How to Set Goals

One day, Evocrates, the wise and mysterious old platypus who lives high in the western mountain range, appeared to Plato. He said, “Life is upon you, little platypus. You must choose your goals wisely for your future depends upon it.”

“You will travel throughout this island on a journey to your destiny. Like life itself, the different regions of E-VOUS Island represent aspects of a well-balanced personality. The western mountains have hills and valleys, just as your emotions have ups and downs. The Walla-Walla River in the south mirrors the physical elements of life. The bamboo forest in the east contains many of the spiritual mysteries of life. And in the north, the desert protects certain arcane knowledge that will stimulate your mind.”

“In order to reach the highest peak where you will find the key to your past and your future, you must journey through each of these regions. The island will move and shift according to how well you achieve your goals. Areas of E-VOUS Island will open to you as you grow, while others will remain closed. But one area in each of the four regions will always be open to you. In this manner, the island ensures you remember to set goals in each of the four aspects of your life. If you neglect one aspect of your life, the other areas will suffer too. Balance is the essence of life and Nature.”

“Since you are a young platypus, I will provide you with examples from each of the four aspects of life. Use these as a guide, but do not fail to look within yourself for the true goals of your existence. Self-knowledge is the ultimate purpose of setting goals, just as achieving those goals is the ultimate purpose of self-knowledge.”

1. Emotional

• Face a fear.
• Tell a family member you love them.

2. Physical

• Go for a walk.
• Stretch.

3. Spiritual

• Name one thing you are thankful for.
• Give thanks for something in your life.

4. Intellectual

• Memorize a poem.
• Do your homework or balance your checkbook.