Dangers of being highly goal oriented

Recently I was in Cocoa Beach, where I was focused on getting a project (series of smaller projects) completed by a specific time.  One morning I got a call from a friend telling me he was in town for a short time, but had no car. He did not ask directly, but he wanted have me pick him up, just to get together for awhile.  He also wanted to come see my project.  This was a multi-day project, which had to be done by a specific time.

His call interrupted my time line and disrupted my short term planning.  I visited with him for 15 or 20 minutes and told him if he was still in town I would meet him for lunch.  I knew that I could rearrange short term project steps by then.

Looking back, I should have stopped and gone to pick him up. I could have it worked out.  I did have Charlie coming to help me, but could have rearranged what Charlie would do while I was gone.


A strong goal orientation is a necessary component of success, but can also be a detriment in life.  It is hard (for me anyway) to turn off and on.

I apologize, Al.

If you have friends, associates, or employees with a strong goal orientation, try not to blame them if they seem to sometimes snub you or seem irritated when interrupted.  It is the way they are wired.  They may be goal oriented and not appreciative of obstacles.   (Please note:   There are other reasons for not liking to be interrupted or bring curt with people which are not so noble as being goal oriented)