Goals: Case Studies
- personal995
- May 6, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Index
Case Studies: By Examples
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
Purpose
Goals: Case Studies is a section of Goals.
This page and section exists to provide examples of what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
Introduction
Take heed of the stories of others. We are a storying telling species, they help us remember.
We often won't understand the ramifications of poor planning, preparation or actions until it is too late. We have all had to learn something over and over. Either 'the penny doesn't drop,' we have cognitive biases that hold us back, or we do not quite yet have the accumulated knowledge or experience to tie it all together.
The Case Studies are provided to help show what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
The Case Studies are just appetisers to get you started. Read the referenced further readings in the Library (or similar books that might more readily align with your specific goals) to really submerse yourself into another's experience and absorb the learnings.
Process
As with the Lessons, review these Case Studies as and when it best serves you to do so:
Review with the aim of prevention in mind. To avoid having to learn the hard way yourself.
Review if you are stuck on a specific phase or step.
Review if you are making repetitive errors.
Review if you need inspiration and motivation.
Review if you need to review or reconstruct your Models & Theories.
Review if you are looking for inspiration for Values or Goals.
Absorb and Action the Case Studies:
Document any insights or ideas in your Templates and ultimately if suitable, in your Action Plan.
Read more deeply about someone you may want to emulate.
If the individuals mentioned do not resonate with you, who does? Discover them and learn their story.
Take what you learn and put it into action.
Whatever you discover that you need to learn, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. Again, what matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Case Studies: By Example
1. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born into poverty in a log cabin in Kentucky. Lincoln faced numerous setbacks and challenges throughout his life. However, through his unwavering commitment to his goals, he rose to become one of the most revered leaders in American history.
Lincoln's story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a steadfast dedication to his principles. Despite growing up in humble circumstances and receiving limited formal education, he possessed a keen intellect and a strong desire for self-improvement. Lincoln set ambitious goals for himself, aspiring to rise above his circumstances and make a meaningful difference in the world.
One of Lincoln's most enduring goals was to abolish slavery and preserve the Union during a time of deep division and turmoil in the United States. With unwavering determination and strategic leadership, he navigated the country through the Civil War, ultimately issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and leading the nation to victory.
Lincoln's ability to maintain his focus and determination in the face of adversity offers valuable lessons for individuals striving to achieve their own goals. Despite facing countless setbacks and failures throughout his political career, Lincoln never wavered in his commitment to his principles and vision for a better future.
Furthermore, Lincoln's dedication to self-improvement and lifelong learning exemplifies the importance of continuous growth and development in achieving one's goals. Throughout his life, he voraciously read books and sought out knowledge from a wide range of sources, honing his intellect and refining his leadership skills.
Ultimately, Abraham Lincoln's story serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of goal-setting, determination, and perseverance. By understanding, deciding upon, and maintaining his goals with unwavering resolve, Lincoln was able to leave a lasting legacy that continues to inspire individuals around the world.
Further reading: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln (Doris Kearns Goodwina)
2. Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor and entrepreneur was born in 1847 in Milan, Ohio. Edison demonstrated a keen interest in science and experimentation from a young age. Despite receiving minimal formal education, he possessed an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering determination to innovate.
Edison's story is marked by his relentless pursuit of goals and his willingness to overcome countless obstacles and failures along the way. Throughout his career, he held a clear vision of revolutionizing the world through technological innovation, and he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to achieving this vision.
One of Edison's most notable goals was the creation of a practical and affordable electric light bulb. Recognizing the potential impact of such an invention, he embarked on an exhaustive process of experimentation and iteration. Despite facing over 1,000 failures in his quest, Edison remained undeterred, famously remarking, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Through his perseverance and determination, Edison eventually succeeded in inventing the first commercially viable incandescent light bulb in 1879. This achievement revolutionized the way people lived and worked, paving the way for widespread electrification and transforming modern society.
In addition to his work on the light bulb, Edison held over 1,000 patents for inventions ranging from the phonograph to the motion picture camera. His relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to set and achieve ambitious goals established him as one of the most influential inventors in history.
Edison's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, deciding upon, and maintaining goals. His relentless determination, coupled with his willingness to learn from failure, enabled him to achieve remarkable success and leave a lasting legacy of innovation and progress.
Further reading: Edison (Edmund Morris)
By reviewing these case studies above you can gain inspiration, seek clarity, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
1. Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, the legendary conqueror and king of Macedonia.
Alexander's story is one of remarkable achievements on the battlefield, as he expanded his empire across vast territories from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and beyond. His military genius and ambition knew no bounds, and he became one of the most successful and influential leaders in history.
However, despite his extraordinary conquests, Alexander's relentless pursuit of power and glory came at a great cost. His insatiable desire for conquest led to constant warfare and bloodshed, resulting in the deaths of countless soldiers and civilians.
Furthermore, Alexander's single-minded focus on expansion and conquest often came at the expense of governance and administration. He struggled to maintain control over his vast empire, leading to internal unrest, rebellion, and eventually the fragmentation of his empire after his death.
Additionally, Alexander's personal life was marked by excess and indulgence. He became increasingly arrogant and tyrannical as he grew older, alienating many of his closest allies and advisors. His reckless behavior and lack of self-awareness ultimately contributed to his untimely death at the age of 32.
The story of Alexander the Great serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power without consideration for the consequences. Despite his undeniable achievements, Alexander's failure to understand the limits of his goals and maintain balance in his life ultimately led to his downfall.
Further reading: The Campaigns of Alexander (Arrian); The History of Alexander by Quintus Curtius Rufus
2. King Midas
(Greek Mythology)
King Midas was granted a wish by the god Dionysus, who offered to grant him anything he desired. Midas, in his greed, wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. Initially delighted with his newfound ability, Midas soon realized the unintended consequences of his wish.
As Midas touched various objects, they indeed turned to gold, including food and drink. However, he quickly discovered that his gift was actually a curse, as he could no longer eat or drink anything without it turning to gold. Even his beloved daughter was transformed into a golden statue when he embraced her.
In his pursuit of wealth and material possessions, Midas neglected to consider the true consequences of his desire. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over other aspects of life, such as family, love, and human connection.
Ultimately, Midas realized the folly of his wish and begged Dionysus to remove the curse. Dionysus obliged, instructing Midas to wash away his greed in the river Pactolus. Midas learned a valuable lesson about the importance of moderation, gratitude, and the limitations of wealth.
The story of King Midas reminds us of the importance of understanding our true desires and the potential consequences of our actions. It serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of unchecked greed and the pursuit of wealth at any cost.
By reviewing these cautionary case studies above you can heed their warnings, adjust to suit, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Strategic Review Worksheet from The Workbook for approaching any Goals related opportunities or challenges, guided by all key learnings from this section.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Goals: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
If you feel you are still in explore and discovery mode, continue onto Goals: Library.
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