Tag Archives: goals

10.15.21
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Thoughts: Progress

It’s been an interesting week.

I’ve finished today, Friday, in much better shape than the seven(?) previous Friday’s. Not so broken. Not so drained. Actually looking forward to the weekend.

The difference? I’ve stopped caring about case numbers and our leaders desperately spinning. I’ve removed myself from these four walls and am working in my office again (safely of course). and there’s been a bit of reconnection with people.

Separating home from work has been a life-saver. I really was not in good shape. 50 days of isolation is not good. My colleagues have noticed a sea change in me. (Related: I am blessed to be working with quality counsellors and psychologists who care about me and check in).

This week I’ve been involved in interviewing for some roles on our business – there are amazing talented and beautiful humans out there and I have loved the conversations. Hearing the passion. Understanding the dreams. We are going to gain much from the people we select.

I have come to realise that the key to getting through this pandemic is purpose and hope. Humans need purpose. Humans need hope. Remove these and watch the withering.

There’s also been a bit of a spark ignited in me. I’ve deliberately put my creative side on hold for a few years. Needs must sometimes I guess. But in the last few days I’ve gotten a bit twitchy. It’s time. It’s time to create. So I’m starting to plot and imagine what this could look like.

It’s quite fun isn’t it? All this imagining and dreaming stuff. We should do more of it.

There is always something to look forward to…

04.03.21
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Thoughts: Easter 2021

Oh this is good. A timely break for four days.

My mind is conditioned to think in Quarters after years in business. And this weekend, happily, coincides with the conclusion of one Quarter and the beginning of a new one.

Reflecting. The first Quarter was about recovery. My work is challenging at the best of times, and at the beginning of last Quarter, I was broken. Utterly broken. Probably was a bit a shit with my closest and loved. I had nothing to give and really needed people around to fill my emotional tank. That filling came from unexpected places for the most part, and I’m grateful.

I’m always grateful. I’m very conscious of those who add.

Where I am today is a lifetime of progress from where I was 3 months ago. I’m more content.

Happier? Hard to say really. I’m happy within myself, but I suspect it’s time I opened my borders…

Reflecting. Work is still challenging, but the environment is completely different. I have the same ridiculously difficult conversations. Supporting people facing horrific situations. But now I have support to do so. So I’m much more effective. (Pro tip – find you people that understand and love you). I’m very grateful that my colleagues are now able to bring their full authentic selves to the game.

So, mental is sorted. What about physical? I’m managing to maintain my stepcount. But I suspect it’s time I faced my nemesis – a gym membership – again… the key? I suspect I need a challenge and people I love doing it with me.

Spiritual? An important part of human existence (arguably). An apropos given it’s Easter. I’m very spiritually aware, given my lifetime and background, but I despise hypocrisy and control. And I see too much of this in human constructs.

I value conversations. I’ve been significantly influenced by those following Hindu dharma in recent years. I’m always open to explore other faiths, understandings, philosophies. I’m not sure that I can embrace atheism, given my experiences, and agnosticism doesn’t really resonate.

Please suggest reading material for me to consider. I will read.

So finding my Ikigai… I’m actually very close. I love my work. I love my colleagues. I’m challenged every day.

I have been worried that my heart has been closed. Shut down. perhaps it’s time to open up again. Risk hurt and disappointment, but be alive. Connect with a one.

Hmmm.

So… this next Quarter. What does success look like? What does progress look like?

And for you?

05.02.20
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Thoughts – Isolation 2020 – 12

I’ve run out of words.

The days are blurring in to each other.

I’m now surprised when I learn that the weekend has started.

I still find weekends tough going.

I get my long walks in – I am aiming for 10k steps on Saturday and Sunday, and I’m achieving this. So that’s good.

Apart from that it’s the same. Wake, chores, read, watch TV, and wait. Wait?

Yep, I’m waiting for an appropriate time to go to bed. God I’m bored.

