The Year Is Ending. It is time to review my progress toward goals set this year (and to consider goals for next year). This is always a curious process. There are goals that are unmet with good reason (e.g., as I progressed I concluded that they were not necessary or desirable) and goals that were lost in the rush of time. Here is my annual review and beginning of goal setting for the next year.
A Blast from the PastHere is last year’s list of goals.Looking at them, I realize that they are not as fully formed, as they should have been. I have not done a regular check up, as I have in the past. This has been an interesting, and difficult, year. Goals set were:
- Financial: To live within a budget and to responsibly service my debts;
- Professional: To locate suitable employment that will allow me to meet my nut every month with room to spare;
- Music: Complete the CD and distribute, gig to support it and for personal satisfaction;
- Personal Relationships: Spend quality time with the important people in my life;
- Spiritual: Continue to do anonymous kindness for those that cannot repay me, improve my spiritual development.
My goal under “Spiritual” has remained this way for some years. I do not intend to change this.It is not tied to performance measures or milestones. It serves as a reminder of my need to continue doing for others with no expectation of being paid back for my kindness. Kindness should be lived in all contexts. I have often failed in this arena. I need to be reminded that I can never be kind enough; there is always room to grow. Having said that, I am happy that I have made this a centerpiece for my life this year. I have done much, most of which has not graced the pages in this ‘blog.
Music has suffered the most this year, largely owing to finances. I have been hit by several expenses that I did not, in any way, anticipate or budget for. Instruments were pawned to pay expenses.I am only now able to get them out of prison, and slowly at that.
July-August-September were particularly difficult.I developed some health issues that have taken their fiscal, as well as physical, toll. They will pass.The rest is only money. Debts will all be serviced. I don’t fail my obligations. Sometimes it takes me much longer than I wanted, though, to make good. Realistically, I don’t know what to do with my music project. I have too much invested into it to shelf it, but I lack the time to complete it. It may become a summer project. Money remains a mystery to me. My Financial goals remain the same: stability. While I am making slow progress toward reestablishing myself, I still struggle. Enough said here.
Professional goals now are shifting toward going clear on my credential. I am working, though I am clearing less money than I did as a long-term sub (by nearly $500.00 per month!). I am contributing toward my retirement, though. I need to think of this as income rather than a deduction. I will have to go back to school in September. I also want to complete my M.Ed. during this next year. That will mean more funds.
Personal Relationships were a mixed bag this year. There has been more virtual ink spilled over this in this ‘blog than I care to consider. When I fall in love, I fall hard. It makes the betrayals all the more difficult. I squandered my heart on an unworthy woman. Looking back, I can see that she had difficulties that, while unaccounted in this ‘blog, were key to her being unable to do anything without condition. I have done well with my daughters and friends, though.
What’s Next?
I will have to spend some time thinking about the next set of goals. The spiritual goal will remain the same. I don’t know about a specific discipline. Financial will need to improve, too. I need to work on music since much of my sanity is tied to my art.
- tDF
