I read Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (most of it anyway) and the one that stood out to me most profoundly was "begin with the end in mind". For a new year beginning this means looking ahead to December 31, 2012 and asking myself, "What would I like to see accomplished/changed and what are some specific ways of getting there?"
Generally, my goals and resolutions fall into categories that are fairly common to most people. So I won't bore you with the details of my lists. (and even though they are common, they are very personal. I think they are shareable only with Elizabeth who understands me! Eric understands and he sees it firsthand.) I just wanted to share that I find planning the year month by month or even week by week way more effective than setting a goal for the whole year.
Example: I want to read Book A and Book B in the month of January. Book A has 200 pages and Book B has 175 for a total of 375 pages. I divide that number of pages by 31which is just a notch over 12 pages a day. So if I get going and can read 24 pages most days that I can read, I am likely to reach my goal of completing Books A and B in January. And more motivated in February! All of my goals and plans can be worked out in this way. Bite-sized.
This also helps me plug things into my "brain", i.e. daily planner. And yes, I have a paper planner. I cannot and will not use an electronic ANYTHING to schedule my life. Gives me the willies just thinking about it.
So here's to you task-oriented goal oriented folks and here's to you laid back folks who take it as it comes. I know the one thing I want the very most is to be more in love with Jesus than ever at the end of 2012!
I would love to hear all of your new year plans and goals and hopes and dreams.
Because He lives, Janet
I love lists. And the way you think. :)
ReplyDelete