On the plus side I’ve been able to plan my future obsession with Le Creuset cookware. So that’s something to look forward to.

How are you all doing?

Stay kind. Stay safe. Stay home. Level 3 is still lockdown. Ask the Minister of Health about that if you have interpretation questions.

^SD

04.13.20
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Thoughts: Isolation 2020 – 10

For those that aren’t in New Zealand, we shut down from (including) Good Friday through to Easter Monday. It’s traditionally the last significant long holiday weekend and marks the entry in to Autumn and Winter.

Easter is the last opportunity to travel, camp, relax and reflect with friends and family. And this year, that opportunity was lost.

Easter Sunday was the hardest day for me so far, psychologically speaking.

I woke at the usual time. Made my bed. Went for a decent walk around Auckland city. Saw the people out and about, exercising, spending time with loved ones.

And I remembered that I was alone. Doing this lockdown, alone.

I’ve been so good in my isolation up until Sunday. My resilience has been evident and I’m drawing strength from the sources that are available to me. Until Sunday.

None of my usual go-to’s were working. The books I’m reading didn’t interest me. The Netflix documentaries that usually educate and inspire, bored me halfway through. The movies I love made me yawn.

This wasn’t a good sign.

I wasn’t even in the mood to chat, to message, to communicate.

Bedtime couldn’t come soon enough.

And today, Monday, I’m back to normal. Woke up. Made the bed. Cleaned. Did laundry. Played some PlayStation. Watched some Netflix.

It is like yesterday never happened.

On reflection, I have missed connection and intimacy this weekend, but I’ve come through the other side quickly. I have shifted my focus.

There will be an end to this lockdown. Covid-19 will be either contained or will become a part of global life. Things will return to a semblance of normality. There is HOPE.

And hope is what gets me through. Those of you who are close to me know that I’ve had three years of challenges, and that season of challenge ends in May. So my hope-focus is all about what next. Where will I be travelling to (and yes, I will be travelling)? How is my next life stage going to be framed? I’m desperate to explore cultures I’m not familiar with. Desperate to explore their food and learn their histories. (And yes, I’m watching ALL the Netflix food shows).

Where there is hope, there is also anticipation. There are the little things, as well as the big things that I am looking forward to.

I’m looking forward to being able to invest in a Weber kettle BBQ. I want to learn/understand low/slow cooking with charcoal.

I am looking forward to being comfortable having guests over for a meal. Well, I just need to buy three more dining chairs, but I have a plan in place for that.

Actually I have a plan in place for many and most things. Which is why I’m just waiting.

I have learned over the last three years to utterly let go of the things that I can’t control and pour focus and planning in to the things I can control. To line things up so when the time is right, I can press go.

Sunday? It’s in the past.

Sunday was a gentle reminder that I need to ensure I pay enough attention to my own care and well-being.

Make sure you do the same.

Love to you all.

^SD

01.01.15
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Thoughts: Goals for 2015

I’m a bit shit at setting New Year Resolutions.

I’ve determined that this is because New Year Resolutions involve implementing change in one’s self.

Being a bit older than I was, change is actually hard. And quite frankly, I don’t see anything that I really want to change about myself. I’m quite content for the most part.

A common Resolution: I could resolve to return to the gym. But I know that I get bored in the gym and I’m not that worried about my physical shape. Yes, it would be wise from a health perspective, but so would cutting out wine (Wait, what???) and cooking less interesting meals. Meals which don’t have glorious flavours and dairy and carby goodnesss…

Not going to happen.

Therefore setting Goals it is.

What Goals do I have for 2015?

Looking back at those set last year, I categorised them: Technology, Personal Development, Exercise/Sports, Travel. And I pretty much missed on all. Like I said 2014 was a bit of a shocker. Available funds and  available time were lacking somewhat, and I had to make hard decisions around things to focus on.

Let’s try again.

I’m older, wiser and more experienced so perhaps this year I’ll achieve a few more things that I actually set out to achieve. As opposed to achieving a lot of things that I didn’t intend to, but was forced into by circumstance.

