For 20 years, she has been a CEO after adopting a goal-setting strategy in high school.

A framed piece of paper on her desk contains the strategy for success of Julia Stewart.

For over five decades, the 68-year-old CEO has been consistently updating a list of life goals.

Stewart, who became IHOP's first-ever female CEO in 2002, has spent approximately 20 years as a chief executive and currently serves in that role at Alurx, a wellness company she founded in 2020. She started her first life goals when she graduated from high school and has changed them, usually, around every 10 years.

She has always focused on three categories for her goals: career, personal life, and giving back. Currently, her list comprises ten items, ranging from family-oriented objectives like "love, encourage, and commit to" her husband Tim and "love and nourish" her children to work goals such as "build Alurx to be the #1 wellness app" and "mentor women from all walks of life."

Remember to be a great friend, practice gratitude every day, and take care of your body, heart, and soul.

As a marketing executive for restaurant chains like Burger King early in her career, Stewart's primary objectives were to acquire more responsibility and accountability. However, her focus shifted to helping others advance their careers when she became a CEO.

"Stewart measures success differently today, focusing on helping others and making a difference in their daily lives. He has been to the mountaintop before, but this time he wants to take others with him and make a positive impact."

Writing down a goal creates accountability

Experts suggest that writing down both short-term and long-term goals is beneficial.

Some research suggests that individuals who document their objectives are more likely to ultimately attain them.

Writing down your goals at age 16, as well as sharing them with friends and family, can increase the likelihood of achieving them, according to billionaire Richard Branson in a 2018 blog post.

According to Stewart, three elements of her list have remained constant: the phrase "take care of my mind, body, and soul," the concept of "paying it forward," and the idea of "always be learning." The latter two are lessons she learned from her parent-teachers.

Stewart emphasizes the importance of personal fulfillment and enrichment, career development, and physical health and mental wellness in achieving success, stating that these aspects have remained relevant even as her goals have changed over time.

"At this stage in my life, I prioritize setting up my career for the long term, expanding it, and engaging with individuals who will likely be involved for an extended period. Additionally, it's crucial to me to integrate my family into my work and find ways to contribute back."

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