Preparing the Target

Tips for Achieving Goals

My Dear Lovelians and Lifers,

Original image credit to Erol Ahmed

Today is a part II of sorts from last week’s letter. As I said previously, I have no intention of being a loose cannon and firing aimlessly in any direction just because the fancy hits me to do so. I am sure this has to do with my rather, ah, cerebral approach to life, but as my younger self lacked more than a little sense in this regard, I am determined to learn from my mistakes and prepare my target properly this time instead of waiting for opportunity to drop into my lap. Yes, the fact I had this mindset at all makes me blush.

As far as target practice goes (I said I would keep you in the loop), I have received a no-reply, a rejection, and a to-be-determined. In the meantime of waiting to see where this last opportunity goes, I continue to prepare my targets. My goal right now is to finally put what I have learned thus far into practical use. I will not be pursuing anything new until I have done so. I believe this helps keep balance between the consumer and contributor in society. There is very little point, at least from my perspective, in learning new skills if I do not plan to put a few of them to good use in benefiting someone other than myself at some time in my life.

A few tips for preparing targets I have accumulated: 1) Know your values. I value doing life together with my family; therefore, I created a distance parameter around our community that I will not live outside of. Any target I aim at reflects this value and resides inside this border. 2) Follow-up. I have heard from several different sources that those who follow-up with an employer about an opportunity and continue to express interest after the initial outreach often stand out more than those who cross their fingers and wait. 3) Research. Because why not? As someone who enjoys education, I need to understand the cost of learning a new trade should I pursue one. Will it send me back to school? What is the time commitment? Is this a monetary sacrifice I believe is worth the end result?

Like I said previously, I will not be investing in any new skill until I use what I have learned up to this point for a time first. But I do enjoy brainstorming and dreaming a little because guess what? I have my whole life ahead to work, play, and grow.

Stay Curious,

Olivia

P.S. Fun fact, apparently I look like someone famous. Almost everywhere I go a stranger will tell me I look familiar. Weird.

P.P.S. If you so happen to be at the Hickory Comic-Con in North Carolina this weekend, say hello! I will be the nerd dressed as Paladin Pidge from Voltron.