The Importance of Mapping a Goal.

     My wife and I enjoy periodically taking a day and heading to the mountains to unwind and escape the city. Our "lil' mule" is a 1963 Willy's Jeep that is original except for the wheels and a Holly overdrive. OK, and a 12000 lb winch that is expressly used to get me into more trouble than I was in prior to employing its services. As an avid 4-wheeling enthusiast I enjoy the scenery as much as she does but I always have my eyes open for a rock to climb or a goat trail where I can test my skill and prowess as I push the limits of the Jeep's capabilities and my wife's patience.
     A couple of years ago we were "up above it all" exploring some roads above Georgetown, Colorado. We had been out most of the day and the sun was going down. I put the last of our reserve fuel into the gas tank and we decided it was time to head for the barn. Perhaps a half hour into the descent my wife said "We're going in circles we passed that campsite already." "Huh uh", I argued stoically as I searched the cobwebs of my generally, um.., lucid mind, for something familiar. She remained silent through the next hour as we traversed the mountain once again. This time I recognized the camp site and sheepishly reached for the map.
     I didn't have a GPS with me but with my compass and map, I was able to pinpoint where we were and then plan a course to "get outta Dodge"! My bride allowed me to gloat and flex my single testosterone that I keep caged for just such occasions and I pulled from the recesses of my brain, JROTC classes about map reading from days gone by. I spewed stuff about shooting azimuths, terrain and contour lines. And as we pulled onto the highway I am sure her tongue was bleeding. Who knows how many eye rolls I got as I was sitting just a bit taller than I was just a few miles back.
     One thing that I was able to recollect, was my teacher sergeant Rhody Heinen, always expounding on the fact that you have got to know where you are to be able to get where you want to go.
     It is the same with our lives. Businesses fold every day due to lack of mapping skills. People wander aimlessly in life for want of a destination with no perception of where they even are. Though if asked, the majority would probably list hell as their address.
     So where are you? That's the first step in mapping a goal, figuring out where you are. If you need a bit of guidance you are welcome to contact me for a free half hour goal setting session. That is all. Now get outta that rut! You have some living to do!