High Sights, Diligence, and Travel Goals

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