Have you ever developed a vision statement for your life?  I haven't until this last week.  Oh sure I've written "future" resumes where I have degrees or job qualifications listed as if in the future in order to try and get a picture of where I wanted to go, but until this last week I really haven't written a vision statement.  If you're wondering, yes it was part of my curriculum in school this week but it is a really eye opening exercise.  It forced me to look at where I am, why I'm doing what I'm doing in school, in work, in my spiritual life and in my relationships with other people.  If I paint a picture of where I want to be in 5 years, as if it has already happened and I look at what I'm doing today, is this conducive with my desires?  I found out something surprising, it wasn't.

Oh sure in 5 years I will be where I want to be in education, profession and in a hobby such as guitar playing or maybe even in some of the "stuff" I've wanted for years, but I won't be where I want to be spiritually, physically and in my personal relationships with others.  It kind of made me step back and take some stock in my life.  I can certainly say that now, today is a period of transition in my life for the better.  I have resolved to not just complete the assignment that was given to me, but to put this into practice.  Which is the point of an education right?  To lead to the ability to put things into practice that perhaps we had not previously considered? 

If you haven't thought of doing a vision statement in your life, try it, you may be surprised at the results.  Google "personal vision statement" and you'll find a bunch of tools and examples.  A quick example to point you in the right direction is:

"I have completed my formal education but have dedicated myself to life long learning.  I have learned to play piano and am quite competent in various classical compositions.  I have learned a second language, Spanish and am getting regular practice whenever possible.  I have become a better husband and father.  I am out of personal debt except for my house."

You get the point.  For me writing as if from the perspective of 5 years from now and looking back, it is the easier and most entertaining.  Try something like this and put your educational goals in the statement and see where it is you really want to be in the next half decade.  Go ahead; remind yourself what it is you are working for.