The Beginning of a New Year--A Time for Self Evaluation by Kris Moore

Goal Setting. Early in January of each year,like many others, I make New Year's Resolutions, all in good faith. But by the time the end of February comes around I have misplaced my list or been so busy I had put aside the plans or goals I wanted to accomplish.They are still important to me and I still want to succeed at whatever it was, but somehow it doesn't seem to happen. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to consider what I would like to do or any changes I want to make in my life. As I make goals and plans for the new year, I am thinking about why plans from the past never came about. Was I too busy to give attention to my plans? Maybe living life simply got in the way. It appears that I have been driving full speed in the fast lane, going in a circle. I have been quite busy but seem to be going nowhere. A new type of goal might be to avoid any obstacles that prevent me from moving ahead. Maybe I need to stop long enough to put my plans and goals in order and decide how I am going to accomplish them. Making a goal and knowing what I want does not make it happen. I know that along with the plan there must be some activity, some "doing". I am aware that a goal is not just a wish or somehing to hope for. It is a definite plan that should occur within a particular time-frame. Setting a goal is creating an idea and working to make it a reality. When making plans and setting goals I realize that I need look at the whole picture; beginning with the end in mind. I must try to keep my goals within reach,making sure they are reasonable. I should create a detailed outline and have an agenda to follow that will bring me to the realization of my goals. I am trying to think about what I want and where I want to be in six months, and at this time next year. At my age I am not thinking long range. I am setting my goals and making plans for every step of the way. I am trying to remember that between wishing and having there must be planning and doing. I have some serious thinking going on and it is my desire to not fail again but to make this year a successful one. Only time will tell.