2007 Goals – The Plan

As I mentioned in my previous post about this year’s goals, I wanted to have a better plan to achieve each one by applying lessons I’ve learn from work – making each goal SMART.

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

Not all of my goals will fit into this mold, or all of the criteria, but I’m going follow this as much as I can for it and outline what I can for each.

Run the Flying Pig.
Specific goal: Run the entire Flying Pig 5K
Time of completion: 5 May 2007
My goal is to at least run the entire 5K, though I’m going to shoot for the 10K. The event is May 5, so I have a little under 5 months to get ready. For starters, I’m going to take the first 2-3 weeks to get ready for the running by taking a brisk walk 4-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I started this past Monday. After these first couple weeks, I’ll follow the same program that I did last year (Couch to 5K), with slight variances along the way.

Break a bad habit
Time of completion: end of 2007
Specific goal: For starters, my goal is to stop chewing on pens

To achieve this, I first need to be consciously aware that I’m doing this, then I can start focusing on preventing myself from wanting to do this to begin with. I’m already well along in breaking this habit. I’m very much aware I’m doing this now, and take the pen out of my mouth almost as soon as it goes in. Now I need to work on suppressing the urge to start chewing, maybe by chewing more gum.

Save up for a trip to Australia/New Zealand
Time of completion: end of 2007 (ongoing)
Specific goal: Have 33% saved by year’s end

I’m going to start off by putting twenty dollars from each paycheck into a special account. Once I’ve grown accustomed to that, after approx 3 months, I’ll bump it up to thirty, then forty, etc. I hope to have at least a third saved by year’s end. This leads to the next step of determining how much I need to save. I hope to have a pretty good idea by mid-2007.

Learn how to cook a “signature” dish
Time of completion: July 2007
Specific goal: Learn how to make my paternal family’s cheese/sausage dip

Though I have something in mind, I want to explore my possibilities. During January and February, I’ll explore possibilities. March through may, I’ll experiment and try out various recipes. In June or July, I’ll through a party and introduce my dish.

Become comfortable with the ASL
Time of completion: end of 2007
Specific goal: Know the ASL alphabet thoroughly

First step is to re-learn the ASL alphabet. I still remember most of it, so this shouldn’t take long. Next step is to have some one “quiz” me on this by randomly saying a letter and have me sign it. After that, I’ll have someone sign a letter and I’ll say what it is. Then I’ll move on to spelling words, at a slow pace initially before working up to a faster speed.

Learn how to pick a lock
Time of completion: end of 2007
Specific goal: Be able to pick my practice locks

I have the basic lockpick kit and some practice looks. I need to mount these lock then start practicing. I already have several sets of instructions to follow, so it’s just a matter of practicing.

Accomplish all these goals!
Time of completion: end of 2007

I should be far enough along with these goals in three months, so I hope to have an update by then, if not before. Wish me luck!

Related Posts

• 2007 Goals – Update
• 2007 Goals – Update
• 2007 Goals
• 2006 Goals -Year in Review
• The Changing of Time