43 Folders

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Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Questions for your most important goals!

Hey guys,

Here are some questions for your most important goals

How secure will reaching this dream make me?

What can I work on now to enable me to fulfill these dreams? If I want to play first violin in a symphony orchestra, write novels, own my own business, become a physician, and so on, what are the first steps I must take?

Do I have the talent, knowledge, and discipline necessary to reach this particular goal?

Whom should I seek as a teacher or mentor to help me reach this dream?
If I reach this main dream, my major goal, will I be both happy and healthy?

In my quest for this dream, will I still be able to have many friends and have good relationships with my family, friends, and coworkers?

What is the appropriate time-line for achieving this dream? (Or can I really set one?)

Is this goal something I will love to pursue for a lifetime?

What obstacles do I need to overcome to make my dream a reality?

randellt's picture

Good stuff. I ask myself, "Am...

Good stuff.

I ask myself, "Am I capable of achieving this dream based on the skills and natural talent I have?" This is similar to your "overcome obstacles" question, but I have to be brutally honest with myself when it comes to dreaming. I'd love to sing in a band and tour the world but I simply have no vocal skill or talent. No study or coaching will improve my voice to where it would need to be to make the dream reality. I guess I am a "realistic dreamer" in that way.

 
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