Quality Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Quality Magazine logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • FEATURED PRODUCTS
    • SUBMIT YOUR PRODUCT
  • CHANNELS
    • AUTOMATION
    • MANAGEMENT
    • MEASUREMENT
    • NDT
    • QUALITY 101
    • SOFTWARE
    • TEST & INSPECTION
    • VISION & SENSORS
  • MARKETS
    • AEROSPACE
    • AUTOMOTIVE
    • ENERGY
    • GREEN MANUFACTURING
    • MEDICAL
  • MEDIA
    • A WORD ON QUALITY PUZZLE
    • EBOOK
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • EVENTS
    • EVENT CALENDAR
    • IMTS
  • DIRECTORIES
    • BUYERS GUIDE >
      • Supplier Insights
    • NDT SOURCEBOOK
    • VISION & SENSORS
    • TAKE A TOUR
  • INFOCENTERS
    • Digital Quality Management Systems
    • NEXT GENERATION SPC & QUALITY ANALYTICS
  • AWARDS
    • ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
    • PLANT OF THE YEAR
    • PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
  • MORE
    • Expert Columns
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • QUALITY STORE
    • INDUSTRY LINKS
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • EMAG
    • eMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
  • SIGN UP!

Jim's Gems: Purpose Supplies Energy

By Jim L. Smith
January 19, 2015

Each year we typically start this blog by talking about goal-setting, so why change the pattern?

There are numerous articles and books focusing on the details of this important subject, so we’ll make a few broad points intended to assist in your goal-setting process.

As we review the previous year’s results and plan for the coming year, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead. How we prepare to meet those challenges determines the difference between success and failure.

Consider the following:

• Set your goals high, but attainable. Goals should make you "stretch." but not be outside your capability to make them achievable. The stronger your sense of purpose, the more energy you will have to follow that purpose.

• Dream big, meaningful dreams with no compromises. The most compelling dreams are the ones that will continue pulling you toward them.

• Live each day with a positive purpose set firmly in front of you. Focused effort will eventually make you tired, and yet after a brief rest, you'll be ready to go again. The weariness that comes from living with no purpose can be diminished only by directing your efforts toward a meaningful objective.

There is a powerful, meaningful, compelling vision with which you can personally connect. Choose to open yourself to the things that are the most meaningful to you, and fill your moments with powerful purpose.

A strong sense of purpose will give you energy and keep you going past the challenges, distractions and temptations that come along. Purpose will make a positive difference in everything you do.

Keep the above in mind as you set goals for the coming year. They may help bring clarity to the process.

Think about it...

KEYWORDS: dreams goal-setting goals

Share This Story

Qm0222 clmn face p2 author jim smith

Jim L. Smith has more than 45 years of industry experience in operations, engineering, research and development and quality management. You can reach Jim at [email protected]

Blog Topics

Shifting the Paradigm

Jim's Gems

Steve Adams: Operational Strategies

Recent Comments

Therefore great deal to take place over kinds...

Gee… I translate writes on a similar to...

As it turned out, it is quite possible...

For some it is significant, and so research...

nike tiffany and co jacket

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Quality audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Quality or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Key Takeaways for Quality Leaders
    Sponsored byComplianceQuest

    Key Takeaways for Quality Leaders from the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for QMS

  • This image shows a person seated next to a Bobcat T66 compact track loader.
    Sponsored byPolyWorks by InnovMetric

    Supercharging Digital Gauging at Bobcat North America

  • Dorsey Calibration Lab photo by Tom LaBarbera Picture this Studios
    Sponsored byDorsey Metrology International

    Ensuring Product Quality in a Competitive Manufacturing Landscape

Popular Stories

This image shows a person seated next to a Bobcat T66 compact track loader.

Supercharging Digital Gauging at Bobcat North America

a professional in the aviation field performing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work

Manufacturing Retention: Strategies for Improving Company Culture, Engagement and Skill Development

Dorsey Calibration Lab photo by Tom LaBarbera Picture this Studios

Ensuring Product Quality in a Competitive Manufacturing Landscape

2026 Quality Professional of the Year!

Events

June 22, 2026

Automate 2026

Automate is North America's largest robotics and automation event — and the best place to take your ideas from insight to impact.
 
Our show floor features the world’s leading automation solutions, from AI and robotics to motion control, vision systems, and more. Plus, our educational conference is second to none, led by the brightest minds in automation today.
 
Ready to transform the way you work? Take the next step at Automate.
July 14, 2026

Quality Leaders Forum: Better Communication, Better Quality Data

The Quality Leaders Forum is a quarterly, editor-moderated fireside chat series hosted by Quality Magazine, featuring candid conversations with senior manufacturing and operations executives shaping enterprise-level quality.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Lean Manufacturing and Service Fundamentals, Applications, and Case Studies

Lean Manufacturing and Service Fundamentals, Applications, and Case Studies

See More Products
Quality Podcast Channel Custom Content
×

Stay in the know with Quality’s comprehensive coverage of
the manufacturing and metrology industries.

Newsletters | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Manufacturing Division
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Reprints
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing