Vision for the future

I can't count the times people have asked me what my five year plan is career wise. It makes sense, career mapping, growth opportunities, goal setting etc.  I wonder, however, how many people in this ever changing world, actually execute on their five year plans?  Two year plans?  Six month plans?  I have personally found that every time I make a 'plan', something out of my control changes that plan and I find myself making a new plan.  Not back at square one, just taking a side road, or reexamining my options or even starting fresh and new.

So here is my vision for the future, a new and improved 5 year plan:

Short term (3-6 Month goal)

 I want to start giving more of myself and asking less of others.  I want to start with a smile, work up to a conversation, and end up, hopefully with a relationship that offers real value.  This can be in the professional arena, or in my personal life, but the intent is to make a distinct effort to add something positive to someone else's existence. Five years from now, I want to be able to have measurable results by counting the number, depth and breadth of the people who's lives I have influenced and who I have made a positive impact on.

6-12 Months

This is my opportunity to map out the skills I want to learn to help me achieve the goals of my five year plan, the ideas I want to share and the changes I want to make happen. I intend to grow self control (not saying what is on my mind in the immediate time frame),  practice patience and have serenity of mind. With this skill set, I will be able to move into arena's that are currently out of my reach through lack of focus, worrying needlessly and low self confidence.  This will allow me to make significant changes around me, by taking a step back, identifying the problem and being a part of the solution. Five years from now I will have a sense of balance and control that gives me the confidence to influence positive change.

Beyond 12 Months

I will not look back, but look forward to a plan that includes:

Specifically addressing my fears and overcoming them through the various solutions available.
Staying on track and leveraging what is new, not rehashing what is old.
Continually learning and growing.
Leveraging the existing relationships in my life and growing new ones.
Identifying the areas I am weak in, and finding solutions (or people) to fill in those gaps
Blundering boldly. Not being afraid to make decisions and/or hard choices

Long Term Goals

This is the kicker. Long term, I will use my skills and experiences, leverage my relationships and have the self confidence to have made a significant positive impact on the lives of others.  They will be enriched, educated, self sufficient, happier, healthier, or just more open minded due to the execution of my five year plan.

If you fill in the blanks here, you too can have a five year plan--a vision for the future.