Top of the list: Personal Development:

– Learn a language. I really want to learn Japanese, but Mandarin is probably going to be more useful and certainly I have access to language resource and conversational speakers. Let’s have a crack at that then.

– Continue to Read obsessively. I have a love of knowledge and I’m constantly reading. I need to ensure that I have the time to do this.

– Formal Study. Perhaps do some Management courses? Certainly I’d benefit from this. I’ve learned this year to talk the language of CEO’s and CFO’s from a sales point of view. But it’s been learned by osmosis. Could do better. Perhaps some Writing courses? I have many words and it would be beneficial to learn more of the craft of writing.

Travel:

– I need to get to Cambodia, Laos and/or Thailand. I think I need to put a little $ aside each week and make it happen. It’s important to me to visit countries which challenge and stretch my life experience. I have not done this for a few years and I’m very twitchy.

Sports/Exercise:

– If I’m not going to get back to the gym, I need to get out walking. So let’s set a goal of 1000kms to be walked in 2015. And not kms walked between my home and the local supermarket, despite the fact that you can log at least 2kms walking up and down aisles. ‘Cos that’s cheating innit?

– Snowboarding. My nemesis. I will get to Snowplanet. I will get to Snowplanet. I will get to Snowplanet. And learn to Board. And not break things. Despite my eld.

General:

– Family. I do do a lot with my kids, but I do think I could do more. I need to work on this. (and not use the word ‘do’ that many times in a sentence ever again).

– Be more social. Get out to more events. Invite more people over. These aren’t specific things, more lifestyle aspirations – so I won’t set defined expectations (as one should for a goal).

One good thing I’ve noted is that I’ve left out the acquisition of things as being important. I’ve really made some growth in that area. That being said, there are always nice things that come your way that you simply must have. I do feel a personal responsibility to do my bit to ensure the survival of Apple.

So that’s it. Achievable. Beneficial.

I need to Live and Laugh more.

What Goals do you have?

S>

01.13.14
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Resolutions vs Goals

I’ve been thinking about what I want to achieve this year. But also what defines a New Years Resolution as opposed to setting personal goals.

I think, for me, a Resolution is more about resolving to effect change in aspects of one’s life whereas a Goal is a specified, achievable, tangible thing that you aspire to do.

As I really don’t feel the need to change aspects of my life, despite the fact I probably should consume less wine, I think for 2014, I’ll set goals. Here’s my thinking, category by category, in no particular order of priority.

Technology:

I’d like to update my trusty iPad. I still have a version 1 model. It has served me well but it’s time.

I’d also like to acquire a decent DSLR camera because I do take photos, and I am getting frustrated with not being able to capture what I’m seeing.

I’d also quite like to obtain a new iMac or MacPro – I want to get back into writing/recording music and a decent spec’d machine will help.

Personal Development:

I definitely want to get off my backside and learn Japanese. I’ve made a broad start in 2013 but it fell by the wayside when time constraints bit. I have the materials needed, I just need to book regular conversational classes.

Study? Not sure. The idea is there, but the reality is that it takes time that I can’t commit to just yet. This requires more research on my part.

It is time I played bass in public again. It’s been years. Easy goal: get my calluses back and head up to the Portland Public House on ‘jam night’.

Reading: one book at least per week. Can be Fiction or non-Fiction. Achievable.

Exercise/Sports:

I need to re-establish my gym regimen. I did quite well for 9 months of 2013 then got distracted by life. I shall set a goal of 3 weight sessions each week, and then add cardio – whether it’s bike or a walk 2x each week. This is of course achievable.

My sporting nemesis is Snowboarding. I have intent to learn – and have had for nearly 5 years. My snowboard and clothing mock me.

Travel:

This is a biggie. I love to travel and haven’t for two years. So, in 2014 I want to travel to 5 overseas destinations. On my list of possibles is Cambodia, Thailand, Cuba, Australia (of course), Pacific Islands (take your pick). I also need to get back to the UK for family reasons, possibly Germany and I’d love to get back to the USA.

