12 Goals for 2019
It’s that time of year again. So here, without apology, are my goals for 2019!
My theme this year is simple, Dream Big!
- I spend more time on my phone at the expense of relationships and reality’s ongoing (and boring) parade.
- Raise my “multi-tasking game” to double digits, so I accomplish nothing while being busy all day.
- Listen to ONE song recorded after 1991 by an artist that got their start after the 1970s.
- Stop saying, “www dot” when providing a web address to friends and family.
- Finally, surrender and give debit cards a try (but keep my checks for when that doesn’t work out…which it won’t).
- When I see the parking lot is packed during the holidays, I walk to my car and take 10-15 minutes to pull out even longer at Costco.
- Use apps for purchases, eliminating the need to ever make eye contact (or interact) with anyone at Starbucks ever again. I don’t want a relationship with someone who makes my coffee. I am that big a deal.
- Become known at the dog park as “the guy who never picks up after his dogs!”
- Devise a get-rich scheme by regularly playing “scratchers” every time I step into a convenience store. That has worked! And, while I’m at it, why don’t I also play the Lotto to make everyone wait in line while I see if any of my tickets are jackpot winners?
- Go on and on (to anyone who will listen) about their need to binge-watch a show I haven’t watched. “I heard it’s perfect” is sure to generate confidence.
- Tell everyone, “Olive Garden is the most amazing Italian restaurant! Those breadsticks, O-M-G!”
- Better yet, why don’t I forget about goals 1-11 and instead focus on not being such a smartass?
Instead, I can focus on being kind, empathetic, and occasionally funny to those I am lucky to be around. With extraordinary efforts toward my family, friends, and co-workers, who are sometimes “held hostage” by proximity to my sometimes obnoxious personality.
Losing some friends recently is a stark reminder that time passes and people transition, and it is not on our schedule.
Then there is the speeding of time passing. Suddenly, Riley has three more semesters before college! So fast. Being with him this holiday has been a reminder that every day together with anyone is special. So, Carpe Diem.
I don’t always do it, but I sincerely try to remember to pause, take it all in, think about the broader context of what is happening and appreciate what is going on at the moment. It’s precious. So, I want to express this awareness and appreciation directly. Yes, this includes the Starbucks people. They all do a great job!
I hope 2019 is great for all of you; you live some dreams! I also hope our paths cross so I can hear all about it. Heck, I can also share some appreciation during our time together!
Happy New Year!