Life is a long game. Play it that way: Life is Long Enough if Planned and Well Executed.

Art is long, life is short. But the art of life is long enough if planned and well executed.

I have a “to do” list notebook that is full of tactical stuff I need to do to reach my short range goals. I am taking a new step and making a long range journal notebook where I am going to list and develop my big aspirational dream goals.

Here is my thinking:

Create a strategic long-range journal where you articulate your dreams and aspirations. Take time to quiet yourself through meditation and other practices that still your racing monkey brain. Look at art and listen to music and read poetry and history to help gain perspective.

Write down your most worthy goals that are in line with your dreams and aspirations. Try to connect with your future self and see what achievements will make you most happy, proud and satisfied. Go analog and actually write it down to make it more concrete and sticky.

These goals can be physical, intellectual, artistic, or spiritual. Make sure these are things that are potentially in your control. Map them out.

Make some decades long plans that will put you on the path to these goals. They could include learning languages, getting advanced degrees, financial independence, personal bests like a marathon or triathlon time, places to visit or live, play a musical instrument, paint or draw.

When we apply milestones, deliverables, and deadlines to dreams they become actionable goals.

Here is an example from my life that I am using as a model to follow.

I always wanted to play jazz piano. I thought it would be so much fun to play with other musicians. I thought playing jazz could be like a pick up basketball game where it can be fun regardless of the number of players. When I turned 40 I finally decided to buckle down and study it and practice. It took me a decade to get good enough to play with others. I was right. It has been an incredibly satisfying part of my life. I put in the time and I reap the rewards every day.

Keep track and don’t be impatient for results. It’s a journey; enjoy it. Celebrate the small victories along the way. Stay true to your mission.

We tend to overestimate what we can achieve in a year. And we tend to underestimate what we can achieve in a decade or two. Most of the time we don’t think that far ahead in any planned manner.

Think, dream, and plan the arc of your life. Make it count. Do stuff that matters.

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