It's still January so the topic is still goals. Finally by the end of last week, I was ready to commit my 2007 goals to paper. It's one more step in the process of squeezing more of what I want into this year.
Reflecting on last year's goals - what I achieved and where I fell short of my targets is the first step. Next I deeply contemplate what I want in each role that I play in my life - shapening myself, partner to my sweetie, writer, speaker/trainer/facilitator, coach, breadwinner (which has multiple mini-roles and projects since I piece together my income in a variety of ways) community member, adventurer, family member, and friend. As you know by now, that deep contemplation takes me the whole month of January.
Committing my goals to paper is the next big step of committing myself to my goals. For me that process also entails developing a "to do list template" that recognizes all the above roles that I play and serves as a daily reminder about my goals. I've found that it's not enough just to list my goals. I need a way to keep those goals in my face so I can't weasel out of giving them my attention.
I've never found a commercial planner that fits my particular visual needs - so I design and print my own every year. As you can imagine, buying a planner takes a lot less time than making my own - but my goals are worth that investment! Here's what my planner contains.
1. A vivid cover that shows all the hats I wear - and a few key extras. This year the extras are 300 (for 300 minutes exercise each week) ADVENTURE (for my monthly adventures with Ray plus an adventurous attitude), and BIRD BIO (for my annual family history gift to myself and my family.)
2. Monthly calendars - with my whole goal list printed on the back of the page. Gotta keep those goals in my face!
3. To Do List Templates - in my own visual style for each week of the year.
4. A back cover that lists my 2007 Telewebinar schedule and invites me to record our monthly adventures!
I'm sure I'll report on more of my goals throughout the year, and I'd love to hear how you focus your energies to achieving what you want in your life!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Monday Moment for Health - A Fully Alive Career
If it's still January, I'm still working on my goals. It really does help me to contemplate them fully before I firmly set them.
I've delayed in setting my career goals this year because I've had some potential new projects lurking in the wings, but not yet ready to take the stage. Even if I haven't set my goals to paper, though, these new opportunities have been percolating in my mind - and just came together last week.
One is a done deal - signed and delivered. I'll teach one more School-Age Care Credential Prep Course in addition to the two distance learning courses I'm teaching on the same topic. This one will be in person - and will push me to learn different ways to present similar information. Good career learning. The second opportunity is not quite a done deal, but after nearly a year of incubating, it's starting to come into focus. It too will require a lot of new professional learning.
And it's that cusp of career learning that I feel inspired to write about today. As I look back on my checkered and varied career, I realize that I have almost always felt most alive in my work as I was beginning a new job, taking on a new project, and having to learn a lot in just a little time. I doubt that I've always been fully appreciative of those steep learning curves that new work required of me - and so one of my career goals for 2007 is to really savor and appreciate the excitement of learning new skills.
I think of myself as being a bit less averse to change than many people, but I have my own ways of digging into my comfort zone and dragging myself toward growth only with much kicking and screaming. This year I here I highly resolve to scream a little less and appreciate feeling so alive a lot more!
What do you need to do to feel more fully alive in your work?
I've delayed in setting my career goals this year because I've had some potential new projects lurking in the wings, but not yet ready to take the stage. Even if I haven't set my goals to paper, though, these new opportunities have been percolating in my mind - and just came together last week.
One is a done deal - signed and delivered. I'll teach one more School-Age Care Credential Prep Course in addition to the two distance learning courses I'm teaching on the same topic. This one will be in person - and will push me to learn different ways to present similar information. Good career learning. The second opportunity is not quite a done deal, but after nearly a year of incubating, it's starting to come into focus. It too will require a lot of new professional learning.
And it's that cusp of career learning that I feel inspired to write about today. As I look back on my checkered and varied career, I realize that I have almost always felt most alive in my work as I was beginning a new job, taking on a new project, and having to learn a lot in just a little time. I doubt that I've always been fully appreciative of those steep learning curves that new work required of me - and so one of my career goals for 2007 is to really savor and appreciate the excitement of learning new skills.
I think of myself as being a bit less averse to change than many people, but I have my own ways of digging into my comfort zone and dragging myself toward growth only with much kicking and screaming. This year I here I highly resolve to scream a little less and appreciate feeling so alive a lot more!
What do you need to do to feel more fully alive in your work?
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Passage that Inspired My Reading Journal
The Book: Step Ball Change, by Jeanne Ray
It's a light-hearted novel reminiscent of the Father of the Bride movies with a few extra twists - and dance moves. It's narrated by the mom of the bride. She's 62 and in this passage she's speaking to - and kissing - her husband of 42 years.
