Where did January go? It’s been a whirlwind, going back to school for quarter 2 of grad school. I’m learning so much about what I want, now and in the future! Even this week involved 2 interviews, 1 tour of an archives, and even a handful of social activities. No drinking, no animals products this month. But lots of fun!
Last year, I did monthly reviews of my goals, calling them “goals progress reports.” Honoring the progress, I tracked process, using words from my book draft, Omit to Commit: omit, commit, and work in progress. These were posted on the 30th of every month (besides February, of course). While the consistency of posting was great for scheduling content, it felt redundant. Especially if I didn’t achieve a goal.
After 5 (and counting!) years of blogging on goals, I am shaking up my strategy on goals. In 2024, my hope is to build systems reports every month.
Systems are a little different than goals. Goals, while often based on long-term habits, tend to be based on one specific thing getting done. Systems, by comparison, are sustainable ways of recognizing what habits need to get done for goals to hopefully happen.
Therefore, with limited time and new learnings, I only set 5 goals for 2024. But I’d like to bend them a little, see how I can systemify them. Did I work towards any goals in 2024?
Creative Goal: Lean into feelings writing
System in Process: Publish on the 20th of every month
Publishing is the end game, and I didn’t miss my self-imposed deadline. I introduced creative and technical writing as “still writing” here. But I need to make a method to lean into this crossroads. Not just wait for inspiration to strike.
Exploring Goal: Run small experiments as part of word for the year
System: Publish on the 10th of every month
Once more, I published! And I have done so much for this goal. Since I will be going through each letter of “experiment” this year, I will continue to be actively working toward this system. More to come, on the 10th of February.
Learning Goal: Practice Spanish
System in Process: Speak whenever!
I haven’t done weekly lessons yet, but maybe this can be my social hour? Or should I buy Duolingo?!
Moving Goal: Lift twice weekly and run twice weekly
System in Process: Exercise in-between classes
I don’t always make this goal, but when I do, my confidence soars! You are what you give time to, after all. This will support long and short-term esteem and energy, key for systems. Yet finding pockets of time is key, especially because parking near DU is increasingly spotty. Enter: Habit-stacking.
Serving Goal: Research and develop resources
System in Process: Use other goals to build these
Maybe these posts on the 30th can be the space for resources? Perhaps what I find from my word for the year? But I want the resources to be beyond me, so apps (not made by me… yet?) or downloadables (could be by me).
There you have it. Thanks for tuning in, feel free to share thoughts on your systems and goals. Onto class!