Things To Look Forward To Vs Things We Really Want To Do Vs Formal Goals

As I was flying over the Pacific Ocean to Manila Philippines tonight I was reflecting on how much I need things to look forward to. I believe we are all that way, as humans. I’ve not done any research on it, but I’m pretty sure our cows in the barn anticipate and look forward to me showing up in the barn to take care of them. This reflection really got me thinking about things to look forward to, versus things I really want to do, versus formal goals. I am by nature a very curious person and always finding something new to study. For example, while watching the flight tracker on my flight, which I love by the way, I became interested in Mount Fuji when it showed up on the map just a right turn away by air.

So now, I would say Mount Fuji is on my list of “things I really want to do.” Is it a formal goal? No. I believe this is what curiosity is all about. Here in a few minutes I will be stepping into a new world that I’ve never been – the Philippines. I can’t wait! I built tomorrow into my schedule to have the opportunity to explore and learn more about Manila and Filipino culture. Then, I am looking forward to the next day, when I get to do the opening keynote for the 2026 FLUXX Asia Leadership Conference, and meet individuals from 70 plus other countries. Had that been a formal goal? No. But I was curious when the opportunity came available and now I am really looking forward to the coming days in Manila.

So is there a distinction between things we look forward to, things we really want to do, and formal goals? If anything, I would have to admit that I am the person who allows life to happen and I try to be ready for the things I don’t know I need to be ready for. That is where curiosity, and learning, and doing have served me well and provided me the ability to be ready when opportunity knocked. I would say it is more about systems, structures and processes than goals.

Think about this: winners and losers have the same goals. It is the systems that are in place that make the winning teams. That’s why I believe being a curious learner, looking forward to what is next, having things we really want to do are so important.

Byron's Babbles