...I leaned over and kissed him. I tried to make it count. A person had to be diligent about kissing. Kissing was the affirmation of the union, the secret handshake that identified its members. And even knowing how important it was, it was easy to let it slide altogether and suddenly one day you wake up and realize that's it's been weeks since you've kissed your husband while you had any clothes on. Worse still were the kisses that became mere gestures of kissing, those hard little pecks like the kind you got from a great aunt when you were five, kisses that weren't kisses at all but said instead, I used to kiss you and this is the symbol that now stands in its place. It was the difference between eating a great meal and looking at a picture of food in a magazine. One made you feel full and the other only reminded you that you were hungry.
"I should get bitten by dogs more often," Tom said softly.
I kissed him again.
"What if the district attorney sees me making out in front of the courthouse?"
"He'll know he doesn't have a chance," I said.
Not only did I love that passage, but now I'm determined to be diligent about kissing too!
It's a light-hearted novel reminiscent of the Father of the Bride movies with a few extra twists - and dance moves. It's narrated by the mom of the bride. She's 62 and in this passage she's speaking to - and kissing - her husband of 42 years.
...I leaned over and kissed him. I tried to make it count. A person had to be diligent about kissing. Kissing was the affirmation of the union, the secret handshake that identified its members. And even knowing how important it was, it was easy to let it slide altogether and suddenly one day you wake up and realize that's it's been weeks since you've kissed your husband while you had any clothes on. Worse still were the kisses that became mere gestures of kissing, those hard little pecks like the kind you got from a great aunt when you were five, kisses that weren't kisses at all but said instead, I used to kiss you and this is the symbol that now stands in its place. It was the difference between eating a great meal and looking at a picture of food in a magazine. One made you feel full and the other only reminded you that you were hungry.
"I should get bitten by dogs more often," Tom said softly.
I kissed him again.
"What if the district attorney sees me making out in front of the courthouse?"
"He'll know he doesn't have a chance," I said.
Not only did I love that passage, but now I'm determined to be diligent about kissing too!
Monday Moment Goal for Intellectual Health
Still setting goals! And I have progress to report on goals you've already heard about!
Progress encourages me so let's deal with that first! In the first two weeks of January I've exercised 304 and 307 minutes! I've allowed no exceptions and have been doing at least 30 minutes of exercise every single day. This will be the telling week as research tells us that it takes 21 days to establish a habit. But I'm so proud of myself, I can't imagine that I won't keep at it this week too!
Progress also on my relationship goals. Seeking - and then expressing - specific appreciations for my honey three times a day has been a good reminder for me to not forget. After all there's plenty to appreciate if I only pay attention! I'm doing better on that and also on listening to him in active ways. And we had our first date of the month Friday night - his idea! Yea!
This week I'm going to focus my attention on an intellectual health goal. For several years I've tried to make a record of all the books I read - for fun as well as for learning. But I bet I've actually recorded less than 10% of what I've actually read. It's been too easy to forget, too tempting to just go on to the next book, not rewarding enough to really entice me to continue.
Late last year, though, I heard a great idea from a member of our writers group. Jewel keeps a Reading Journal in which she does more than record what the book is; she copies a few passages that capture the book's essence or that express ideas that grab her at the moment. She admits that it's a chore to do, but that reading back her journal entries is like immersing herself in a bath of pure enjoyment - a chance to savor the very best of what she's already enjoyed.
I loved Jewel's idea and thought I'd like to do that, but hadn't gotten around to it until just this week. Then I read a passage in a light-hearted novel called Step Ball Change by Jeanne Ray - and knew I wanted to keep that passage alive in my head. I bought a cheap but pretty composition book and started my own Reading Journal.
My goal is to record snippets of what I read so I can more truly remember and bask in the beauty and provocation of words. Contrary to what the experts suggest about using one's bedroom only for sleep and sex, I have always loved cuddling into my pillows with a book. So I'm keeping my Reading Journal and a pen that's fun to write with right there on my nightstand. I know myself well, and convenience helps me achieve my goals. And reading is such a joy for me that I'm willing to occasionally sacrifice sleep when I get caught up in a story.
Progress encourages me so let's deal with that first! In the first two weeks of January I've exercised 304 and 307 minutes! I've allowed no exceptions and have been doing at least 30 minutes of exercise every single day. This will be the telling week as research tells us that it takes 21 days to establish a habit. But I'm so proud of myself, I can't imagine that I won't keep at it this week too!
Progress also on my relationship goals. Seeking - and then expressing - specific appreciations for my honey three times a day has been a good reminder for me to not forget. After all there's plenty to appreciate if I only pay attention! I'm doing better on that and also on listening to him in active ways. And we had our first date of the month Friday night - his idea! Yea!
