Over a week ago I described my professional goals for 2010. In this post I discussed how I was going to spend the majority of the year focusing on “communications.” Specifically I want to improve my writing, speaking, and technology skills.
But goal setting isn’t just about professional growth. I also think it’s important to create challenges that’ll help me grow as a man. This is part of my ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra. So while I’m focusing on my communication skills, I also want to set aside time to work on my personal growth.
What’s My Personal Growth Focus For 2010?
In a word- “Experiences.”
What do I mean? As mentioned in the post about lifestyle design; I have an online business that’s almost fully automated. And one of the benefits of this business is I can work when I want, wherever I want.
The problem is I’ve been pretty lazy when it comes to doing stuff. I have the money and time; yet I haven’t done enough with it. That’s going to change in 2010.
Here’s what I’m going to for the next year…
Traveling Goals
To be honest, I traveled a good amount during 2009. I visited Costa Rica (twice), bounced around Italy with my girlfriend, and hung out with old friends in Mississippi & New Orleans.
So I can’t say I’m disappointed with my travel experiences during the last year.
But I want to do more in 2010.
During the next year, I want to take a series of mini-vacations that’ll help me move past my comfort zones. My goal is to see if I can have fun while running my online business from any spot in the world.
This is the plan:
- March- I have to go to my friend’s wedding in Mississippi. So I’m going to use this as an opportunity to visit some places in the southeast part of the U.S. Will probably go to Georgia, Florida, and maybe a place or two in the Caribbean.
- May to July- This is going to my big trip for the year. Three whole months bouncing around the different countries in Europe I’ve been meaning to see. Like I said, this trip is going to expand my comfort zone. I brag to my friends that I have my business on almost complete auto-pilot. This will be the ultimate test.
- November- After the summer and my 9th Marathon (see below), I’ll want to take another trip. Maybe someplace warm like Australia.
In 2009 I learned the value of planning. If I don’t make a commitment now to these traveling goals; I know they might not happen. Now all I have to do is take small, incremental steps and turn these plans into a reality.
Exercise Goals
In November I finished the New York City Marathon. But honestly I consider 2009 to be a down year when it comes to exercise.
Running is something I’ve always been good at. Yet in the past year I didn’t exercise as much as I could have. Again, this is going to change in 2010.
This is the plan:
1) May- My 8th marathon. Will probably be in Rhode Island or here in New Jersey. (Then after I finish, I’ll hop on a plane and go to Europe.)
2) October- My 9th marathon. Not sure where it’s going to be. But I want it to run one in a state that I haven’t covered. (One of my ‘Bucket List’ goals is to run 50 marathons in 50 states)
3) All Year– I want to take up a physical activity that’s not running related. Like martial arts, surfing, skiing, or yoga. It’ll be cool to start something I’m not good at and see how much I can improve.
You might wonder what exercising has to do with “experiences.” Well, I believe you can learn a lot a lot about yourself through exercise. Each of these goals is designed to keep me in shape while presenting a physical challenge.
Fun Goals
John Lennon said it best: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
I’ve learned it’s important to not be obsessed with planning and goal-setting. Every single day offers an opportunity to live life to the fullest. And sometimes I forget to do stuff with the people who mean the most.
One of my blessings (or curses) is my family and friends. I have a lot of people in my life who like do random, weird things.
Now I’m pretty disciplined when it comes to my time. But for 2010, I’m focus on enjoying the little things in life.
Each week, I’m going to implement a simple “Yes Exercise” with the people who mean the most to me. Whenever someone asks me to do something, I’m going to say yes.
I won’t make the excuse that I have to work or I’m too busy. As long as I don’t have plans with someone else, I’m going to accept anyone’s offer.
For instance, my friend Chris has convinced me to drive out to Pennsylvania and see Punxsutawney Phil. (If you’ve seen the movie Groundhog Day then you know what I’m talking about.)
Yes it’s goofy. Sure it’s weird. But it’ll definitely make a good story!
Blogging Goals
Yes, you’re included in my personal goals for 2010.
For the first time in my Internet Marketing career I’m doing something I truly enjoy. This blog is my labor of love. And I plan on using it to chronicle some of my ‘experiments’ in personal growth and lifestyle design.
Hopefully you’ll benefit by learning from what I’m doing and use it to plan your own adventures.
What Are You Doing in 2010?
Why should you care about my personal goals for 2010?
That’s an easy one to answer. I’ve learned it’s easy for many to set professional goals, yet we tend to forget the fun things. To get the most out of life, it’s important to go after your own “experiences.”
So what are you doing in 2010? What fun things are you going to do? Visiting any cool places? What experiences will help you grow as a person?
I would love to hear what you’ve got planned for this year! Maybe it’ll give me some ideas for 2011 and beyond. Leave a comment below…
Take Action. Get Results.