I’ve struggled with this, maybe you have too. I didn’t used to set goals. Then I set lofty goals… too lofty. Why do I feel so frustrated? How did I fall off so quickly? Oh, that’s right, that’s way way too much.

They say to make your goals measurable and unambiguous. They say to hold yourself accountable by telling them to others. They might be on to something.

I have too many goals. I have too many interests. I have too many distractions.

I wrote them down. I’ve kept them secret, I’ve kept them safe (thanks, Gandalf). But putting them down may be productive so I’ll indulge, at least, broadly:

My first goal is wellness-oriented. I want to reel in the swings a bit. Generally, I do OK, but I want to be more deliberate. The one step forward, three quarters back is weak… mentally. I can be better. I’ve got something on the calendar for October, a roadrace. These things help. Hopefully I can get some pals to join.

Wellness, historically for me, has been strictly physical. Over time, I have come to the realization that my mental well-being is inextricably linked to my physical well-being. It’s all under the same roof. I can’t focus on one, while abandoning the other. This has led me to some initial experimenting with yoga, meditation and mindfulness. I want to foster this. Physical training has always come so naturally, I want that to translate to the mental side as well.

My second goal is career-oriented. Most of us spend a great many hours of our days at work. I’m right there with you. I’ve never been the person looking to coast, looking to hold on for dear life to their stable little world. I have a lot of opportunity ahead potentially. I want to dig in here and try my best to be successful in the land of neckties. I’m probably more suited to be wandering on a trail or chopping wood though, not spreadsheeting and certainly not cubicling.

My third goal is relationship-oriented. I don’t have much to comment upon here. I hardly know you dude(tte). I hope you’ll appreciate at a later date.

My last is for my projects…this included. I don’t want to hold myself to an artificial quota of posts, but I do want to keep this here little puppy going. It’s fun to write, journal, mental diarrhea, however you want to characterize this. Other projects include DIY things. I hope to keep you updated on these as well.

Well, I’ve probably thoroughly disappointed those in the traditional goal-making camp with this nebulous list without any metrics to track progress or hold myself accountable. For that, I am sorry. For now, I will be trying to incrementally change behaviors and reinforce positive habits.

Why don’t most people stick with New Year’s resolutions? I think if there experience has been like mine it’s because they set goals that are unrealistic, maybe a bit too grandiose. I’m not doing that in 2019. I’m just going to improve my process and try to be a little better.

Oh, and I have beard now. Hell yeah.