thinking ahead

This last week I have been at a conference where we were urged to plan ahead. Think of the outcome you wish to see and then what are the things that will show that this outcome has been reached. Then, what are the things I must do to help this happen. It has me thinking about my life and work.
One leader said that until a couple of years ago his organization (a huge mission organization) had looked at what they had achieved, drawn a target around the achieved and celebrated!
But no more, now they have set out to achieve some very large and important outcomes and are focused like a laser beam on them.
This really has me thinking about living life with real goals and purpose so as to best make use of the time we are given to make a difference.