Idea 29: Thinking clearly about objectives
Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When man does not know what harbour he is making for, no wind is the right wind.
Seneca, Roman philosopher
Deciding on objectives is like that fabulous ladder in Jacob’s dream in Genesis (28:12), stretching from heaven to earth, with angels descending and ascending.
Descending
Descending Jacob’s ladder, from the general and abstract to the particular and concrete, you are answering the question ‘How?’ This is my purpose. Yes, but how are you going to achieve it? By tackling these aims or goals.
Notice that aims, as defined above, are really no more than purpose broken down into manageable parts. It is like light being refracted into the colours of the rainbow.
The same is true of the next stage in the descent. Take any one aim. How are you going to achieve it? Answer: by achieving these objectives.
Now pick out any of these objectives: how are you going to accomplish that? Answer: by taking these steps. Today? Yes, there’s bound to be one of those steps that you can take right now!
Upwards
Going upwards rather than downwards, you are then answering the question ‘Why?’ Why are you taking this step? In order to achieve this objective.
Why this objective? To move along that aim or towards that goal.
Why that aim/goal? In order to fulfil my purpose.
Remind yourself
The most obvious advantage of thinking in this way is greater flexibility. If you think in terms of purpose you can more easily alter your plans as circumstances arise. Remember that Columbus was sailing for India when he discovered America. Because his purpose was to explore, we do not regard him as a failure.