A quarterback wouldn't think of making a play without looking down the field – do you?

In initial planning stages the long term view is frequently overshadowed or left out of the discussion entirely.

This can happen for various reasons: the potential life of the effort is unknown; the time frame with which to prepare before launching is abbreviated; goals beyond immediate are yet to be determined.

Whatever the reason for its absence, sustainability is a key element of every effort and should be taken into account. The successful efforts in business, fundraising, issue advocacy, public relations have a vision for what the future brings.

Many of us have been across the desk from an interviewer asking the dreaded question that you hope you have the right answer to: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? It is a question that is disliked so intensely because it forces us to think about it and verbalize it. As painful as it may be, it is critically important to look ahead.

For sure long term plans and goals will change, but they are still necessary. Even as focus shifts, look down the field and keep the long term plan and goals an evolving part of the discussion and plan.