Most people have dreams and the most successful have goals, written, repeated and practiced.
But very few have an ultimate goal for their efforts.
Most of us are trained to aim for a goal, but as soon as we have completed it come up with a new one and begin again.
Although it is important to keep improving and moving forward, there are times you should see that you have done enough, at least in that area of your life.
Workaholics
If you do not know one yourself, you have probably seen it in movies, people who are obsessed with their career, but lost all touch with why they are doing what they are doing.
I have a friend who has accomplished every financial goal he ever set for himself, but instead of relaxing and finding pleasure in his money all he wants is more. He works 10 hours/day, 7 days/week.
I do think it is great that he is so driven; the problem is that I see no end to it.
It is important to find pleasure in what you have accomplished.
Before you read on you should read my article about how to set goals (if you haven't already) just to familiarize yourself with the subject.
The Ultimate Goal
Setting an ultimate goal can be do for almost any aspect of your life, financial, career, fame, but not for your health or relationships.
The reason for this is that the Ultimate Goal is a goal your set for yourself and decide; "When I have accomplished this, I am done."
I have a long term financial goal, once I am done with it, I will stop prioritizing work and focus more fully on other aspects of my life.
A sense of purpose
When I started setting goals and working towards them it felt great. The problem was that every time I completed a goal, I set a new one, there was no end. No real goal.
Setting an ultimate goal has given me a true sense of purpose, I set shorter term goals but I know that once I am done with my Ultimate Goal I will be financially happy, live in the house I dream of and spend more time with my family, friends, hobbies and taking care of my health.
It cannot be done with your health or relationships
Your health and relationships are the only things you cannot set an Ultimate Goal for since they need constant care. Once you reach your health goals you have to keep working hard to maintain your health and the same goes for your relationships.
You can never afford to let them slide.
3 Steps to Setting Your Ultimate Goal
1. Chose an aspect of your life you want to set your ultimate goal for.
2. Think, "What is your dream, if you got the perfect situation, what would it be?"
3. Write down your goal in the fashion described in "how to set goals that will make your rich".
Then read "Planning your goals" to make it a reality.
Conclusion
Setting ultimate goals has changed my life, it has given me a sense of purpose, a new reason to work and I am sure it will help you as well.
Try it out, follow the steps above and believe in your ability to make them reality.