I don’t like making new year’s resolutions. Has something to do with large numbers of my fellow Earthlings making promises with themselves only to break said promises a month later. It’s disheartening. I do, however, like to plan and the beginning of a new year is a convenient starting or evaluation point. Of all the tasks that need to be completed or started this year, here’s my Quick + Dirty five:
1. Continue to Blog Regularly
I started marclimon.com earlier this year, but have been attempting to blog for a couple years. I’ve had a Xanga, a Blogger and even attempted a Facebook Notes series. I was unable to keep decent momentum then, but have been posting regularly here.
2. Start Running…Again
A few years ago I started running as exercise and hobby. I trained up to running 6 days a week, in the morning and after work, and outside through all four seasons. I was logging between 50 and 60 miles a week! I know I can’t log that many miles right now, but I can restart the journey.
3. Write Down My Ideas
I have a lot of ideas, random ideas. The randomness makes it difficult to track. So in 2011, I’ll make sure to write down my ideas for future recall and research. You never know when an idea an turn into a masterpiece.
4. Log My Inspiration
In high-school a teacher of mine told me about an inspiration file she kept in her desk. If she ran across something in print she enjoyed, she’d clip it, file it and reference as needed. In 2011, I’m going to cut, clip, like, favorite and star my way to a digital inspiration file.
5. Stay Concious of Budget and Financial Plan
I am really good with creating budgets and sticking to them…for a few months at least. This year I’m going to write out a budget, set some quarterly progress markers, pay down some debt and build an emergency fund. Last year I identified the areas where I “waste” money and made progress at decreasing spending in those departments. My investments (retirement and for the kids) are already set up and automatic, so I’m well on my way to improving on this goal.
There are my Quick + Dirty resolutions (plans) for 2011. And the cigarette? A few helpful hints:
- It’s always helpful to see your goals in print, but writing out your goals won’t guarantee success in meeting them.
- Make sure your family and friends are aware of your goal. Having a built in support group will help in keeping your motivation.
- Find a friend that wants to improve in the same areas. Most folks are more likely to see things through when they feel others are counting on them.
- Goals are fluid. Life happens. If you have to modify your goal(s), it’s OK. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Great goals Marc, I wish you the best with every one of them.
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I’m looking forward to the writings, Marc. I think as twitter & fb status’ become more common it lowers the bar for what a blog post requires – thus increasing the frequency of those also.
For #3, I would highly recommend http://fieldnotesbrand.com/ (pocket-sized notebooks). Sure, you have a phone that has a notepad – these things give you the freedom to think as you write, which isn’t always the case staring at an iPhone.
Oh I like the logging your inspiration idea. I should do that one. I have tons of ideas for blog posts. They float about randomly in my head until something hits that I feel compelled to pull the idea out and do something with.
Nice blog too. Have a great day.
Paul,
I thought about Field Notes as well and Moleskine (use the large notebooks currently), but I may break down and build a few of my own, in a similar style, but with a Cornell [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Notes] format, for quick reference. Thanks for stopping in buddy.
When I did log things this year it was very helpful. I’m very much a believer in the Medici Effect, so often writings, pictures, products and posts from seemingly opposite sides of the spectrum provided that spark of inspiration/motivation I needed. Thanks for stopping in Joe.
Brandon,
Thanks friend.
I don’t do resolutions either. I have personal goals to work towards, very similar to some of yours. I just don’t have the follow through to come up with an actual resolution to stick with. Here’s to a great 2011!
Thanks for stopping in Danna. Salud!
I like the layout of your post. Good stuff. Keep it up!