What is Americans’ top goal in life?
July 9th, 2008, 5:00 am · 12 Comments · posted by Jan Norman, small-business columnist
One in three Americans say their higest priority is to own their own business, according to a new survey in the August/September issue of SUCCESS magazine.
The uncertain economy coupled with across-the-board layoffs and job cuts are reasons the publication cites for people wanting business ownership to have more control over their financial futures.
Among other top goals in the survey of more than 2,800 adults:
- Retire early, 31%
- Raise a family, 16%
- Purchase a dream house, 10%
- Get in shape, 10%
Now here’s the scary part: SUCCESS did a follow-up survey found that 20% of the 1,200 Americans polled have no life goals.
Surprised by that response, Publisher and Editorial Director Darren Hardy has developed a list of 27 resources to help people get on the path to success.
Among the resources:
- A written list of personal goals
- Electronic bill payment - saves time
- Contact database - “You cannot become successful as a hermit”
- Good dress shoes - Quality, style and how you take care of your shoes say a lot about you.
What about your goals? Take the poll:
OTHER STORIES:
- Is your workplace a dictatorship?
- 7 O.C. high school students win entrepreneur scholarships
- O.C. businesses much more affordable than homes
- Two O.C. companies make fastest growth list
- Something you DON’T need for business success?
July 9th, 2008 at 8:54 am
God Bless America
July 9th, 2008 at 10:12 am
No matter what we try to do ourselves, whether own a business, lose
weight, we are slowly realizing it is impossible to do on our own.
When is everyone going to become aware there is something
larger than ourselves in control here.
God is the creator of all. He is in control. His ways are not ours.
He has a plan for every single one of us.
It is time we acknowledge Him and put our trust in Him for our
economy and lives.
Through God we will have complete success.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
It’s funny so many people would want to spread religion by force rather than pursue their own interests or accomplishments. Says a lot about where the goals have gone and why so many would rather work than create jobs.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
No “life” goals? Does this surprise anyone? Between layoffs, gas prices, government bureaucracy, lawyers, bleak news, environmental deterioration, etc. 1 in 5 people have probably correctly surmised that they are no longer in control of such things.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
To live my life in such a way as to honor and glorify God. Even during these hard times, God is in control. He wants us to rely on Him for all our needs. So by trusting in Him for everything I can find motiviation to live a life that will bring Him honor and Glory.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
one thing i have learned running a company for over 10 years is that i would never own my own business.. and if i knew what it would be like, never would of got my degrees in business. what a waste. especially for woman, who are treated as second class citizens.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
This explains a lot.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Tracy or David, Can you please tell God to lower fuel prices then, Thanks Please let me know ASAP. As this will lower food and prices of goods across the board, We would all really appreciate it.
Thanks Again.
July 10th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Owning your own business is not for everyone and most people opt out by working for someone else.
As a serial entrepreneur who has started 19 companies over the last 40 years I freely admit that I wouldn’t have it any other way. I work for the best boss in the world who as alway supportive when I want a raise, time off, new perks. Yes I’ve been trough recessions, high interest rates, and booms. But then again so have most people who work in private enterprise.
Owning a business gives you the perception of control over your future since you decide what, when, how and why you want to do something and don’t have to ask. You can crate a big or small business, simple or complex, make a little or a lot of money; it’s your choice.
Having a written list of goals is important only if you look at them strive to achieve them every day.
Retire early? Not me, I am having too much fun helping others achieve their goals.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it.
Robert Heinlein
(1907-1988)
July 11th, 2008 at 1:01 am
[...] you need to know Bankruptcies leap 134% in first six monthsWhat is Americans’ top goal in life?Employers cut 79,000 jobs in JuneIs your workplace a dictatorship?Micro-businesses cut health [...]
July 15th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
To be the best person I can be. Thru honoring God and keeping his commandments. To love one another for God is Love. As a Hospice Nurse, believe me nothing matters at the end of this life, except “Will I make it into the Kingdom of God or Satan! ” WWJD