There are many metaphors that can be assigned to the Long Term Goal to. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Lighthouse - lighthouses were built along coastlines to protect ships from rocks and hazards, as the light guides travelers home. Your Long Term Goal is your own personal lighthouse. As you travel through your life, keep an eye out for its light. It will guide you on decisions in alignment with your values.

2. Compass - a compass guides us to and helps orient us to our surroundings. In Orienteering you find a point to move to and use the compass to negotiate your way to that point. Your Life Purpose helps you do just that. It orients you to your surroundings and keeps you on track, always guiding you in the right direction.

3. Trail Markings - I love to hike on a marked trail. It makes the hike so much easier and keeps me from getting lost. Your Long Term Goal contains the trail markings of your personal life trek. It skillfully guides you through the forest of your life as it keeps you on the trail and out of trouble.

4. Mile Marker - this is similar to trail markings for those who prefer travelling by car! Most roads have mile markers that let you know how far you have come and how much farther you need to go. Your Life Purpose does the same thing. Check in to see if where you are heading aligns with your Long Term Goal and you'll stay on the right road.

5. Guardian Angel - a Long Term Goal can be your Guardian Angel, sitting gently on your shoulder, making sure you're going in the right direction. Moving in alignment with your Long Term Goal gets a big "thumbs up" from your Guardian Angel, who will warn you if what you're doing goes against your values.

6. North Star - "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight...." I like to say that on the North Star. On a clear night you can use the North Star to determine which direction you need to go. Your Long Term Goal is your North Star. Check in with it and it will guide you. It never fails.

7. A Flight Plan - Pilots always file a flight plan before setting out on a trip. It let's everyone know the flight path and the estimated time of arrival, and helps them safely get where they're going. Your Long Term Goal is your flight plan for your life's journey.

8. The Harness and The Sword - (from Laurie Beth Jones "The Path - Creating Your Mission statement for Work and for Life") A harness joins you to what is and the sword cuts away all that is false. Your Long Term Goal joins you to your truth and your values, cutting away all that doesn't fit in with your intentional living.

9. GSP (Global Positioning Device) - what an exciting piece of technology! Just tap into the GSP and off you go! A Long Term Goal is your own personal GSP. Check in with it to see how you should proceed based on where you are. If you get lost in the mire of everyday living, just check in with your Long Term Goal and it gets you back on the right road. It's much easier making those hard choices when you have your Long Term Goal as your personal GSP.

10. Jiminy Cricket - this is my personal favorite from the story of Pinnochio. Jiminy was Pinnochio's Long Term Goal, always keeping Pinnochio on the straight and narrow. He kept Pinnochio from becoming a donkey and Pinnochio realized his dream of becoming a real boy. Your Long Term Goal is your own personal Jiminy Cricket. Follow it faithfully and you will realize your dreams!

Your Long Term Goal is the cornerstone of your life journey. Having that in place and following its guidance guarantees a fruitful and satisfying voyage. You will never settle or compromise your values. Just give a little whistle and always let your Life Purpose be your guide!

© 2008 Brenda M. Zeller - Vital Life Coaching