Do you plan your goals every year? I sure do. I create a Mind Map similar to the one in the picture and truly believe that goal setting has improved my life. Sometimes the greatest opportunities in life are not planned. These may become the stepping stones that lead to incredible achievements.
Such was the life of Françoise d’Aubigné . She was born in a jail into a troubled family with a deadbeat father. Her choices were limited due to her lowly birth. This was a time when life’s success depended more on pedigree than talent. Her family did not have the money to pay for a dowry that would provide her the opportunity to marry. Her prospects were bleak.
From such humble beginnings, Francoise became the second wife of King Louis XIV. The King could have married any Princess in Europe rather than this daughter of humble birth.
I doubt that Francoise wrote any goals. In fact at the end of her life she shared to her assistant that she could not believe her life had turned out this way. What then enabled her to succeed?
- She was always open to new situations, to learning, and a great conversationalist.
- She was approachable, carried herself with dignity regardless of her situation
- Was dependable and a trusted confidant
- She found a way to be of service to others
When she met the deformed Paul Scarron who offered to marry her, it was not an easy decision to accept his proposition. Scarron was paralized and was looking for a caretaker. She took on the challenge and showed high integrity by staying loyal to him while she cared for him. His connections allowed her to meet and develop the relationships that would ultimately lead to Louis XIV.
When the King found himself with illegitimate children, her name came up as someone who could be their governess and keep the secret safe. She was approached and took on this assignment by giving her best. She loved and cared for these children deeply. The rest is history.
Balancing goal setting with the flexibility of changing plans when opportunities knock on the door is an approach that I believe can raise someone to higher levels of success.
What do you think?
