Back in the day before I entered the real world (okay, okay, it wasn’t that long ago) I loved setting goals. Reading goals. Writing goals. Personal goals. Any kind of goals really. I just liked setting them. And more than that, I liked accomplishing them.
I remember making the obligatory list of goals on New Year’s Day. But more than just the time of year when everyone around the globe sets goals and starts anew, I made winter and summer break goals. Shorter periods of time, but also what seemed like endless free time to make things happen.
But something strange happened when I graduated college and got a 40 hour a week big girl job a year ago. I stopped setting personal goals. Sure, I have work goals and I obviously enjoy accomplishing them, but I realized a few days ago that something was missing.
I felt no zest or passion for my personal goals. I was so consumed with work, family and everything else going on in my life that I wasn’t really making time for me. I decided this weekend to make a change. It’s time to get excited for my personal accomplishments and set some goals again. Hold me accountable, people!
Below are my 2011 summer goals:
-Read 22 books this summer. Preferably the 30 something unread books on my shelf that I got at book sales over the past year. I love debuts, but older books need love too! I can’t wait to dig into these.
-Better outline and continue writing my WIP.
-Begin super secret project (Sorry! It shall remain a secret for now)
-Find a few freelance opportunities whether it be paid for a publication or unpaid to offer advice on a student or young professionals blog.
-Prepare for the upcoming year in the PR organization I’m a part of. Update resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect the work I did the past year in the various organizations I’m a part of.
-Continue running 3-4 times a week. Incorporate swimming laps into my workouts.
-Relax. And don’t feel guilty about it. Spend the entire weekend at the pool getting tan. You deserve it.
What about you? Do you set goals for yourself throughout the year?
I feel you. College was so focused on getting the degree and the “big girl” job that when I started my career, I threw myself completely into that — perhaps to the detriment of everything else. My relationships suffered. My family saw me less and, you know, that’s to be expected . . . but if I’ve learned anything about life, it’s that everything requires balance.
We can’t work all the time or play all the time. We have to make time to do things that we — just us — enjoy, whatever that may be. I can’t be at everyone’s beck and call, for example, and can’t go from working all day to running errands all night. And it is okay to relax and decompress! In fact, it’s mandatory. We’re programmed not to be “lazy,” I think, but that can mean we run all the time. And we can’t run all the time.
Good job on setting goals — it’s good just to get them down on paper (or, you know, in a blog post). I’ve got your back, girl!
Its been so cool to see how far you’ve come with your running Jess! So proud of you. And the relaxing goal is a good one – you definitely DO deserve it!
@Amber, Thanks Amber! It’s so funny, when you first became a runner and I read your blog, I thought you were so cool (and very crazy!). I never thought I could do it myself. It’s awesome though!
Great job setting goals! I love the last one. It’s true that you really do need to set a goal like that. Otherwise it’s easy to forget that life should be fun and not an endless list of chores!
Good for you for setting goals! I really need to force myself to sit down and do the same – I know I’ll feel so much better when I do. Good luck this summer and if you need any encouragment I’m here 🙂
I tend to set work-related goals during the school year. Then, when summer comes, the goals usually have to do with cleaning or repairing or improving my very old house. I never get through the list by the end of the summer……
Good luck with your goals!
I’m the same way! With every change in season, I pull out the old list of goals and plan out the changes I want to make in my life – both large and small. I thought I was the only one!
I am totally a goal setter. It keeps me organized and on track — something I definitely need. Your goals look great!
I do try to set goals for the year but I keep them simple so I’m not overwhelmed. Your list is nice and balanced. Good luck!