2009 Goals

Ian and I once heard from a very successful couple that the best way to get the things you want out of life is to write them down. Having a visual reminder of what you want to achieve increases your motivation. This also has to do with the psychology of commitment (sorry, I spent a whole quarter learning about social psychology.) Essentially, when you write something down it becomes a more binding commitment than a verbal or mental pact. Once something is fixed in a tangible means of expression, it’s hard to ignore. Pretty cool, huh? (If you want to read more about how to get people to do what you want, check out the book Influence by ).

Ever since Ian and I heard that piece of advice, we’ve been making lists of our goals. We make a fresh list every Christmas, so we’re already focused on the year ahead. I like the term ‘goals’ instead of ‘resolutions’. Resolutions, to me, seem about fixing what’s wrong with you, not bettering the good things. Anyway, some of the goals are short term and some are long term, but they’re all something we can work towards in the new year. Usually the more specific the better (exercise 3x per week vs. exercise more.)

So here’s a partial list of my 2009 goals:

Send out YA m.s.

Finish MG m.s.

Write a new book

Book 20+ weddings (check out www.distinctphoto.com)

Graduate (at long last)

What are your goals?

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