Every January I hand myself a list of unachievable goals. “Resolutions,” some call them. “Lose 20 pounds!” “Earn $100,000!” “Receive praise from [high profile blogger]!” Holy cow achieved!
Those goals, while admirable, are too huge. Not too huge to be unattainable, but they’ll require a running start.
This year, I’m taking a different approach. I’ve created one small goal to achieve each month. In January, it’s walk 30 minutes per day. In February, it’s meditate every day. As the year progresses, the previous month’s goal is carried over. So, in February I’ll be walking 30 minutes and meditating daily. As I’m enthused by the success of achieving the smaller goals, I’ll up the ante in the summer and fall by adding larger ones.
By December, I’ll have added 12 new positive habits to my life. That sounds pretty good to me.
January: Walk 30 minutes per day
February: Meditate daily (plus previous)
March: Practice yoga 1x per week (plus previous)
April: TBD
May: TBD
June: TBD
July: TBD
August: TBD
September: TBD
October: TBD
November: TBD
December: TBD
First, you rock (do I count as a high profile blogger)? Second studies show that this is the right approach. And it’s not new. Have you seen Ben Franklin’s virtues (http://goo.gl/xKIY) and the app for that (http://goo.gl/SBY9). My best to you in 2010.
Steve: You must certainly do and thank you! I must admit I’m blown away by Ben’s form. That’s amazing.
Thanks so much for commenting. May you also enjoy a prosperous 2010.