MAP

At work we have a semi-annual review known as a MAP (Manager's Assessment of Performance - or something like that). Basically, you formulate your goals for the year, and then measure your progress against them.

I'm not going into the Human Resources and productivity aspects of this exercise. But I do think that it is a fabulous lesson akin to the Jewish idea of Cheshbon Hanefesh- An accounting of the soul. In that spiritual exercise, a person measures their life against the spiritual ideal. The obvious link is that both activities are meant to force us to reconcile where we stand presently with our stated goals. And the intention is that both will remind us of what is needed to get there.

Being goal focused is one of the hardest things in life for me. Having a goal means having failure when you don't make it.