May 2008 Summary

Richard McVicker, a patent illustrator (see some of his drawings at the bottom of the page) and successful inventor (see a list of some of his patents at the bottom of the page), shared with us his insight into how important it is for us to set goals for ourselves. What is a goal? What you expect to accomplish. A result you prepare to achieve with a high degree of certainty. Why set a goal? To invent yourself. Most of all, a goal is personal. The purpose of setting a goal is to create your self-image (how you see yourself), to define who you are, and therefore to determine what you can actually accomplish. Everyone has a potential to accomplish, determined by our physical selves and by our environment. Self-image does not change that potential, but it does greatly affect what you actually do with your potential, how you actually interact with and change yourself, the world, and your relation to the world. A winner is never surprised to win, and a loser is never surprised to lose. If you supervise others, have each person participate in setting a group goal, or persuade each person to accept your goal as their own goal. To overcome fear. Fear can freeze people. Setting goals gives us the security of a solid plan and the power of a clear mind, relaxing us to move freely as we go about doing what we need to do. The habit of setting appropriate goals helps you accomplish useful things, helps you be who you want to be. Don't waste your ability. Goals set too low unnecessarily limit you. Remember the conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat: `Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?' `That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat. `I don't much care where--' said Alice. `Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat. `--so long as I get somewhere,' Alice added as an explanation. `Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.' How can you accomplish your goals? You will almost always achieve a goal that includes these 4 parts: 1. Meaning. Your goal must be personal, a part of you - big, and very significant to you. 2. Emotion. Because your goal matters so much to you, your happiness depends on accomplishing it. Because you will be dissatisfied until you achieve your goal, your emotions will drive you to achieve it. Achieving your goal will be emotionally rewarding. 3. Interaction. Make your goal public. Let others know about your goal so they can help you achieve it. There is strength in numbers. 4. Reality. Make your goal physical. What are the details? a) Believable. You might not have the ability to play golf as well as Tiger Woods, but you can probably learn to putt more effectively. b) Written. Clearly define your goal in physical terms. Identify specific people and materials, and what your specific interactions with them will be. c) Time. Schedule specific times for working on and accomplishing different stages of your goal. Act effectively (move toward something worthwhile, do the right thing) and efficiently (move skillfully, do the thing right). Do the right thing, in the right way, in the right place, at the right time. Thank you for helping us improve our lives, Mr. McVicker!