Gina Trapani, one of the founders of Lifehacker.com, has said
Goals mean you’re trying to be better. Ask anyone if they want to be a better person, and you’ll get “Of course!” as an answer. Ask them what better means and how they’re getting there, and you’ll probably get a pair of blinking eyes in response. Setting a goal is simply articulating an improved state of being, thinking through the steps in between where you are now and where that better place is, and taking them. Setting goals means you’re actively trying to be better. Frankly, it’s a rare occurrence in a world where most people get up, take a shower, pour coffee, and go about their business as usual in exactly the same place they were yesterday.
This isn’t about New Year’s, it is about desiring to be a better person every day.
I intend to take a more active role in my own health. I started in December, with new medication and exercises to improve my breathing.
I intend to take a more active role in my professional development. I may have to personally pay to get the training I want, rather than through my reluctant company, but it’s important to me, and it’s been three years since I’ve had anything but self-directed training. The thing people don’t tell you about self-directed learning is that you don’t know what you don’t know.
I intend to sleep more. Eventually. ’nuff said.
I intend to be read more books – the last six months of 2010 were a great start there.
I intend to follow through on a number of hobbies I have picked up and let slide.
I think that’s enough. They aren’t promises to anyone, they are ways in which I want to be a different person, ways in which I think I will be happier with who I am and what I do with my time.
What are you making time for this year?