After actually doing what I challenged others to do last month in my Power of Giving blog, it now becomes a standing goal for every year hereafter, starting in 2015.
I decided to give tribute gifts to one of my favorite organizations – San Antonio Food Bank. I made a list of clients and friends with an amount that I wanted to give as a tribute to each one of them. Working with the Food Bank, I was able to calculate how many meals every contribution would purchase and I advised my gift receivers of those numbers.
The response from the recipients was amazingly positive. They really appreciated the tribute gifts in lieu of material gifts. And, the contribution made provided about 2,500 meals to people in our community suffering from hunger. I call that a win – win – win!
As we mature, I believe goals tend to change focus. Back in the days when I was young and aggressive, virtually all my goals were pertaining to business and financial growth. Now they seem to be more holistic in nature. Sure, I have business goals, but more importantly, I am primarily focused on personal health and improvement. What about you?
Interestingly, similar parameters are used for both your professional and personal goal setting. Every goal you set should be a S-M-A-R-T one:
- Specific – You have clearly defined what you want to accomplish.
- Measurable – You have identified targets and milestones to track your progress.
- Attainable – Your goal is realistic and manageable.
- Relevant – You have identified a goal that fits with your professional/personal model.
- Time-Based – You have identified a specific period of time for the goal.
Unfortunately, many people tend to set unrealistic goals, albeit with sincerely good intentions. Kim Ghez just sent her daily quote which can likely be applied to what happens when unrealistic goals are not achieved:
“Nine-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.”
~~ George Washington Carver
Ouch! I know I fit into that 99% category in many instances. If we set overly-optimistic goals, it’s likely we will fail in attaining those goals. We’ll make all sorts of excuses for why we didn’t achieve our goals.
I’ve randomly selected a few people I respect and have worked with this past year to find out what their goals are for 2015. With their permission, I share them with you.
Jan Tilley – President of JTA Wellness. Jan and her team are certified dietitian nutritionists offering personalized nutrition prescriptions that assist in achieving health.
- Broaden Worksite Wellness outreach
- Expand telephonic life coaching through Coach Yourself Thin and private coaching
- Kick off membership for Appetite for Life
Lauren McLaughlin – Partner with Strasburger & Price, LLP. Lauren is board certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- Grow my estate planning business
- Be intentional about my time with my children when I’m home with them
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
Patricia Quintana-Perron – Tax Partner with BKD, LLP. Patricia is the Regional Industry Tax Leader for the South Region of the BKD National WealthPlan Group.
- To slow down my life and live with more intention
- To improve my delegation skills and mentor staff in order to provide Excellent Client Service
- To broaden my impact on others with my daily interactions
Pat Riley – Division Chief for IMCOM Marketing at Joint Base San Antonio. Pat oversees all marketing initiatives not only for Army 
installationsbut for all military bases worldwide.
- To inspire people with my actions.
- To read as much as I can get my hands on. Teach what I learn.
- To pray daily for my son in Iraq and for all soldiers and their families serving around the world.
Nathan Schmidt – Print and web designer. Nathan is a graphic designer whose experience and expertise includes WordPress theme customization, print and digital design, illustration and brand development.
- Grow my freelance portfolio
- Paint more
- Learn Drupal
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