As I considered content and an editorial calendar that might interest my target audience, I realized something notable. As I learn to share and publicize my goals and interests, and as I look for points of intersection between mine and others, I can offer a peek into what I’m doing and where I’m going. So, consistent with my values, I’m sharing my current personal projects. Here’s my 2018 goal list. I’ll give regular status updates with future blog posts.

My 2018 Goal In Health: Reduce Allergy Symptoms

When my doctor told me I’d be on allergy medications until I die, I thought that was a bad idea. Later, an endurance coach and doctor told me the best thing for me as an athlete is to reduce stresses in my life. His best view of any athlete’s fitness has them free of symptoms and medications for chronic conditions. In my best view of the future, I will reduce my allergies to the point where I can stop the costly medications. Beside experiencing enhanced well-being and improved quality of life year-round, these are among my motives to clean up my diet and cut environmental, chemical, and emotional stressors. I’ll know I’m improving as my symptoms improve and I cut use of medications.

My 2018 Goal In Fitness: Run Faster

After 25 years of sedentary weight gain, including 14 years of alcohol abuse, I became enthusiastic and even obsessive about my health and fitness for nearly a decade now. I’ve learned I’m most likely to stick with fitness when my goal is audacious. Currently, when I’m not injured, I run 5 days a week with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. My best marathon time so far is 3:45. I need to cut at least 20 minutes from that time.

My 2018 Goal In Business: Create An Online Revenue Stream

I’ve been a frustrated business person since my dad told me I could do better than following him into the construction field to help run the family business. He told me, “Get a good job. You’re smarter than that.” I did that, and I still have a gnawing ache to build a business.

While I’ve played a part in many big businesses and a couple closely held “family” businesses, in recent years I’ve learned that operating a business looks like working “on the business” instead of “in the business”. Consistent with my goal of working on a business, I’m taking on creating an online business. I don’t know what that will ultimately look like, but my first goal is to create $1 of revenue online. This could include advertising, affiliate marketing, consulting, courses, coaching, or product sales. I have ideas for each, and that’s way too many ideas.

My 2018 Goal In Service: Help Others

This year I will help others to meet their own goals. I’ll document the contributions, and I’ll have their endorsements for the results.

What’s Not Included Here

I haven’t included areas or things where my contribution won’t make a difference in the outcome (or lack thereof). In this article, I’m listing the things that won’t happen without me. These are things and areas where I’m truly making a difference, doing something that wasn’t going to be done otherwise.

I haven’t included professional goals here because it’s inevitable I’ll work, no matter what. There’s nothing I can do in the short-term to change that, one way or the other. Furthermore, in my professional career as a project manager, if I wasn’t on the project it would be someone else. These projects would be undertaken and managed with or without me.

Consider And Act

1. Are there other things and areas I should be considering, where my contribution is truly necessary and would make a difference?
2. What are your 2018 goals?
3. What are your plans to meet them?
4. Who is on your team for each?
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses around each?
6. How are you capitalizing on strengths and mitigating weaknesses?
7. Are your goals SMART:
8. 1. Specific?
   2. Measurable?
   3. Actionable (Is it clear what actions might be taken to get there? Can a plan be created?)
   4. Realistic (Do you see how your goal is achievable? If you don’t believe it, you’re not likely to take it seriously enough to work on it hard enough to achieve it.)
   5. Timebound (Without a timeline, it’s a wish)?