In my last post I took a look back over 2011 and how I did against my goals for the year. Here I’d like to look forward and set myself some goals for the year ahead.
Goals are simply one of the most important things you can do IMHO. Goals are the X on your map of where you’re trying to get to. Imagine setting off on a journey this year without knowing where you’re trying to get to? Now wouldn’t that be silly.
On a serious note, I know my life changed for the better once I started making goals – and I firmly believe the bigger the goals the better.
I post my goals here for two reasons:
- To hold myself accountable – if you see me slacking off, hey I’m going to get achieve stuff or you’re going to kick my ass 😉
- To inspire you to think up some great goals and share them here
At the end of the year I’ll review my progress.
My Goals for 2012
First off, my goals are going to be S.M.A.R.T.er than last year. Some of my goals last year were a little unquantifiable which made it hard for me to assess my progress, but that’s cool – we’re all learning here.
So before I share my goals for 2012 with you – I’ll be asking to share your biggest goals with me a little bit further down this post. Think of at least one.
Ok – to the juicy stuff: My Goals for 2012
Goal: Blogging – Publish 2 Posts a week & 10,000 Email Subscribers
2 Posts a Week
In 2011 I was pretty erratic with my Blog posting. Some weeks I published every other day, other times it was weeks in-between posts.
And I know consistency matters.
I would love to be able to post every day to this blog (it’s something I really enjoy), but I have to be realistic with my time available. So I’m going to commit, right here, to posting twice a week, every week, this year. I will post on a Tuesday and on a Friday.
To keep myself accountable: I will donate $50 to Kiva for every week I don’t keep this promise. Feel free to keep tabs on this on my Kiva profile.
10,000 subscribers
As I mentioned in my 2011 review – using unique visitor as my success metrics for this blog sucks. That’s why I’m setting a goal for 10,000 email subscribers by the end of the year.
It’s specific and measurable (and a.r.t.) but also it is something, when achieved, that could help me with my income goals.
I’ve a clear plan how I’ll be growing this list, which I know you’ll love – all to be revealed soon.
Goal: Startup- Be running my own startup
I’ve a very clear goal for 2012.
Be running my own Startup that has over 100,000 users with a 20% weekly user retention.
Simples……;)
Goal: Finance – Be debt free & have $100K in net worth
Become 100% debt free. Clear the last of my college loans.
Have $100K net worth.
All pretty straight forward there….
Goal: Do More with Less & Thoughtfulness
I reflected in my 2011 review that it’s not about the hours you spend on things, but more the results that come from your efforts.
That’s why I need to do more important things with less time. I’ve really realised the important for taking some hours to unwind: It frees up your creative mind and sharpens your saw so you can cut through tasks faster when you return to them.
That’s why in 2012 I’m going to be religious about taking the time to sharpen the saw (something I don’t always do) every day and week.
To achieve this I’m going to have to become more laser focussed on priorities when I am working.
More thoughtful
I also want to become more thoughtful this year – I have the habit of getting tunnel vision when working on projects, often forgetting about other important things and people when I’m in the zone. Yes I confess, I forgot to call me sister on her birthday – forgive me Sue!
So I’m going to do at least one nice thing for a loved one or create one new relationship every day this year. Even if it’s just a 5 minute phone call to a family member, a coffee with another entrepreneur or a Facebook message to an old friend.
These two are all about being more intentional with my time – and I admit I’ve improvements to do here.
Goal: Become a Fish
In case I haven’t told you before. I swim like a brick.
A few years back I competed in a triathalon and I sucked so bad in the swimming part, that I was over taken by a guy with one arm.
Not my finest sporting moment.
This year I’m going to master swimming and compete in a full, triathlon. Bring it!
Goal: Coding
Like many other my goal is to learn a new language in 2012. But unlike many people’s Spanish or French, this year I’m learning a programming language.
Being able to hack together something, even uber-basic, is just a must for a tech startup co-founder I believe – so this is the year.
I’ve just signed up for http://codeyear.com – why not join me?
Goal: Conference
I’m going to speak at, at least one major conference in 2012. Don’t worry – you’ll be the first to know when I do!
Overall
I’m completely pumped writing these goals for 2012. Can’t wait to see where I am this time next year.
Your Turn:
What are your top goals for 2012? I’d love you to share them here – even just the one thing that if happened, by this time next year, would completely rock your world? Don’t be shy – we’re all here to help each other.
Write yours in the comments below
