and as part of the “Go, go, go” of 2012, we hope to cross paths, enjoy company, and share stories with friends we’ve yet to meet but are sure to love.

Here’s to dreams.

And here’s to fruition of so many years’ worth of plans.

Cheers,
Bethany


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15 Comments

  • Reply WhyGo Travel (@WhyGo) November 2, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    LOVE the wall of dreams Bethany!

    • Reply twoOregonians November 4, 2011 at 10:17 am

      Thank you! Just snagged a few big sheets of cardboard from Art Media, covered them in cheap canvas fabric, and started pinning away :)

  • Reply Andi of My Beautiful Adventures November 2, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Such a brilliant idea to encourage you to dream big!

    • Reply twoOregonians November 4, 2011 at 10:19 am

      Andi, thank you. I love that your Beautiful Adventures encourage people to dream big, too. It was so fun to tear out all sorts of eye candy from travel magazines and tempting brochures…can’t wait to visit these places in person!

  • Reply Kieu ~ GQ trippin November 2, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    This has definitely been a week of inspirations. Love your wall of dreams Bethany! I sincerely hope our paths will cross next year while we’re on the road. :) Until then, here’s to dreams indeed.

    • Reply twoOregonians November 4, 2011 at 10:20 am

      Kieu – that would be wonderful! I’m excited to see how your adventures unfold…

  • Reply Kim November 2, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    I am very inspired by you two. Not only do you have goals and dreams for your life, but you operate in larger terms. I’m excited to find out what life has in store for you.

    • Reply twoOregonians November 4, 2011 at 10:21 am

      Thank you, friend. We are so excited for you two as well… Keep up the good work!

  • Reply Caitlin Hall (@openpassports) November 2, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    I LOVE the idea of pinning up your goals! I think I see a weekend project coming on! I can’t wait to read about your 2012 travels!!!

    • Reply twoOregonians November 4, 2011 at 10:23 am

      Caitlin, if you do, tweet out a picture! I want to see :) Thank you so much for dropping by. Can’t wait to have 2012 stories to share with you…

  • Reply Anthony StClair November 8, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    Ooo, wall of dreams – it’s like analog Pinterest :)

    You guys defo sound like our kinda NWers and globetrotters, excited to see how your dream trip unfolds!

  • Reply Renata Wiles (@roamingrenata) November 9, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    I LOVE your dream wall! Such a great idea and a great way of staying focused on your goals. Great post guys!

  • Reply Valynne Bernetich December 1, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    I LOVE your dream wall and will be posting a pic of my 2012 vision board (did that last year and it was much fun getting people’s comments on it). So excited for you both ~ as a matter of fact, your ‘two oregonians’ post card is going on my 2012 board as you are a definite inspiration : ) Cheers to you and the fruition of your dreams ~ you SO deserve it! xox

    • Reply twoOregonians December 7, 2011 at 10:17 am

      Aw, Valynne! You are a sweetheart. It’s been such a pleasure meeting you this year and being inspired by your adventures and discoveries. I can’t wait to see your vision board when it’s up and ready… Keep on loving Portland for me while I’m away : )

  • Reply rachel carlson December 13, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    it gives me the chills to think that you are SO CLOSE to heading out on your journey. i applaud you both and will be watching. cheers!

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