Or wo(man), of course. My goals are free to be!
I’m really proud of the title of this post, by the way. For anyone that caught the Twin Peaks reference, that’s +10 points!
Enough Procrastinating – Let’s Talk About Goals
I’ve had a bit of writer’s block lately, and I’m thinking it might be because I don’t want to write about my failure. But I really am ok with it, because I don’t view it as a failure. I achieved a lot last year, much of which cannot be counted.
In a previous post, I shared one of my 2017 goals (to generate $25,000 through self-employment by 12/31/2017) and the corresponding action plan I came up with to achieve my goal.
This post is an example of a positive reframe. I’ll share how my goals evolved over the course of 2017 and how I approached the planning process for 2018. It’s already been a more successful year!
Goal Tracking: Identify Failure Early and Redirect
I knew as soon as I set my goal that I wasn’t going to achieve it. I know, I know, that mindset doomed me. Which is exactly why I spent a good part of 2017 digging deep and doing the work needed to shift to a more positive mindset.
All that hard work on myself is paying off. I have to look at 2017 as a success, and this is how I got myself there.
When I knew for sure that I wasn’t going to reach my goal, I redirected and reworked a lot of my action items.
I did a ton of skill building. I learned, learned, and learned some more. I dabbled as a contractor. I traveled. I spent my days with my dogs, Emmett and Molly. I planned a wedding.
I started a blog. Then I scrapped that and started this blog. Then this blog turned into part of a larger website.
Finally, I gave myself some time and space to work on my 2018 goals. I’m so glad I did because they’re good. I’m not familiar with this feeling, but I think they might actually make me, happy?
Start with Achievable Goals
Going into 2018, I had a few life events on the calendar. Specifically, I’m getting married and completing my Master’s program. Both events happen in May, so it’s a big month for me!
I decided to start there since I knew they’ll happen unless I really mess things up (or something really awful happens):
Goal 1: Get married on May 5, 2018
There are a lot of subtasks for this goal. Waaaayyy too many. Weddings are kind of a racket.
Anyway, one subtask was to create a way for guests to RSVP for a few touristy events I put together.
So, I tied that to another goal:
Goal 2: Design, Develop and Deliver 8 tutorials by 12/31/2018
And came up with this tutorial:
BTW, the phrase design, develop and deliver is a super formal instructional-designy way of saying record and upload to YouTube.
It’s far from perfect, but it’s my best one yet. I’m trying to improve my tutorial skills so I can put together a few strong miniature-making ones later in the year.
The tutorial goal indirectly ties into my other achievable goal:
Goal 3: Graduate from IDT Master’s Program on May 1, 2018
I want to be sure I use what I’ve learned in my coursework, and designing tutorials is one way I plan to do that. I want to learn and grow so I can create content that people enjoy!
It’s a lofty vision, but I’m slowly working toward it.
2018 One-Word Theme: Collaboration
Yep, collaboration is my word of the year. I’d really like to unpack this a little more, but I’ve put off publishing this post for too long, so I’m going to end it here.
But, Let’s Collaborate!
If you’re interested in learning about themed goals, please let me know. I’m obsessed and would love to share what I’ve learned about them.
I’m happy to share my complete set of goals with you if you’re interested! I can use the accountability because I’m already a little behind (but in a really really good way).
Most importantly, I want to hear your goals!
What is one of your 2018 goals? I’d love to hear them! Reach out directly or leave a comment – that way, we can hold each other accountable!
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