This week I'm going to focus my attention on an intellectual health goal. For several years I've tried to make a record of all the books I read - for fun as well as for learning. But I bet I've actually recorded less than 10% of what I've actually read. It's been too easy to forget, too tempting to just go on to the next book, not rewarding enough to really entice me to continue.
Late last year, though, I heard a great idea from a member of our writers group. Jewel keeps a Reading Journal in which she does more than record what the book is; she copies a few passages that capture the book's essence or that express ideas that grab her at the moment. She admits that it's a chore to do, but that reading back her journal entries is like immersing herself in a bath of pure enjoyment - a chance to savor the very best of what she's already enjoyed.
I loved Jewel's idea and thought I'd like to do that, but hadn't gotten around to it until just this week. Then I read a passage in a light-hearted novel called Step Ball Change by Jeanne Ray - and knew I wanted to keep that passage alive in my head. I bought a cheap but pretty composition book and started my own Reading Journal.
My goal is to record snippets of what I read so I can more truly remember and bask in the beauty and provocation of words. Contrary to what the experts suggest about using one's bedroom only for sleep and sex, I have always loved cuddling into my pillows with a book. So I'm keeping my Reading Journal and a pen that's fun to write with right there on my nightstand. I know myself well, and convenience helps me achieve my goals. And reading is such a joy for me that I'm willing to occasionally sacrifice sleep when I get caught up in a story.
Monday, January 8, 2007
Partnership Goals
Still setting goals! This weekend I focused on my "Partner Goals" - things that my partner and I could do to make our relationship richer, stronger, more fun and satisfying for both of us.
One of the key elements of a successful goal is to be sure that it's something you can control - and in our relationship there are some things that I can control and some things I can't control. Him, for instance. I can try - and believe me I have tried - but the truth is that each of us can only control ourselves and not any other person. Even when we know what that person should do!
So in this really important arena of my life, my goal-setting needs to focus on those things I can control and also on encouraging my honey to join me in a goal-setting process.
Some things I can control:
expressing at least three genuine appreciations every day (I think I'll be more successful at this one than I was last year when I just said "Full Appreciation." Three a day is measurable and something I can hold myself accountable to.)
practicing active listening at least one time each day. (Again - measurable and specific so I'll know if I actually do it.)
But then there's a set of goals that are not wholly within my control. I think they're great goals - go out on dates at least twice a month, share a positive adventure at least once a month, and do something together each weekend and holiday to mark the day as special. I'm convinced that achieving these goals will add much fun, life, and thrill to our relationship.
I was convinced of that last year too. And since I knew I'd need his cooperation, I pushed, pulled, and nagged till I got my partner to agree to my goals. We did reasonably well. We had some kind of adventure maybe half the time I hoped for, averaged at least one date a month, and did get into a very pleasant Sunday breakfast out routine.
This year, I proposed these goals again, but this time, I was firmer that they need to be our goals. We need to work together on them. It's up to both of us to seek out adventures, to find cheap and fun ways to go on dates, and to hold ourselves accountable to the commitments we make together. And despite the fact that this goal-setting process isn't the same path that my partner usually takes, he has done more than just agree to my goals this year. He shares those goals, and I am far more hopeful that we'll achieve them together!
More goals for other life arenas next week!
One of the key elements of a successful goal is to be sure that it's something you can control - and in our relationship there are some things that I can control and some things I can't control. Him, for instance. I can try - and believe me I have tried - but the truth is that each of us can only control ourselves and not any other person. Even when we know what that person should do!
So in this really important arena of my life, my goal-setting needs to focus on those things I can control and also on encouraging my honey to join me in a goal-setting process.
Some things I can control:
expressing at least three genuine appreciations every day (I think I'll be more successful at this one than I was last year when I just said "Full Appreciation." Three a day is measurable and something I can hold myself accountable to.)
practicing active listening at least one time each day. (Again - measurable and specific so I'll know if I actually do it.)
But then there's a set of goals that are not wholly within my control. I think they're great goals - go out on dates at least twice a month, share a positive adventure at least once a month, and do something together each weekend and holiday to mark the day as special. I'm convinced that achieving these goals will add much fun, life, and thrill to our relationship.
I was convinced of that last year too. And since I knew I'd need his cooperation, I pushed, pulled, and nagged till I got my partner to agree to my goals. We did reasonably well. We had some kind of adventure maybe half the time I hoped for, averaged at least one date a month, and did get into a very pleasant Sunday breakfast out routine.
