We are heading to the home stretch of 2008 – day 331. For some of us, life is getting more hectic with the holidays approaching. This means traveling, visiting family and friends and holiday shopping.Personally speaking, the goals I set at the beginning of 2008 seem to be forgotten. Actually, sometime in the middle of the year, I realized that my goals were not really goals – they were aspirations. They described how I wanted to live my life on a daily basis not just short-term. They were not specific enough and not measurable like a goal should be. I’ve actually incorporated these into a personal manifesto.
With 2009 quickly approaching, I realize we are nearing the time of the year when we look ahead toward New Year’s resolutions or goals. The new year is a natural time of reflection of where we have been and where we want to be. For some of us, we will resolve to hit the gym and start working out more. I see it every year at my YMCA when, in January, I practically have to fight to use the equipment. I think to myself, ‘where were these people in November and December?’
I propose that we should not wait until the end of the year to set and start working toward our goals for 2009. Let’s start now. Time is precious. The greatest coaches are the ones who make adjustments within a game, not after the game is over. These early adjustments give their team the best chance of winning. Let’s start making some changes and setting goals in our lives today, not on New Year's Eve. We should use the holidays not only as a time to be thankful for our lives, but also as an opportunity to reflect upon where we want to be.
Last year, my blog buddie Christine Kane had a great post about choosing a word for 2008. My word was “connection.” While I have had some great moments of connection this year, I have a lot of room for improvement in this area.
Whether you choose a word, make a New Year’s resolution, set goals, etc., we should start now and not wait until the beginning of the year. You never know… your mind might get crowded like the gym.
