Enriched by Words

Writing Goals

On Monday, I posted on the topic of New Year Resolutions.  Quite a few comments referred to goals as opposed to resolutions, and not confining the process to January 1st.   I went nosing around a bit and found (on the same page) two quotes that seem to both agree and disagree.

We will open the book.  Its pages are blank.  We are going to put words on them ourselves.  The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.     Edith Lovejoy Pierce.

Here is another view of the beginnings represented by the new year.  I have rarely had beginnings coincide with January, until this year.  Coincidence?  Certainly.  I like the sentiment in this quote.  If I were to change it at all, I would substitute “TODAY” for “New Year’s Day.”  Same feeling, more immediacy, and a call to action.  So what if it is 6 p.m. on a weekday any day of the year.  Today is where you are, and from where you begin to move forward.

The start of a new year provides an opportunity to take stock of one’s career and outline steps for advancing to the next level.  Managers and employees must continually develop their professional skills and abilities in order to reach their full potential and remain engaged at work.     Max Messmer

The first time I read it, I couldn’t identify what it was that bothered me.  Of course, I had a “duh” moment in the next breath.  Professional beginnings and evaluation has always taken place in June and July for me.  Why?  I come from a non-profit and educational background.  The budget year ran from July 1 to June 30.   Our professional “new year” occurred mid-summer.

That brings up a valid point.  If you want to get in the habit of annual or semi-annual self evaluation, tie it to specific events that occur each year.  I have a friend who does her thinking in April and October.  Her only reason for those months is because she pays her auto insurance premiums then and finds it easy to remember.  Evaluation is, for her, part of assessing her family’s welfare and protection, as well as her own progress.

I tend to do my evaluating as the seasons change.  Spring and fall usually bring a restlessness and desire for progress.  This year I found myself between projects as we approached the end of the year and enjoyed doing some evaluating at the “traditional” time.

4 comments | Add One

Leave a Comment