Goal Setting 101
It seems that every year, I am a sheep and follow the herd in the whole New Year's Resolution thing. After many years of setting said resolutions and failing just miserably, I determined this wasn't the thing for me. But could everyone be so wrong? Setting out with good intentions come the New Year is hardly offensive and should even be commended.
Careful reflection showed me my problem was with the terminology. "Resolution" has such a strong meaning, and failing under such terms made me feel just awful. Several years ago, I changed the word Resolution to Goals. And still didn't feel all that comfortable. I guess I just don't handle failure well. Obstacles are all well and good, but my goals were still either highly unattainable (meet the Pope) or just boring enough (workout more, eat right) for me to chuck them by the wayside. I mean, shouldn't those just be gimme's in the world?
So I revised this whole goal-setting thing, and herewith document those goals for the New Year. I think they're manageable. We shall see just how much so.
2006 Goals
Travel Smarter: Let's face it, I travel a lot. And for someone who is not new to this, I still pack like I am going away for weeks on end -- and will hit the most inclement of weather along the way. I hide all this in one bag, so my travel companions have no idea what a freak I really am -- until they offer to pick up the case. When it's March in London, do I really need three varying weights of sweater, three jeans, three black pants, two khaki pants, several suits and camis, plus the usual assortment of undergarments, sleepwear, cosmetics (must really cut down on this as well) and various and sundry other items, all for a one week trip? The answer really is no. Bonus: If I succeed at this, there will be more room for fabulous purchases whilst on said trips.
Care Less: I tend to get highly involved in the most ridiculous of situations. I get sucked right in and then have no choice but to begin to care just a little bit. For instance, cube-mate Double C commits to drinks with old co-workers, discusses it on end with me, asks me for directions and still doesn't show up, and I care. It's not the big things. Caring about the big things is normal. And I think my level of feeling toward such matters is appropriate. I just need to step back from the stupid little things. After all, it's not about me. Really, I can be that person.
Make More Time for Me: It's true, I'm a giving gal. Time is nothing for those I care about (the normal dose of caring, that is). However, I tend to give away plenty and not keep enough for me. Me time is good. Enough said.
Work at Something I Love: Or if not love, then highly enjoy. Like writing. I have way too many ideas floating around and almost as many half-begun somewhere.
Listen More; Speak Softer: Who listens too much? Ok, I'm sure there may be some people. But I know that I could use a bit more listening time. Especially in those instances when the mind wanders. As for speaking softer...well, I'm loud. What can I say? This will be my challenge for the year. Everyone needs one.
Buy My Home: It's so right around the corner, and yes, since I know it's happening soon, I shouldn't even put it down. But in my fine-tuned goal setting steps, you have to have one big goal you just know you will accomplish, and this is the one for 2006.
Six goals. All quite do-able. Just the way to close out 2005. Happy New Year to all!
Careful reflection showed me my problem was with the terminology. "Resolution" has such a strong meaning, and failing under such terms made me feel just awful. Several years ago, I changed the word Resolution to Goals. And still didn't feel all that comfortable. I guess I just don't handle failure well. Obstacles are all well and good, but my goals were still either highly unattainable (meet the Pope) or just boring enough (workout more, eat right) for me to chuck them by the wayside. I mean, shouldn't those just be gimme's in the world?
So I revised this whole goal-setting thing, and herewith document those goals for the New Year. I think they're manageable. We shall see just how much so.
2006 Goals
Travel Smarter: Let's face it, I travel a lot. And for someone who is not new to this, I still pack like I am going away for weeks on end -- and will hit the most inclement of weather along the way. I hide all this in one bag, so my travel companions have no idea what a freak I really am -- until they offer to pick up the case. When it's March in London, do I really need three varying weights of sweater, three jeans, three black pants, two khaki pants, several suits and camis, plus the usual assortment of undergarments, sleepwear, cosmetics (must really cut down on this as well) and various and sundry other items, all for a one week trip? The answer really is no. Bonus: If I succeed at this, there will be more room for fabulous purchases whilst on said trips.
Care Less: I tend to get highly involved in the most ridiculous of situations. I get sucked right in and then have no choice but to begin to care just a little bit. For instance, cube-mate Double C commits to drinks with old co-workers, discusses it on end with me, asks me for directions and still doesn't show up, and I care. It's not the big things. Caring about the big things is normal. And I think my level of feeling toward such matters is appropriate. I just need to step back from the stupid little things. After all, it's not about me. Really, I can be that person.
Make More Time for Me: It's true, I'm a giving gal. Time is nothing for those I care about (the normal dose of caring, that is). However, I tend to give away plenty and not keep enough for me. Me time is good. Enough said.
Work at Something I Love: Or if not love, then highly enjoy. Like writing. I have way too many ideas floating around and almost as many half-begun somewhere.
Listen More; Speak Softer: Who listens too much? Ok, I'm sure there may be some people. But I know that I could use a bit more listening time. Especially in those instances when the mind wanders. As for speaking softer...well, I'm loud. What can I say? This will be my challenge for the year. Everyone needs one.
Buy My Home: It's so right around the corner, and yes, since I know it's happening soon, I shouldn't even put it down. But in my fine-tuned goal setting steps, you have to have one big goal you just know you will accomplish, and this is the one for 2006.
Six goals. All quite do-able. Just the way to close out 2005. Happy New Year to all!
