What Are You Working Towards?

It’s common that during an interview the question “Where do you see yourself in five years or ten years?” gets asked.

When you ask this question, you’ll get answers like, “I’m trying to become this, or I want to do that.” Or they’ll tell you they’re trying to see the world, get appointed to some committee or position, become a millionaire, get discovered, become famous, whatever.

The interesting part of this question is not where that person sees themselves being in the future, but rather, “Why are you doing that? What's it for?”

Follow up the “Where do you see yourself?” question with, “What are you hoping it will be like when you get there?” When you dig into this answer you will find that at the heart of it, people want freedom, they want happiness, and they want the respect of their peers.

Sometimes I wonder if, as people set these lofty goals, they end up missing what is already in front of them. Like looking for your glasses that are on your head. Isn't freedom a choice, isn't happiness a choice, isn't respect of your peers a choice?

Next time you set out on a grandiose journey to get somewhere, consider that what you are looking for might be staring you right in the face. Maybe you can achieve your goals a lot quicker by taking stock of what you have and just being better at what you are currently doing.

Until next time…I’m Marty, make every minute count.