I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, New Year’s “Resolutions” are a waste of time.
Yearly Goals, however, are something I highly value. I firmly believe that once you set your mind to something, the only thing that can stop you is you. There is no other time in history which has offered more resources or connectivity than right now. This goal setting process (I’ll be sharing the full monty in a couple months if you’d like to learn how to accomplish more) helps me define my year and set my focus.
WRITE IT DOWN
It starts with reflection and moves on to action steps. You’re currently reading something in between those two pillars: the act of writing it down. Many people’s New Year’s Resolutions dissipate because they don’t put their thoughts into a physical form. That, plus the fact most resolutions are vague and unmeasurable = resolutions broken in record time.
Writing down your thoughts is one of the most powerful activities you can do if you’re trying to figure something out. This goes for work problems, relational challenges, daddy issues, and especially your goals. You have over 50,000 thoughts per day. The only thing that separates the junk from the gems are what you choose to articulate in a physical form, i.e. write down your goals if you are serious about them.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
I can keep myself (mostly) accountable, just as most of you (mostly) can. But, why should I go it alone when I can ask for your help?
I firmly believe telling others about your goals helps keep you accountable for your actions. It gives you the opportunity to reinforce the idea to yourself and refocus your attention. And if you are selective in who you tell about your goals, they will keep you accountable.
I love getting questions such as, “So how’s the book coming?” because it reminds me to sit my butt in my chair and keep grinding!
I’m asking each of you to keep me accountable. This is a big year and I have some serious mountains to climb, I cannot do it alone. In return, I’ll happily keep you accountable with regular check-ins on your goals. Nothing great was ever achieved completely alone so I’m excited to help you achieve your goals IF you ask me to be a part of them.
Without further ado, my goals for 2015:
Work
- Work with 10 new clients this year | As my freelancing journey has evolved, my skills have sharpened and more small business owners are contacting me about building a website for them. Please share my information with anyone you know in need of my services and help spread the word!
- Acquire 2 investment properties | I learned a ton about real estate in 2014 and it’s time to start putting that knowledge to work. I have an idea of where I want to be in 5+ years, this is part of that plan.
- Make the SCISA Playoffs | My 8-man football team at Coastal Christian Prep went 0-11 last season. There’s no way I will let that happen again in 2015.
- Close 5 new clients for SOUTH | Clients for SOUTH are different than clients with whom I work. They are typically larger organizations who need top level design & engineering, something I cannot provide.
Writing
- Publish 2nd eBook in Spring 2015 | I have already began writing a goal-setting course to be released this Spring. The idea is to prep me for the next big project (see below) and give me a chance to help others achieve their own goals.
- Publish ‘EG21 Project’ (placeholder name since I can’t reveal legit title, yet) in Fall 2015 | The whole reason I began writing is set to be released this Fall. I have tons of work to do, but it’s one of the most exciting challenges I’ve ever taken on. Send me an email [mikemccann3 (at) gmail (dot) com] if you’d like to be on the pre-release list!
Personal/Physical
- Finish the Cooper River Bridge Run in < 41:00 | I did it last year and it felt great. I was injured a few times in 2014, so this will be a major challenge for me.
- Create 2 furniture gifts | I have fallen in love with carpentry over the past few years. This year, I’ll begin giving my work away instead of hoarding everything. This apartment is way too small for that…
- Volunteer (at least) once per month | I checked off this exact goal in 2014. It changed my life and I’ve resolved to do this forever. No excuses, everyone can give back. Ross, when are we going to the VA?
- Read 35 books & re-read the ones that matter | Last year I read 44 books and it was mind-blowing. Some were great and so were mediocre. The ones I loved deserve a second look… some second looks I have yet to award. I read a lot of business and non-fiction books that teach so reading through once isn’t the best way to soak up the information. This year I’ll still be reading a ton, but I’ll sprinkle in additional study time to push my limits.
This is not my complete list of goals for the year. There’s some that are more personal which I’d prefer not to share, and some that are actually secret. Yes, I realize that goes against everything I said above, but life is full of contradictions… get used to it.
If you’re serious about your goals, send them to me and I promise to help you achieve them, even if it’s just through an occasional encouraging message.
Have a great year!
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Leave me a comment or chat with me on Twitter, I’d love to hear from you. Have a great week!
