2011: The Goal and the Mantra
Normally I set quite a few goals each year, but last year I experimented with setting significantly fewer goals than normal in an attempt to focus. I’m not sure whether that was effective or not though, because while I did focus a whole lot more, what I focused on was a goal that I didn’t even explicitly list here.
The goal-trimming absolutely had one very positive result though — I ended up developing a kind mantra for the year. In fact, I said a single word to myself so many times each day that it really did become a mantra: Focus.
So this year, I’m going to add on to it a little by borrowing a phrase I heard in one of the episodes of Pat Flynn’s podcast:
Do something that matters.
My mantra for 2011 is “Focus, and do something that matters.”
I’ve really been struggling with the goal portion of things though. You see, I’m going to take my own advice and pick just one. But picking just one of anything is pretty much the thing that least describes me.
It is, however, a very effective thing to do.
So although the goal that I’m going with for 2011 may seem pretty superficial, it’s actually the thing that will most easily help me reach the place I want to be by the end of the year. (My goal is to make a lot more money from sources outside my job, and the place I want to be is optionally unemployed, with a paid-for house and a trip to New Zealand under my belt.
Translated into SMART goal language (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) my goal reads:
By the end of 2011 I will have at least quadrupled my total 2010 gross non-employment income by improving the quality and sales of my existing side projects (apps and blogging) and by creating at least one new side project that I carryout to completion.
It’s always good to set goals. Even if you goal-set is pie-in-the-sky and you only get 50% completed, then you STILL doubled your income. How does that cheesey phrase go? “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
But go for the gold.
We’re cheering you on!
I’ve always liked that phrase :)
Simple and short! Keep us updated on your progress (and some pictures from NZ too!)!
Yup, I plan on it.
This year I decided that one of my goals would be someone else!!
So this year as well as setting my own targets and goals, I will also dedicate time to helping someone else in anyway that I can.
They have agreed to me being their helpful stalker!!! I wonder if it will work or will we fall out over something??
That sounds like a pretty cool goal. Let me know how it goes :)
Ambitious, if is a SMART goal it is realistic! personally, I would have difficulty just picking one goal. Good luck and Happy New Year.
Oh, I had a very, VERY hard time picking just one goal.
That seems like an awesome goal, measurable and challenging, yet if successful very rewarding. Wishing you the best! Hope you keep us all posted.
Thanks!
I finally got a chance to look at that post, and the pictures look gorgeous. We plan to go sometime this summer to escape our melting hot weather, but haven’t picked a date yet.
My mantra for 2011 is to be more positive
That’s a nice mantra :)