Resolutions Vs. Goals
It is the end of 2011 (spoken twenty-eleven). With the new year around the corner, it is high time to decide on 2012′s resolutions/goals.
What is the difference between Resolutions and Goals?
In my mind, a resolution is qualitative while a goal is quantitative. Here is an example:
- Resolution: I want to lose weight
- Goal: I want to lose 20 lbm
With this is mind, I came up with three Resolutions for 2012, each containing measurable goals to chart my progress.
Resolution 1: To be in a better place financially by years end.
With what I make in a year from my base pay from the military, this goal would not be possible. Fortunately, once I graduate from prototype I am paid the remaining installment of my enlistment bonus. I also get an opportunity to STAR reenlist once I get to my next command. These two bonuses alone will be enough to accomplish my goals.
- Goal 1-1: To be debt free (i.e. pay remaining student loans in full)
- Goal 1-2: Contribute fully to my Roth-IRA
- Goal 1-3: Save at least $7k for a special project
- Goal 1-A: Keep track of expences using GNUCash and Mint
Resolution 2: To be in a better physical state by years end.
Who does not want to be in better physical shape? For me it is not just about appearances, but also about one’s usefulness.
- Goal 2-1: Achieve an Outstanding level of physical fitness, based on the Navy’s PFA standards.
- Goal 2-2: Reduce my body fat percentage by half.
- Goal 2-A: Keep track of weight and body proportions
Resolution 3: To be in a better mental state by years end.
Unfortunately, prototype has taken its toll on both my reading habits and my physics/math skills.
“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
- Goal 3-1: Finnish all of the A Song of Ice and Fire book series. I am still on A Game of Thrones.
- Goal 3-2: Read a minimum of twelve other books this year besides the ones mentioned above.