Last year I decided I was opposed to New Year's Resolutions. Why do I have to wait until January to begin again and to implement my goals? What if I wanted to implement them at June 27 at 3:25 pm? Wasn't that as good (or as arbitrary) a time as any to begin another attempt to change? Yes, I decided, I could set goals whenever I wanted. I did set some goals I wanted to implement for 2014, but I purposefully started the last two weeks of December to get a "running start" on them. It worked for me.
I think that the New Year can be a great chance for people to begin anew, but it certainly is not the only opportunity. For some, August and the new school year is a fresh start. For others, it is July 1 or whenever the start of the new fiscal year is for their organization. Mondays are the start to a new week and new goals. Every day, every hour, and every minute is the perfect opportunity to begin again. For me, April is a time of contemplation, as it marks the anniversary of when I finished my missionary service. I take time to review what I have accomplished and who I have become in the time since my service. I also make note of "course corrections" or changes I need to make in the upcoming year.
When is your fresh start? When do you like to begin anew?
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Why Should I Read Your Blog?
Since I was young I have been fascinated with the idea of behavior change. At age 10 I was inspired by Benjamin Franklin's attempts to become perfect in thirteen areas. In middle school I created sticker charts and tracked 10 goals, which included exercising, practicing the piano and French horn, reading my scriptures, and showering (yes, that was a goal). Like Mary Poppins, I managed to be practically perfect...but only during the two weeks of Winter Break when I didn't have to go to school, do homework, attend youth group, or do anything else besides strive for perfection. Alas, if I didn't have to work, I would have time to become perfect.
In high school I would set goals for church, which included being kinder and more patient with my siblings. I would also read all of the self-help books I could get my hands on, on topics such as time management and organization. In college I loved my class on behavior change theories. During my full-time Mormon missionary service in Peru, I would create goals every six weeks and monitor them weekly. My companion and I discovered that we would be successful in some goals and completely fail in others. I continue to set goals; sometimes I fail and sometimes I succeed. I continue to learn a lot in the process.
My purpose in keeping this blog is multifold. As I reflect upon my own life experiences, I will share stories and insights that might prove useful to others in their quests to improve, to progress, and to live life to the fullest. I will also include insights from books and other sources that have helped me in my understanding and personal journey. Finally, this blog provides for me accountability, an important aspect of behavior change. By knowing I will have to hold myself accountable to an online audience, I will increase my chances of successfully meeting my goals. So, let the learning begin!
In high school I would set goals for church, which included being kinder and more patient with my siblings. I would also read all of the self-help books I could get my hands on, on topics such as time management and organization. In college I loved my class on behavior change theories. During my full-time Mormon missionary service in Peru, I would create goals every six weeks and monitor them weekly. My companion and I discovered that we would be successful in some goals and completely fail in others. I continue to set goals; sometimes I fail and sometimes I succeed. I continue to learn a lot in the process.
My purpose in keeping this blog is multifold. As I reflect upon my own life experiences, I will share stories and insights that might prove useful to others in their quests to improve, to progress, and to live life to the fullest. I will also include insights from books and other sources that have helped me in my understanding and personal journey. Finally, this blog provides for me accountability, an important aspect of behavior change. By knowing I will have to hold myself accountable to an online audience, I will increase my chances of successfully meeting my goals. So, let the learning begin!
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