When Setting Goals, Maintain Flexibility

I published My New Year's Resolution for 2011 on December 16, 2010. My resolution hasn't changed, but my first two goals for 2011 have changed. Flexibility has been needed on my part due to some unexpected roadblocks that I can't ignore.

My resolution for 2011:

"I resolve to accomplish short-term, measurable goals throughout the year, with two goals being worked on at a time. One goal will be for my work, and the other goal will be for something I want to accomplish from all other aspects of my life, i.e. relationships, health, financial, etc.

"To accomplish this goal I will establish two lists of short-term measurable goals that I want to accomplish; one list will be work goals, and the other list will be goals of a various nature. I will add to these lists as new goals become desirable for me.

"I will choose one goal from each of the two lists to work on concurrently, and when a goal is completed, I will immediately choose a new goal from that list to replace it.

"I will not establish time lines, but will instead progress through the lists of goals as each goal is accomplished in its due time."

That resolution for 2011 is fully in place in my life, and will remain so throughout the remainder of this year. However, the first two short-term, measurable goals that I selected have required some scrutiny on my part.

A work goal

My first short-term work goal for 2011 as outlined in that article was to reach Clout Level 10 as quickly as possible. To that end I was planning to use the bulk of my work time and energy for writing for AC. Due to a totally unexpected change outside of my control, flexibility on my part regarding that work goal is now required.

My fellow writers at AC fully understand that the changes that Google recently implemented regarding the algorithms they use have impacted the bulk of AC writers to a great extent. Accordingly, I have scrapped my "reach Clout Level 10 as quickly as possible" goal as I have lost my zeal for making that my main work goal at this time.

I'm certainly not planning on leaving AC, but I need to step back, sort things out for myself, be flexible, and establish a new work goal that will keep me inspired and goal-oriented.

I'm planning to publish some articles regarding online writing when everything settles out a bit more.

A personal goal

My first personal goal for 2011 was to use up my current supply of non-perishable items. Beginning in January, I purposed to buy only perishable food and beverage items and to not purchase any non-perishable item unless it was vital to do so.

Talk about a boring goal! I have kicked this goal down the road (way down!) Flexibility has been required - I'm currently nailing down a different personal goal, and this one will be something I can get more passionate about - using up cans of peas and soup didn't do it for me.

The end game

My end game is to plan, set goals and objectives, and then work toward the achievement of those goals in order to continue to make positive changes in my life.

I've learned that flexibility must come into play when I select and prioritize my goals and objectives.

Although changes may occur around me that I cannot control, I can control my own methods for dealing with change. Ultimately, it will be the decisions that I make for my own life that will determine my future, not the decisions of outside influences, including Google.

Yesterday is past, so no worries there. Tomorrow isn't here yet, so no worries there. I only have today on my plate, and no cares for today, either. Since God is taking care of the birds and the lilies of the field, He'll surely help me get through whatever comes up today!

Football isn't my favorite sport, but it seems to me that players do a lot of zig-zagging as the ball gets moved down the field. Without that flexibility there would probably not be many touchdowns, or even many players or fans.

Goals and flexibility make for a great team, and I want to always be up for the challenge. I feel no shame for changing the way I play the game - I just don't want to drop the ball altogether!

My New Year's Resolution for 2011

Source: Personal experience