This is working spectacularly well, and I’m not even Ben Franklin. As you can see, I only missed one day this week. All of those black X’s are encouraging.
I added a “Notes” page for each month, where I list things that have helped achieve the goal, like pleasant music, preferred walking trails, etc.
I’ve noticed that it’s tempting to begin adding others right away. I found myself driving past the yoga place this week (that’s March’s goal). However, I know that sticking to one goal per month is crucial. Staring a second goal before the first one is achieved — and failing — would undermine the whole process. Slow and steady wins the race.
More on my 2010 goals here.
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
More on my 2010 goals here.
