life

I’ve been reading a lot of blog posts on productivity and ways to optimize my time in a day so that I can be more efficient each and everyday, both for work and in my personal life. I was getting ready to start 2012 with a handful of resolutions which I did last year (some of which I met and others which I completely bombed) but I wanted more than just a list of resolutions and goals.

I recently read a post on chrisbrogan.com titled “My 3 Words for 2012″ which introduced me to a new philosophy for tacking goals as you approach a new year.

Chris Brogan explains this idea stating:

Every year since around 2006, I’ve been challenging people to forego the idea of a resolution, and instead, to come up with 3 words that will help you define your goals and experiences for the coming year. Resolutions are often too vague, or too directed towards one goal. It might be “quit smoking” or “lose 20 pounds” or “get hired.” These are all fine aspirations, but I challenge you to dig deeper, to find three words that could be used as lighthouses to guide you through stormy seas, that can be used as flags on the battlefield of your challenges, words that will bolster you and give you a direction that goes beyond the goals you might attach as a result of these words.

If you’re thinking this is easy, think again. At least for me it wasn’t. You can’t just quickly come up with three words that you want to help guide you through the next year. That’s not something I could personally take lightly.

So after thinking for a few days and speaking with Sarah (my wonderful girlfriend) I’ve come up with My 3 Words for 2012.

Focus – I am going to provide undivided attention to the things I want to accomplish thorughout each day. In order to accomplish this I’m following some email principles I’ve learned and will only be checking email 3 or so times a day. I’ll spend less than an hour on Facebook and Twitter until I’ve completed all of my To Do’s each day. I’m also going to focus on accomplishing about 3 tasks a day that will have a return on the effort I put in. Although much of this is pertaining to work habits there are many ways I hope to Focus on things within my personal life. I plan on focusing more on my health and exercise by attending at least 3 classes per week (Currently at Qi Denver). I also plan on having blocked off time to talk with Sarah while she is in Omaha and we don’t always get a lot of time to see each other. Dedicated blocks of time to Skype her beautiful face will be in effect as well.

Execute – This one has much to do with Focus as well. The more I tend to focus there more productive I am. I work way more efficiently and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. I’ve noticed in the pass I’ve probably “talked the talk” a bit and some lack of focus held me back from getting shit done. In order to make sure I execute I’m keeping active To Do lists with actionalble goals that are specific. For example, I’m working on launching a new project and at first my To Do was “Launch new website”. That is too vague. Now it’s “Finalize site map and wireframes by Jan 10th, Provide layered PSD’s to my developer by Jan 25th and turn site live by second week of February”. Can you see how much more specific these to do’s are?

Positivity – It’s easy to get down on yourself and let others affect your mood. I’m looking to always see the positive side of things this year. It’s not worth my time or energy to look at the downside or spend time worrying about the negative. Remaining positive towards my goals, the people around me and the situations I’m faced with on a daily basis allows me to stay motivated and build momentum.

Focus. Execute. Positivity.

I’m interested to see how making sure my monthly/daily goals ALWAYS meet these three words compares to the list of resolutions from last year.

What are you doing in 2012 to accomplish your goals? What are your 3 words?

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