New Years Day

New Years Eve is a time of reflection and new beginnings. Every December 31st the Wife and I record a number of goals for the coming annum. Goals break down based on category, be they personal, professional or as a couple. A year later we review, discuss and write new goals.

2004 was rocky on my end. The Wife did well, satisfying four out of five personal goals and every career goal. I flubbed three out of four personal goals. The goal fulfilled: write every day for three hours. Man, I’m so fired.

Lost in the crush of self pity and yearning for a half dozen martinis, the Wife studied my list. She put what happened into perspective. Of the four personal goals, only one goal was under my influence, the writing schedule. The other three depended on the actions of others. Hearing that, made it clear why I 1) I failed and 2) felt bad about missing the target. The endpoint was never mine to hit.

The Wife took one goal and re-framed.

Before : Get a literary agent.
After : Query, contact and work towards securing representation for the Ridge Runner.

Not only is the re-framed goal more accurate, the statement now emphasizes my personal responsibility and influence in the situation.

And so we enter year 2005. Rock on….