Screw Resolutions, Set Goals

» January 1st, 2008 | Categorized in Misc, Tips

New Year’s Resolutions are a load of crap. Let’s be honest, who really keeps them throughout the year. And the word ‘resolution’ is a downer as well. Look at the definition – it’s a solution to a problem, setting a determination. There’s the problem, having to overlook all your problems to come up with a solution.

Screw that. It’s time to throw out resolutions with those old clothes that don’t fit and its time to set some goals. A goal is something that has an achievement in sight, something attainable that will make you feel good in the end. But don’t get too carried away and be a dreamer, be realistic here.

When I’m not at my less-than-fulfilling job, I make up a list of goals to accomplish for the day, usually carrying it around with me as items become completed and checked off. These goals are small and to the point - pay this bill, buy milk, laundry, etc… But when it comes to setting yearly goals, it’s all about perspective.

There’s 52 weeks in a year, plenty of time, right? Wrong. Time is fleeting and most people either live by the hour hand or totally disregard it. Instead of making outlandish resolutions like paying off all your debt, try cutting it in half. This allows your mind and body not to stress out over a goal that is not completely attainable, I mean a resolution. Remember, goals are intended to be accomplished while resolutions are problem solvers.

Here are some of my goals for 2008:

Pay off truck loan by March
Cut credit card debit in half
Check out SkyMiles/SkyPoints, which is better?
Finish local interviews for Saving Hunter book
Start selling photographic prints
Blog more
Buy a compact digital camera
Redo portfolio
Find a new, fulfilling job

One of the great things about goals is that they can be updated, marked off and added onto at a later date. Keep your yearly goals in a few stationary places, like next to the desktop, in the kitchen, in an online notebook and wallet. Remind yourself to look at the goals, evaluate the status and what are the next steps to having accomplishment.

It’s the first day of 2008 and I have my yearly and daily goal list ready, how about you?