Goal-oriented living

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. John Hamuka
  • 571st Global Mobility Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  When you go to the local book store next time for a cup of coffee and browse the bookshelves take a look at the self-improvement section.

You will see an endless row of books telling you how to live a better life. In an effort to save you a lot of time, coffee and reading I will summarize all those books into a few words: "Goal-oriented living."

Goal-oriented living is the art of not letting events dictate a destination but managing your environment to reach your goal. Goals are powerful. The great thing about goals is that they are yours and no one else's. You define them, you can change them. I don't want to talk about how to develop goals, I want to talk about the powerful effects goals can have on your life.

I ask every new Airman that enters my squadron what their goals are. I learn a lot based on their answer. Some say they don't have any, others are not sure. Goals are the guard rails of life. Goals give people direction and purpose. It helps you make healthy decisions whether personal, financial or professional.

For example, a person without a goal may find themselves at a party drinking and not thinking about how they are getting home. A goal-focused Airman understands the impact a bad decision would have on achieving his goals. He understands that he is not only accountable to society but to himself and the goals he has set. His goals make sure he stays on the road to his destination.

Goal-driven people are self motivated. Their inspiration comes from within. They develop their goals and understand they have a direct input in achieving those goals. People around them recognize this and want to see them reach their goals. The goal becomes the impetus for success. The great thing is that their success is not defined by their supervisor or commander but by themselves. What about those without a goal?

We have all heard the saying "All thrust no vector". Goals are the vector. You take an individual suffering from "all thrust no vector" and give them a goal, you will be amazed.

The Air Force recognizes the importance of goals. We constantly talk about the roles of supervisors and mentors in our Airmen' s life. Supervisors and mentors serve an important role in helping their folks achieve their goals but they serve a more important role in helping folks identify goals. Feedback sessions are the perfect opportunity to discuss personal and professional goals. We must take the time to talk to our people and understand what they want from their time in the Air Force.

Goal-oriented living is not only critical to a successful Air Force career, but personal success. Everyone needs goals and a plan to achieve them. Supervisors and mentors must help in developing and executing their plan. Our Airmen's success in the Air Force and in life depend on it.