Sunday, January 25, 2009

Don't Look Back


Last night I watched Dr. Who, the episode where a fortune-teller forces Donna Noble to go back and "turn right," thereby not making the choice that led her to meet the Doctor and, consequently, save the world(s) many times over. Long story short, Donna was able to reverse the reversal of her decision, and thus the series continues on.

Every now and then I let my mind wander into that "what if" realm, when I question the wisdom of choices I've made . I can honestly say I have no regrets (except perhaps the purchase of that used Volvo 960), and that everything has worked out pretty well.

I have always hated that perennial job interview/performance review question:"Where do you see yourself five years from now?" If I weren't prone to answer honestly I don't suppose it would pose that much of a dilemma, but I have the worst time with that question. Is it because I have poor planning skills? Relucance to commit to a goal? Fear of jinxing other outcomes? Know the feeling of having the rug pulled out from under me all too often?

My honest answer -- "Que serĂ¡, serĂ¡" -- tends not to go over well with managers. Nor does expressing the vision that one sees oneself winning the PowerBall Jackpot, thereby being eternally free from having to answer such inane queries.

Five years from now, however, I might have a completely different answer.

5 comments:

  1. I really need to set goals in advance and stay focused about them, otherwise I tend to struggle (like that last 18 months!)
    Even if I don't reach it, I do better than if I don't have one.

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  2. Goals, in my experience, serve only to provide something tangible that can be thwarted by the powers that be. Better to cruise along and come what may.

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  3. I'm with Lou, moment by moment, drip, drip, drip....

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  4. I loved watching Dr. Who. jadedj is bringing up old Zorro serials and you Dr. Who.
    One time I did a list of many things that happened negatively in my life and then turned into a positive later on in life. Example: Negative - getting drafted into the Army. Positive - I now have free medical insurance from the VA.
    I also made a list of how I personally influenced my future instead of allowing the tide to just carry me on.

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  5. I think I've figured out a way to make my "vision" look focused enough so that I don't appear to be drifting aimlessly, while keeping my options open to still go with the flow, so to speak!

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