I’m sure there are more goals to set. I’m not thinking about house purchasing. I may update my vehicle, but it’s not costing me much to run at present so I may as well hold on to it for now. I’m still processing my Business goals. It should be an interesting year.

What are your goals?

12.31.13
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That’s that then.

2013 is done and dusted.

I am pleased to see the back of what was, for me, a particularly challenging year. (I also note that it has been a particularly challenging year for many people. The Year of the Snake, perhaps?).

It’s time to reflect. To remove the old stuff of the year from my life to make room for the new stuff that will come my way in 2014.

The absolute highlight (and the thing I’m most grateful for) is that I spend time with my kids often and I am loving seeing them continue to grow into very cool, very promising people. They’ve both had a great year at school and I’m really looking forward to spending time camping with them in January. Their presence in my life is grounding when all else is swirling about uncontrollably.

I didn’t achieve a great percentage of the Resolutions I made this time last year. This was primarily because the majority of them required finance which wasn’t readily available.

That being said, I did establish a gym routine (which suffered in the last third of the year due to routine changes and business distractions). I did tone up and strengthen, and I anticipate re-establishing that routine in 2014. I did learn that I don’t find going to the gym a solace or ‘me’ time. I don’t actually find it relaxing. I’m not sure how to go about changing that. It would be helpful if I could.

I did go on more walks (making good use of the boots I bought for this purpose). I did explore more of Auckland and its surrounds. I had a very enjoyable long-weekend in which I explored Northland (as far as Cape Reinga) with the girl. Amazing scenery and lots of wine.

I still loathe running (or more accurately, walk-jog-walking) so I tend to avoid the opportunity to do this.

I did get to read and relax. I am very happy in my own company and do need this type of time to recharge. I have learned that if I don’t get to hermit, I start to hate people. This, of course, isn’t entirely helpful.

I totally failed in my grand plan to learn to speak Japanese. There is a significant time factor involved. Perhaps I need to calendar it, and set up conversational Japanese classes regularly. That one goes in my 2014 list of to-do’s.

I’ve not traveled overseas since late 2011, my expectation is that I will make up for this absence in 2014. I didn’t get to Malaysia for a friends wedding (regret). I didn’t get to the UK to see my mother and family (regret). Even my kids got to California this year. I love to travel and discover new cultures and people, and I feel bereft if I don’t do it.  It doesn’t help that I do some work for a travel agent so I get to see email after email of travel bargains and exciting destinations. I’m extremely twitchy and the idea of hopping onto a Boeing or Airbus right now is appealing.

Business has been interesting this year.  I’ve been focused on getting my business stable and cutting unnecessary expense across the board (achieved). There has been a lot activity missed out on, but I’ve had my eyes firmly fixed on the end result. January sees a new beginning and the efforts of 2013 will have paid off. I’ve had some great clients that I’ve been working with, as well as some that turned out to be less than ideal. I’ve learned some tough lessons with respect to separating business from personal. In learning how to detach emotion. I’ve come out of 2013 a little harder and a little wiser than when I went in. I am grateful to those that supported me through these trying times.

Emotionally, I think I’m in a better place than I was a year ago. I do hope I’m more open and vulnerable. The guards still go up pretty quickly if certain buttons are pushed, but I think I’m getting better at verbalising what I’m feeling and reacting to. I do feel I did not spend enough time with people this year. I certainly didn’t spend enough time with those closest to me. I’m hoping to be more visible, available, and out-and-about in 2014.

2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse (Jan 31-Feb 18, 2015). I like this overview for us Roosters: “Those born in Ox, Snake, and Rooster years will use patience and determination to support a foundation for success. What you sense about people and environments will be quite accurate. People are drawn to you. It’s an ideal year for research and developing your skills in any area of interest.”

Bring it on.

2014