Thursday, December 19, 2019

Goals are good.

Goals are good but a good goal is even better. What is the difference? All good goals share certain characteristics in that they have a time component, are specific, can be reasonably achieved and are measurable. To compare goals I hear stated by competitive shooters they go something like this:

-I want to be better. (A nice sentiment but not really a goal, as all of the good characteristics are missing)
-I want to make A class this year. (There we go, an actual goal. A specific, measurable item in a certain time frame)
-I am going to make A class in 2020 by dry firing 2x a week the drills in S. Anderson's book. (Positive phrasing, an actual plan, sounds reasonable, specific, time component and so on. Great goal)

In years past when I was in college, newly divorced or early in a career I was very good at goal setting. Some years even accomplishing all my goals!! They gave me amazing direction and focus and helped me to not let myself down.

With age and experience I've developed more self discipline and have relied less and less on stated goals, good goals, to help me through a new year. I personally have seen their value but I use them less and less as time has progressed. For 2020 I will be following what are more accurately statements of intent than true goals. But I do so knowingly.

2020 Rowdy Statement of Intents

-Maintain employment in my bird catcher job.
-Attend brazilian jiu jitsu class 3 times a week on average.
-Re-read 12 books I've already read and are in my possession.
-Enter two scale model shows.
-Go visit each of my immediate family members. (A total of 6 trips makes this difficult 1. Parents and youngest sister. 2. Brother. 3. Sister. 4. Kid. 5. Kid. 6. Kid.)

3 to 7 years.

80% of individuals with MCI convert to AD within 3 to 7 years. Having both APOE4 allelles increases your risk 12 fold. Diagnosed with MCI t...