Goal Setting

It's that time of year again...that wonderful time when we decide to make our New Year's Resolutions. I always do this and have done for a really long time, like since before high school. Each year in January, I write out my goals and keep them in the front of my journal. Throughout the year, I revisit my goals and check in to see how they're coming along. This year, I sort of forgot about my goals and when I looked back over my list, the only one I accomplished was completing a 1/2 Ironman distance triathlon and that goal didn't actually go as planned.

It was a tough year for me and I really didn't do well at all with focusing on my goals, which is out of my character. Over the past few weeks, I've been thinking alot about my goals for next year and I have a few that I know I'm going to do. However, I've discovered that I have a commitment problem. I'm struggling with committing myself to my goals, partly because I did so not good last year. Anyways, I will come up with some goals and I will post them on my blog and I'll use that for some accountability. In the meantime, I would like to share some tips on goal setting from "Force of Nature."

1. Visualize - "Imagine your goal in every detail. Use your imagination and let it run wild."
2. Make it challenging - "Don't underestimate yourself. A goal that's a stretch, but maybe you could do if you approached it right - that's the one to go for."
3. Improvise along the way - " Sometimes you have to go backwards to get a goal, or sideways, or around an impediment. Adapt the plan to avoid frustration."
4. Accept that there will be obstacles - "The nature of aiming high is that the road will not always be easy. No one enjoys a struggle, but it's a necessary process. Face reality. Avoiding something difficult now just means that you're going to meet it again later."
5. Allow satisfaction (but keep your edge) - "It's worth making an effort to savor what you've done. Let yourself enjoy a moment of satisfaction."

Perhaps while you're setting your goals for 2009, these tips may come in handy.