How often do we set ambitious goals come Jan. 1?
How often do we fulfill most of them?
Where are we going wrong?
I think I found few problems with my previous approach to resolutions.
1. Defining goals that are not completely up to me.
I think it is intimidating to put down goals such as "get published". What if you fail?
I think a better goal to set is "submit x articles for publication". So that you just have to worry about doing your part.
2. Accountability. I am a procrastinator at heart, so it is oh so easy to get to December with nothing but good intentions.
So I break down my goals month by month -- every yearly goal broken down into steps.
Print out the "month" sheet and put it on the refrigerator.
Get graded. Post a reward for 80% compliance(nobody is perfect and life happens). Email the list to friends.
So here I am posting mine for JAN. (oh, nothing wrong with getting a head start, if possible, to make it easier later).
Goals for the year:
Visit new country (done every year)
Max out ROTH (done every year)
Save $400 monthly outside retirement accounts
Have 20 ski days this season (18 days last season)
Finish Chinese language courses
Try new sport
Learn 12 New dishes (1 per month)
Loose 20 lb
Eat healthier
(very stereotypical, I know)
Every month I check of the monthly list and write down what progress has been made on each goal.
The difference between a New Year's RESOLUTION and a PLAN
December 9th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
December 9th, 2008 at 11:15 pm 1228864521
December 9th, 2008 at 11:29 pm 1228865348
December 10th, 2008 at 12:08 am 1228867706