The Review and the Plan

I think, at this time of the year, almost everyone does a little look back at the year that was and begins to think about what’s to come. Some people make resolutions, some set new goals, and some just hope.

I have, in years past, made resolutions. I have never been very successful. Usually resolutions require a change right now. I’m never good at drastic changes like that. So now I set goals. It’s nice because I can make a goal and then figure out little steps that will get me to where I want to go. The change happens slowly and many times I don’t even realize I am getting there because of how slowly things move.

Last year’s goals were similar to the ones I had set for 2012. Finish The Book. Improve taking care of the house. Teach more. Two out of three isn’t bad.

The problem is that “improve taking care of the house” wasn’t clear enough so this year I am setting some home type goals that are measureable. Cook more meals at home (the real goal is at least 4 per week) and deep clean one room of the house per month. I have also set a goal to spend alone time with each kid for at least 2 hours per week and have a family planning meeting each Sunday evening. Those all sound like resolutions but if i call them goals and I mess up I am less likely to just scrap them and quit. A goal means I don’t expect to be perfect immediately but by the end of the year it should be something that comes naturally.

I’ve set goals in 8 areas which include work and personal stuff. Each area has 3 goals. This is the first year I’m being this specific but I think it will help. A few of the goals are big – like a major bathroom makeover in the home category. That one may not happen due to budget but it’s good to have a some dreams. Here’s another big one – Spin weave and sew at least 2 skirts from two different sheep breeds. that one crosses two categories, weaving and spinning. We shall see.

I’ve begun putting my plans into GQueues which is the app I use for list making and deadline setting.

I’m going back to get some work done right now but I will leave you with the photo of some really big sheep we saw at the Raglan Road restaurant in Downtown Disney.