Getting back on track

Over the past year I've done a bit of reflecting on my life. I realize that I've had a difficult time bringing my projects to completion. My procrastination popped out at me every time I looked at my past blog, my dirty car, my unkempt room and just about everything else in my life. I remember a time when I used to be far more disciplined and tackled my assignments with fervor. I would set goals for myself and accomplish them, balance a multitude of activities in my life, both social and work related. And I was happy doing it all.

Turning 30, I decided to take some time out. I had graduated form grad school, left my job, and cut back on my volunteer obligations and other social engagements. I headed out to see the world with one of my best friends for 5 months, then returned to a job that though meaningful, was at a significantly reduced responsibility level than I was used to. I experienced heartbreak, frustration, and a whole slew of emotions all in the search for simplicity. Though I appreciated the time off I had taken I began to feel like I was spinning my wheels and letting the world pass me by. With the start of my PhD program in London a year away, I decided that this would be the perfect time to get my life back on track.

So In my quest for self improvement I've decided to publicly set some goals for myself and I want whoever reads this blog to help keep me to it. The challenging things with setting goals is if no one is keeping you accountable to your goals, then why do them? There is certainly the personal satisfaction of completing a project, but for what? Well I hope that by starting this blog, I will get myself back on track. I've listed the goals I want to accomplish in the coming year and I hope to document my progress. I hope to use this a bit like a public journal where I write my ideas for the work I want to do, and give updates on my progress towards reaching them....so I guess I'm pretty much like many other bloggers out there

Now what do I hope to accomplish? Well here's the list (so far):

1) Solidify my PhD proposal
2) Find funding for my PhD
3) Find funding for the Colors of Green committee
4) Improve my Portuguese
5) Get regular exercise
6) Adjust to life in LA without a car
7) Move to a vegetarian diet
8) Reduce the clutter in my life
9) Get ready for my move to London for the PhD
10) Finish posting to previous blog

Is this list ambitions? Yes. Is it impossible? No.

It may be hard to quantify some of the goals I'm setting out for myself, but I think after some reflection in a year I'll be able to see whether or not I accomplished what I set out to do.

I look forward to hearing from you with any suggestions on how to accomplish my goals, and be sure to keep me on track. Please remind me when I forget, overlook, or just plain drop one of my goals. I'll thank you for it...eventually ;-)

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!