I decided I would post a list of goals for the future, along with chances of success and progress. I figure somebody might find it interesting.

Primary Goals

Start a business

• Chances of success: 100%
• Reason: Starting one is simple, no one says it has to succeed

I really want to work for myself in the future. They way I see it, when you work for someone else you are making more money for them than you are actually making yourself. Therefore, I might as well just work for myself. Although, I’ll have to work for someone else to start with, since I need startup funds and I don’t like loans. I’ll probably end up getting a job and living on the lowest amount possible, while banking the rest for venture capital. I also don’t really know what kind of business I’ll create, but I’d like to do something in the media sector.

Make a movie (a decent one)

• Chances of success: 75%
• Reason: I don’t really see why this one would be particularly hard, assuming I don’t need ridiculous effects or anything. Some decent actors would probably even work for free or cheap for the exposure. All that’s required is a little money for equipment. (You could argue about the chances of it being “decent”, but that is rather subjective).

I’ve always wanted to make a movie. I think it’s a great form of media. I’d actually consider movies to have more raw potential than books,  if only for their accessibility.

Make a video game

• Chances of success: 90%
• Reason: I’m a computer science student, I could technically do this even right now, although it wouldn’t be very good.

I actually like video games moreso for their storytelling potential than they’re play value. They are like an interactive movie, and I don’t think that aspect of them is exploited enough. For reference, one game that did exploit it, and did it well, was Shadow of the Colossus.

Get my pilot’s licence

• Chances of success: 90%
• Reason: I actually already have all the knowledge required to fly a plane thanks to my time in air cadets, I just need to get certified. It’s only a matter of a little time and money.

I’ve always liked flying, because it is awesome. Also, it’s badass to just stand up and go “well, I think I’ll go halfway across the country today” and then actually follow through. Whether or not I’ll be able to afford my own plane is another matter, though.

Learn to draw

• Chances of success: 100%
• Reason: I’ve already gotten somewhat okay. I think it’ll only take a few more years of practice before I would say I “can” draw.

I’ve always found drawing fascinating. Being able to show 3D objects on a 2D plane is an interesting mental ability. As well, you can draw absolutely anything. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and skill. It’s a very honest form of expression. Good stuff. Next goal is related to this one.

Make a cartoon

• Chances of success: 35%
• Reason: Animation is freaking expensive. It takes a lot of time and money to do it, and I’m not sure I’ll become a good enough artist to do it all myself (or that crazy of a workaholic)

Since I like drawing, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that I like animation. It doesn’t really matter what I’m watching, if it’s animated I find it fun. Giving the illusion of motion through rapid fire drawn 2D images is cool. As well, things are possible in cartoons which would be ridiculous to do in a live movie.

Get rich

• Chances of success: 80%
• Reason: I’m actually not really sure why I feel so sure that I’ll achieve this goal. I suppose I just think that if I pursue it hard enough (which I will, since my other goals are very reliant on this one) that within the ~80 years I’m alive I should be able to pull it off.

I don’t really think I have to explain this one.  However, I do want to say that I don’t want to get rich just to buy myself nice things or anything silly like that. I want to get rich to help myself complete my other goals. Really, the money is a catalyst for other goals, not a real goal itself.

Become tetralingual

• Chances of success: 75%
• Reason: I’m already what I would consider close to trilingual with German, English, and French under my belt. Close because I am not particularly good at G or F. Next up I’m adding Japanese.

It kind of makes me feel weird that there are entire populations of people out there who I can’t communicate with. So, I want to learn as many languages as possible. As well, the more people I can communicate with, the more opinions, ideas, and general knowledge I can acquire. Useful.

Gain public recognition

• Chances of success: 50%
• Reason: I actually don’t have a good way of predicting this. I’m just hoping that something I do will attract some attention

Everyone wants some respect.

Secondary Goals

These goals are a bit lower priority, and perhaps what some people would consider a little ridiculous.

Make robots

• Chances of success: 20%
• Reason: I’m a computer science student, I have the general knowledge for it.

I’ve always found robots interesting, and I’d like to make at least one someday. If I get rich, this is definitely an area I would invest in, which would allow me to complete this goal through proxy, at least.

Talk at TED

• Chances of success: ??%
• Reason: I have no idea how hard it is to be invited to talk at TED.

I just want to.

Publish a decently popular book

• Chances of success: 20%
• Reason: I would be completely sure I could do this, but I’m just not that crazy about the idea.

I think every wants to publish something and watch it become popular. It’s a nice feeling.

Make a comic

• Chances of success: 30%
• Reason: I’m not really sure I would have the time to do this.

Pretty much goes back to the drawing goal.

Minor Goals

Just some small goals I’m not too concerned about.

• Play, maybe even sing, in a band that is not shit (whether on account of me or someone else)
• Maybe do something in politics
• I’d like to do stuff that encourages interest in space, and maybe go there myself someday
• Live forever

That’s it for now, I might think of some more later.