Your goal in every adventure is the result that you want to reach when you end that adventure. And the map that you follow to reach that goal is the goal’s plan that you create before you start your adventure.

The architect’s plan is the blueprint. It shows the exact look of the designed structure upon completion.

Your vacation plan lists the places you’ll visit, the length of your stay, the lodging you’ll use, and the road map you’ll follow. It defines exactly how you’ll achieve your goal of enjoying your vacation.

And the plan for your life breaks every day, week, month, and year over your future into easy, one task at a time, steps you’ll take to carry yourself to the goal of success you want by the time you reach your autumn.

But the first thing you must do is figure out what your goals are. You must know before you even start your plan that the goals you set are the right goals for you.

We each have our own set of “I wants” for our future.

One person wants to raise a family, and live in a quiet neighborhood. The desire for financial income is strong enough to keep the family comfortable, and provide for the children’s educational needs.

Another person wants to travel the world. Every vacation finds him boarding an airplane, train, or cruise ship, and his income goals provide enough money to take those traveling vacations when the opportunity comes around.

Still another person wants fame in politics or on the stage. Financial goals are for only enough to support the preparations for getting into the public eye. The major goal is transforming himself into a charismatic person who appeals to his audience.

And other people desire wealth and luxury in their lives. Being rich is the major goal. The goal’s plan details the path that takes them to that end. The direction of that path might lead into business management or ownership. It might also take them in the direction of politics or acting. The road these people travel points only to the accumulation of monetary abundance.

Some people form a plan that combines one or more of the above goals.

Each of the above goal setting types has noble goals. If they stay with their plan chances are they will achieve those goals. And when you achieve your goals, no matter how grand your personal goals are, you achieve success in your life.

But how do you find your personal goals? How do you know the goals you choose are the right goals for you?

Here are some questions to help get you through your goal setting process:

What do you really want in your life? When we’re kids we think we want so many different things for when we grow up. At one point I thought I’d become a doctor. At the time becoming a physician was highly profitable. When I finally realized how much electronic design promised to influence the future world I found what I truly wanted.

How much are you committed to changing yourself into the person who has the abilities to achieve your goal? No matter what goal you set you must acquire the tools (personal and physical) that allow you to work toward that goal.

Do you feel comfortable with your choice of goals? After you make a list of your goals, and figure out what tools you need to reach those goals, take a moment to reflect on your feelings about the requirements of reaching those goals. Are you okay with the work you’ll perform along the way?

What type of person do you want to become? During your life other people form opinions about you. They like you, or don’t like you, based on the personality you develop. Ask yourself, “How do I want my epitaph to read?”

What kind of neighborhood do you want to live in? You may ask this question many times during your life. As your personal situation improves over time the urge to improve your surroundings becomes stronger.

What toys do you want to own during your life? Always include time for play in your plan. A life committed to only working becomes a dull and unhappy life.

How will you balance your life? The time you spend in each area of your life helps determine the person you become. It also influences the people around you. Decide how much time you’ll devote to your family, at your work, for your community, and molding your spiritual being.

Use these questions to stir your imagination toward figuring out what your goals are. Add more questions as you think of them. Find the answers and you’re on your way to a successful future.

Ask the questions that churn your gray matter to finding your true goals. Answering those questions helps move you through your goal setting process.