Evaluation Time

At the beginning of this year, I set three goals --- not resolutions. GOALS. SMART goals. They were supposed to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. My goals were:

Number one: I will be healthy as defined:
1) BMI <25
2) Cholesterol range good
3) Thyroid good
4) BP good with medication

Number two:I will organize & clean my house.

Number three:I will become an enrolled agent.

Although I have taken steps in all areas, especially relating to my health & my house, I haven't achieved any of the goals completely. In these hard times, it is unwise to continue to carry employees who do not perform to the level of expectation. I'm afraid I'm going to have to let myself go.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), I can't do that. So I need to evaluate the situation and see what I need to do for next year.

First, the goals were pretty clear. I've had that first goal in some way shape or form for 35 years. The second one was added about 24 years ago. Number three... I'll hold off on that one.

Let's look at the good things:
Goal #1: my cholesterol, blood pressure, and thyroid levels are all within the normal ranges. I have lost a little weight. I am now merely "fat" rather than "really fat."

Goal #2: although I wouldn't want anyone to drop in without calling, I can have my house presentable in a few hours. I have my important papers filed (mostly.) I still need to clean out the workshop that's become a storage room. I need to get rid of clothes and other stuff. My friend Margaret suggested that I take pictures of things that are meaningful so that I can let them go more easily. I am going to try that. Oh.. wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Goal #3: after I bought the Gleim computerized study guide and went through a few lessons, I stopped. I don't really know why. I think I can still just take the business part, but even if I have to start from the beginning, I'm just going to roll this goal over. I need and want the validation that passing the test will give me.

I think that more than anything, I am terrible at making goals. I think I may make "ought to do" goals instead of goals based on what I WANT or NEED to do.

I think that even though I WANT and NEED to lose weight I'm going to let that one rest this year.

I think maybe I should make monthly goals instead of yearly goals.

I think maybe I should just DO stuff, then write retroactive goals and cross them off.

I think maybe I should read up on strategic planning.

I think I'll think on this awhile.