To discover what your Living Goals are ask yourself, what is most important to you? As in, what's worth living for, what's worth fighting for, and even what's worth dying for? Then ask yourself what kind of future you want to see yourself, your children, and your grandchildren in? Once you know what your highest Living Goals are, write these down in a statement of faith and display this where you'll be reminded of it each day. When I ask children what is most important to them, they frequently respond with, " My Family," "My Dad, "and "My Dog."

Living Goals are not the same as Specific Goals that tell you how to get from point A to point B. These are important too, but Living goals are different. Living Goals define the journey by pointing to lasting, universal values that never change with circumstances and they never end because they aren't a destination. Also they aren't governed by the Laws of Newtonian Mechanics or of Physics so they can't be used to calculate, predict or control the future in any specific way although they create important boundaries that preserve your integrity. Living Goals are the foundation for a higher, non-linear process that allows life to emerge in meaningful, self-sustaining ways, over time the way it's supposed to. Living Goals to keep us grounded and provide a foundation for living that we can rely on for direction regardless of circumstances.

A creed is a statement of faith that includes all of the living goals that guide an individual, a faith community, an organization, or a government. For example, the words of The Declaration of Independence ensure that Americans dont lose their direction. It is a declaration of purpose that is as powerful and relevant today as it was over 200 years ago.

Here are some more examples of living goals: Freedom, Cooperation, Responsibility, Opportunity. It's well worth it to take the time to decide what your Living Goals are sooner rather than later so they can keep you on the road to a positive future by pointing to specific steps to take that are grounded in your highest lasting values.

Cynthia VanLandingham

Cynthia VanLandingham's Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources create an exciting musical adventure for children ages 5 to 11. Visit PianoAdventureBears.com for free samples of her Piano Adventure Story Books and piano resources for children. She is also the author of The Wonder Guide to Creativity.

Cynthia has been teaching piano in Tallahassee, Florida for 20 years and is the owner of TallyPiano & Keyboard Studios. She is a member of the American College of Musicians National Guild of Piano Teachers, the President of TallyPiano Enterprises, LLC, and a graduate of the Florida State University College of Education. Visit her website at TallyPiano.com to download her original, uplifting piano compositions, including "The Potter's Wheel." While you're there subscribe to her free internet newsletter, Piano Matters, and read the Wonder Guide to Creativity Online.

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