Some people like to go hard on New Year Resolutions. But not me. I prefer having new year’s goals rather than resolutions. This piece is about my 2022 goals. After 40 odd years in this world, I’ve come to value goal-setting in a grounded approach manner. This means that instead of being hung up on the results, I aim for something, see how the world is, then adjust my goals accordingly. That being said, there are still non-negotiables.
In business school, people are trained to think in terms of “SMART” goals – SMART being the acronym for “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, and Time-bound”. My 2022 do not exactly conform to this format, since some of my 2022 goals are abstracts, and are not apt to be measured.
So, here are my 2022 goals. I’m keeping them to four goals, so as to have better focus.
My first 2022 goal: be present and adjust while house renovations are on-going. Me and my spouse do have a budget in mind. We’ll try to stick to it, but, as experience has taught us, budget for 50% more of the initial budget
My second 2022 goal: supervise kids and their study arrangements. Keep it steady. There will be changes, drastic changes, this school year of 2022-2023. I am R and A’s mom, so I need to supervise what’s happening with school and extra-curriculars at this unique era of COVID-19 + Variants.
My third 2022 goal: continue putting effort on pantry clean-up. I still have so much clutter to unravel. I am walking deeper into the path of minimalism in my pantry. I am not yet able to articulate fully what I want, but one thing is clear—I want to have fewer choices. But more conscious choices. This pantry minimalization journey has something to do with knowing myself and my preferences better. I think it’s very much connected to the concept of self-mastery as part of middle age—but for now I’m leaving this thread hanging.
For my fourth and last 2022 goal, it’s concerned with my career. I aim to continue at a steady pace with my Chinese client, the electronics company. I want to be a functional full-time employee and an asset to this company. Although it has nothing to with psychology per se, I am still applying my skills. I’ll see how I need to improve or grow in this arena. I do value this company, and I think I am in the right industry because it is poised for growth. Hence, this company will support my growth as a writer, if I am willing to learn.
As for my other writing pursuits, I’ll continue writing for my Facebook page, posts like this where I engage my growing audience. There is also another minor project, helping a friend out with his book. But that’s a developing story, the details emerging oh so slowly.
I’m ending this piece with a touch of self-love and self-acceptance. There will be many variations in the outcome of my goals, as this will be a year of broad-ranging change.
Self, surrender to the outcome and deal with what reality deals you.
Self, radically accept reality.
Self, accept what you can do, and forgive what you cannot control or influence.
Even if it means forgiving yourself for “not doing your best”, because you are already doing your best.
This 2022, I am not taking it sitting down, nor am I going to insist on “my way or the highway.”
