This is an E-mail from a lady who attended our school recently, "You talked about us setting goals in your class at Bane-Clene Institute. Have you ever set specific goals, what were they, did you achieve them and have you ever failed?" This was my answer:
Dear Karen,
Thanks for asking. Yes! I've set and reached many goals in my life and I've failed at some, too. Most of my successes have come about almost as a matter of destiny. Except for the experience factor, the failures have been ignored as much as possible.
The earliest I can remember really wanting something was in first grade. I wanted to be an alter boy and I finally got the job at age ten. Later, as a boy soprano in the choir, I reached the goal of singing the "Ave Maria" solo before my voice changed.
After Pearl Harbor, all I could think about was joining the Marines. I enlisted on my seventeenth birthday, June 25, 1944. Promotions were natural goals in the Corps and I made it to the rank of Sergeant. While in the Corps, I met Elizabeth and knew I wanted to marry her. As a result of that goal, I became a husband, father and grandfather.
Baseball was a dream in my youth, but I didn't have the talent or opportunity to play professionally. My love for the game led to coaching in Little League, Pony League, Connie Mack and American Legion Baseball programs. My teams won league, city, regional and two state championships with only two losing seasons in fourteen years.
Along the way I've become CEO of a corporation, Commander of an American Legion Post and our Mayor appointed me to serve on a city board. I've written two books and for thirty years published a magazine and newsletter. Most of those things came about as a result of developments rather than setting specific goals.
A recent goal accomplishment came in 2010. It doesn't sound like much, but at age 83, I shot under my age twice with an 81 and 82 at Hillcrest Country Club. I always thought I'd have to live to be at least 95 before that would happen. Only golfers will appreciate the significance of shooting one's age or under.
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I'd like to hear your comments on this article.
Please e-mail me at wfbane@baneclene.com.
