Each year I set goals for myself. Some would call them resolutions, but the statistical stigma associated with failed resolutions makes me want to avoid that term. For many years, I have set both personal and professional. Once I have the goal established, I will outline steps I should take to reach that goal. A lot of times I do it informally. Last year in my planner, I had a page every month where I divided it into 4 sections. Within each section I had a goal for the year. Then I drew web diagrams of what I needed to do in relation to reaching that goal.
I love getting a new planner every year – started when I was teaching. Being a list maker, I list my monthly goals and my daily to-dos in the planner. I find encouragement in checking off the items on my list. My new planner does not have a page where I can create the spider diagrams, so I am going to have to find a way to incorporate that or just take some pieces of paper, create them, and keep them in the pocket folder in the planner.
I thought I would share some of the goals I have set for this year, and then throughout the year check in and update my progress.
Personal Goals
- I started working through The Artist’s Way in November. A friend and I decided to work through it together at the same time so that we not only had someone to whom we would be accountable but also someone with whom we could talk through thoughts and ideas. A goal for this year is to finish working through the book. (This one also counts as a professional goal for me.)
- With Jazzercise, the goal for the year is to attend/participate in 150 classes for the year – to be a goal getter. That is my goal for this year. Last year I attended 111 classes.
- I want to develop a consistent, strong meditation practice. I’ve dabbled in it and have done meditation sporadically, but I truly believe that it is key to my well-being and health. I’ve listened to podcasts and know that I have the right tools and space to develop the practice.
- I recently read about an organization called Warm Up America. A goal for this year is to give back in some way. Since I would like to get back to knitting and/or crocheting, I see this as a way to do both. I think initially I will start with crocheting the squares, and then maybe work my way up to scarves, hats, mittens, and blankets.
- I listened to many podcasts last year about intuitive eating and bought a book to read. Having almost finished the book, much of what I read makes sense to me. I also bought the workbook and barely started working through it in October or so but have not picked it up to continue since then. My goal for this year is to finish going through the workbook and adopt the principles of intuitive eating as a means to better health and well-being.
Professional Goals
- Complete The Artist’s Way book as mentioned above. Creativity is something I want to continue to develop.
- Read three or four books on the craft of writing in order to improve my own. Possible titles include Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated) An Editor’s Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner. Maybe re-read The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White and On Writing Well by William Zinsser – both of these I used while teaching composition.
- Continue publishing blog posts on Soul of Quick and Jones. Lofty goal – four times a month. Conservative/realistic goal – two times a month.
- Write at least half of the book I am writing. There are and will be excerpts of the book published as posts on this blog.
- Take on more responsibility with RLJ Global so that I can better assist Rodney and help build the business.
So, these are some of my goals for 2020. I have several other small typical ones like organize the spare bedroom closet, organize bathroom cabinets, make more meals at home, and so forth, but these are my big list items above.
Accountability and You
Nothing like putting my goals up on a blog to be held accountable for them. What goals for 2020 have you set for yourself? Please feel free to share!