This year, I proposed these goals again, but this time, I was firmer that they need to be our goals. We need to work together on them. It's up to both of us to seek out adventures, to find cheap and fun ways to go on dates, and to hold ourselves accountable to the commitments we make together. And despite the fact that this goal-setting process isn't the same path that my partner usually takes, he has done more than just agree to my goals this year. He shares those goals, and I am far more hopeful that we'll achieve them together!
More goals for other life arenas next week!
2007 Exercise Goals
Goal One:
The role I consider most important is to Sharpen Myself because unless I do, I won't be able to achieve the goals in other roles of my life. And in that role, I - like most of the American public - struggle with getting adequate exercise. So in 2007, my goal is to exercise at least 300 minutes each week.
I thought - and calculated - a long time before I settled on 300 minutes. I've set goals for distance, frequency, and even the number of steps - but for me, the issue seems to be about time. For fitness, the recommendation is 30 minutes per day, but I keep hearing friend and colleage Cindy Myer-Morrison's voice saying, 'but if you want to lose weight, you need to exercise 60 minutes per day.'
I want my goal to be realistic - and also to stretch. 60 minutes a day (420 minutes a week) is probably not realistic for my life. But 30 minutes a day (210 minutes a week) won't push me enough - and won't help me drop the 10 or 15 pounds I'd surely love to drop.
So I'm going to shoot for 300 minutes a week which will still push me to do more than I'm currently managing most weeks, but is also doable in chunks of 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
I'm applying William James' formula to make a successful change:
1. Do it flamboyantly! I'm telling the world here!
2. Do it immediately! I've already begun - 46 minutes yesterday and 60 today. And I've set up a spreadsheet in my planner to help me keep track.
3. Make no exceptions! To meet my goal of 300 minutes a week, I need to exercise at least 30 minutes each and every day, or I'll have to make up that time with a lot bigger chunk than I want. No exceptions!
Next week - a partnership goal for my healthy relationship!
The role I consider most important is to Sharpen Myself because unless I do, I won't be able to achieve the goals in other roles of my life. And in that role, I - like most of the American public - struggle with getting adequate exercise. So in 2007, my goal is to exercise at least 300 minutes each week.
I thought - and calculated - a long time before I settled on 300 minutes. I've set goals for distance, frequency, and even the number of steps - but for me, the issue seems to be about time. For fitness, the recommendation is 30 minutes per day, but I keep hearing friend and colleage Cindy Myer-Morrison's voice saying, 'but if you want to lose weight, you need to exercise 60 minutes per day.'
I want my goal to be realistic - and also to stretch. 60 minutes a day (420 minutes a week) is probably not realistic for my life. But 30 minutes a day (210 minutes a week) won't push me enough - and won't help me drop the 10 or 15 pounds I'd surely love to drop.
So I'm going to shoot for 300 minutes a week which will still push me to do more than I'm currently managing most weeks, but is also doable in chunks of 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
I'm applying William James' formula to make a successful change:
1. Do it flamboyantly! I'm telling the world here!
2. Do it immediately! I've already begun - 46 minutes yesterday and 60 today. And I've set up a spreadsheet in my planner to help me keep track.
3. Make no exceptions! To meet my goal of 300 minutes a week, I need to exercise at least 30 minutes each and every day, or I'll have to make up that time with a lot bigger chunk than I want. No exceptions!
Next week - a partnership goal for my healthy relationship!
Friday, January 5, 2007
Monday Moment 2007 goal for exercise
"We here highly resolve." I think of setting goals as a higher resolve than New Year's resolutions often reach. And yet, the start of a new year is an excellent time to reflect on last year's goals and determine what I want to do (because goals imply action which takes doing)in the coming year.
But setting my annual goals is serious business that doesn't come together for me in just one day or even one week. I usually devote the whole of January to identifying goals for each of the roles I play in my life. So expect to hear more about said goals each Monday this month!
I hope that you will also set goals for your own life. In my experience, I do much more and live far more fully when I set down in writing what I want in my life this year. I've also learned that I'm more likely to achieve what I really want when I take the time to really think and craft my goals. I'd be really pleased if my experience were to influence your own goal-setting process for 2007. (I'll still try and keep these Moments brief, but goal-setting is a big topic!)
But setting my annual goals is serious business that doesn't come together for me in just one day or even one week. I usually devote the whole of January to identifying goals for each of the roles I play in my life. So expect to hear more about said goals each Monday this month!
I hope that you will also set goals for your own life. In my experience, I do much more and live far more fully when I set down in writing what I want in my life this year. I've also learned that I'm more likely to achieve what I really want when I take the time to really think and craft my goals. I'd be really pleased if my experience were to influence your own goal-setting process for 2007. (I'll still try and keep these Moments brief, but goal-setting is a big topic!)
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