It’s an annual tradition! Sarah and I are both big goal-setters, and so each year that Best of Both Worlds has been in existence we’ve done a late December goals episode. Here is this year’s one.
I know that the 2020 experience has soured many people on goals, though I have a few thoughts on that. One is that life is unknowable anyway. If 2020 is the first year that your goals have had to change, count yourself lucky. Second is that it can be more motivational to think in terms of “process goals.” These — which are really habits by another name — are concrete actions that are more within your control. So, instead of setting a goal to lose 10 lbs, one might set a goal to eat 5 servings of vegetables a day, exercise 30 minutes five times per week, limit any drinks with calories, etc. This might in fact lead to the outcome over time, but even if it doesn’t, you’ll likely feel better anyway.
We set goals in the categories of career, relationships/family, and self. Sarah’s were far more involved than mine. I’m kind of tired. Also, I have two huge things I need to execute on in 2021: finishing the manuscript of Tranquility by Tuesday (which involves running a several-hundred person time study) and finishing the renovation and moving my family into the new house. If anything other than those two things happen, that will be a bonus.
Well, there is one thing I want to do in 2021: have more fun! Life can feel like a drag sometimes, with many have-to-dos. A mobile baby who must be watched constantly certainly contributes to a feeling of having less fun than one might like. So, I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for many opportunities to enjoy myself. Wish me luck!