Chris Brogan shared his goals for 2009. He took a different approach than most though. Instead of coming up with a laundry list of specifics he tackled it with three words. A bit different I admit, but let’s see what his logic is.
If you want to try the process, it works something like this: think of how you want to be successful in 2009. Then, try to think in even broader terms. Extrapolate on the broader terms, and find one word to hang the idea on.
Meaning, don’t think as much “I want to lose 50 pounds and get back into my high school pants.” Try thinking “Fitness means I’ll be able to cover more ground.” From there, you can say “ground” might be your word. And then, when you look at that as a word, you see how it can open you up to even more meanings. “Ground” can remind you to get fit so you can cover more ground. It can mean to be “grounded,” like someone who feels calm and at rest.
Sounds radical doesn’t it? Does it work? It sure seems to for him.
I took a similar approach with my 2008 goals. My goals for 2008 were simple – have an interesting year, take opportunities. Let’s just say it worked out.
Some highlights from this approach – trip to Austin to visit with online friends, attended first bloggers conference (SOBCon), attended a Pulver breakfast in Vancouver CA, started the St. Louis Bloggers Guild, attended several Tweetups, and even put on a BarCamp, and more.
So yes, my goals turned out to be spot on. But how to follow up this year? Go with interesting and opportunities? This year I think I’ll concentrate on some other areas of my life.
My goals this year are driven by some realizations from last year. One, I’m not turning to God enough as a primary relationship. Not telling you how to believe, but I believe in a God that listens, cares, and is active in our lives. I’ve not been paying enough attention to that relationship. Most evident of this is my wife all but telling me outright to get it together.
Two is focusing on health. I’ve been slacking this past year. Oh, I’ve lost some weight, eaten a bit better and etc, but I’ve not taken it seriously. My wife has rocked the weight loss, and I’ve been her cheerleader. It’s time to let her cheer lead me on. It’s also time to take better care of my body as I’ve had more aches and pains this past year than ever before.
Third will be to build things. Build better work habits, build success in business, build a presence for St. Louis on the social media map, and more. I want to put my best foot forward into doing better at work, at creating a presence for myself, and getting a platform. I want to build relationships, build bridges, and build up others. Heck, I’m feeling charged up just talking about it.
So my three goals – God, Health, Build.
Chris’s three goals - Equip . Armies . Needles . (you have to read the post to get it)
What are you goals for 2009? Have you thought about them? How about considering lessons learned from 2008 as a good starting point.
