2021 goals: Personal and professional

 

I’m not making any New Year’s resolutions for 2021. (I shudder at the thought.)

New Year’s resolutions, popular though they be, seem to be nearly impossible to achieve. Look at the blogosphere, for example. Posts abound, as the New Year approaches, with folks declaring lofty intentions for improved physical fitness, healthier diets, career advancement, financial independence, and more.

People polish resumes, as the calendar turns to a new year. Gyms announce new classes, expecting increased memberships with January’s arrival. Banks trumpet new account offerings. Nutritionists and fitness trainers sign on new clients. Career counselors book new appointments.

Countless individuals seem enjoy a boost in personal motivation and energy (at least mental energy), as the New Year begins.

Sounds great, right?

 

But wait …

How many people come back to report their successful achievement of these ideals at the end of the year? How many stick with their New Year’s resolutions through the end of January?

OK, so I'm not doing New Year's resolutions.

 

Count me in for 2021 goals.

Goals vs. resolutions. Am I mincing words here?

Not at all. I think it’s important to outline some specific, tangible, potentially achievable objectives for the coming year. I’m not promising to lose 50 pounds, become a corporate CEO or bestselling author, or win a global award. (Gee, no kidding!) But I am setting out some clear commitments that I believe are worth declaring for the sake of personal and/or professional enrichment. (I’d contend that personal and professional enrichment are closely linked.)

Motivational gurus love to talk about SMART goals. That’s an acronym:

• Specific – Can I define the goal clearly?
• Measurable – Can I evaluate my progress towards that goal? And will I know when I get there?
• Achievable – Is the goal even possible for me at this point?
• Relevant – Does the goal fit my life (i.e., my values, talents, gifts, objectives)?
• Time-based – Does the goal have a reasonable and well-defined time frame?

In the past, some of my New Year goals (not all in the same year) have included changing jobs, running a marathon, writing a book for publication, reading through the entire Bible, and running the year in miles.

 

Here we go.

1. Read 50+ books. That’s just shy of one book per month. As a writer and reviewer, it’s probably the least I can do. You can read more about this goal here, if you wish.
2. Run 2,021+ miles. Join me, if you want, for this year-long virtual running challenge.
3. Sort, scan and shred at least one family photo album per month to cut clutter. This will diminish our collection by a dozen, while digitizing the images for future generations. Hey, it’s a start.
4. Exercise for 30+ minutes at least five times each week. Hopefully, this will include cross-training to go with the running.
5. Schedule and show up for a couple of long-postponed routine medical tests. Don’t ask. Let’s just say I’ve used the 2020 pandemic as a worthy excuse for putting these semi-elective appointments off.
6. Write and send at least one non-agenda note per month. These correspondences do not include thank-you notes, appointment confirmations, favor requests, meeting recaps, FYIs, or even holiday greetings. These are simply social interactions in writing to communicate affirmations, encouragements, and personal interactions. Forms may include electronic and actual paper.
7. Pare down my portfolio. At this point in my own career, I probably don’t need multiple copies of every corporate annual report, product launch packet, executive speech, company newspaper, and other publication I’ve done. It’s time to fill the recycle bin, rather than my own shelf.
8. Reconnect personally with at least one friend/colleague per month. I’m not talking about those I see regularly. These would be deliberate reunions with those I’ve intended to see for a year or more. If the world reopens, we can have in-person meet-ups. Otherwise, I’ll aim for virtual get-togethers.
   

Also, I am reserving the right to add goals as the year progresses, if that seems appropriate.

Looming in my head are several more nebulous, unmeasurable ideals. I want to cultivate genuine gratitude in each day, choose more appropriate language (especially in what we might call heated moments), and develop improved personal stress management. I’d like to raise my daily water intake and cut my consumption of simple carbs and sugars. Those efforts are harder to quantify, but they’re no less real.

 

What goals have you set for yourself in the coming year?

Vision boards and goal charts may help plenty of people, but I’m simply listing my objectives for the year. I’m not bothering with stickers or tokens or treats.

Also, my roster is not aimed at begging for accolades or attaching goal guilt to anyone. I’m posting it publicly to make myself accountable. I need that.

Welcome, 2,021. Ready, set, go!

 

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