Hey guys!
As promised, I am here with my very first all-encompassing quarterly goals post. If you haven’t read my last post, let me quickly bring you up to speed as to what these quarterly goals are all about.
I picked up this goal setting/tracking system from a writer I follow on YouTube, who sets 10-20 goals for herself every quarter, and the rules are that if she has to ‘win’ the quarter, she needs to complete 75% or more of these goals. And these goals span across all areas of her life.
This kind of holistic approach to goal setting made sense to me, because then these goals will be able to effectively represent all my priorities, unlike last year, where I set quarterly goals only for tracking my health & fitness, which turned out to be a very narrow focus to keep me motivated.
And the reason I chose the quarterly time-frame over the monthly or the yearly, is because the former is too short a time-span for me to get anything done, and the latter just triggers my lazy, procrastinating self into high gear.
Looking Forward – Jan – Mar 2017
Now before getting into the actual goals, speaking specifically of the first quarter of the year, I must admit that I am a little intimidated to set goals for this particular time frame, because there is a lot going on right now. And I know, I know what you are thinking…we all feel like there is a lot going on all the time. But trust me, this is different.
For one, my younger sister is getting married in March, and as it happens, in the very same month, my son is turning 5. Now both these events will be celebrated in India, which of-course means I am headed there in March for about 2-3 weeks.
But it’s not just about those weeks in India (which in itself, I must say, is a huge distraction for my ambitious goals), it’s about all the prep and planning that precedes these events too.
A routine India trip (if such a thing exists) involves a lot of careful planning & coordination, but now with two events to plan for, on top of everything else, just thinking about how much work is staring at my face makes me want to take a long nap. Right now. And then these goals. God help me!
Nonetheless, I am not skipping this quarter. The plan is to go ahead and set goals and… pray. Only kidding. I do plan to work towards them too. #EverTheOptimist
Personal Goals
Sort all personal photos & videos – I am starting with this goal, because if I fail all my other goals, but complete this one, I will be ecstatic, because this has been on my to-do list for 5 years. Yes you read that right, five years.
Essentially this involves going through truckloads of digital photos, and sorting them out, to make organized digital files. Sounds simple enough, right? Apparently it isn’t that simple. Because why else would I postpone this for five years? Why?
Make a video collage for my sister’s wedding & my son’s birthday – Now this is one ambitious goal, because firstly it assumes that I have actually sorted the pics and accomplished goal #1, but more importantly, it also assumes that I have finally figured out how to edit a video in i Movie or Windows Media Player or whatever else people use. Nonetheless… aim for the sky, right?
Blogging Goals
Start Chatty Blogs – This is one series I promised a long time back, but never got around to actually starting it. I hope to start it towards the end of Jan, but if not, at-least in February, because March looks unlikely for me to start anything, what with the India trip and everything. Though I know that if I start this in Feb, I will continue this in March, and going forward.
Set Up Yoast – It’s sad that this has to be an actual goal here. It’s a simple task. Which I have been procrastinating for the past 5 months. So, here it is – an official goal.
Decide & Stick to A Posting Schedule – Again, another thing which shouldn’t really have to be a goal, but when one can’t figure out their life any other way, they make goals. 😛
Start the Food Blog – Here is a fun story for you guys, or at-least the condensed version of it, as the full story would turn into a full fledged blog post, which I am not sure you guys are interested in. But here is the summary – when I first thought of blogging, I wanted to start a food blog. I even registered one. Almost 3 years back. Even before I started (or even thought of) Shanaya Tales.
But I have been putting off actually starting the food blog, because of wanting to make it perfect. Now that I know better, that aiming for perfection is pointless, I really want to start it anyway – in all its imperfect glory. But like I said, I have been putting this off for 3 years. So, pray for me that I am finally able to take the plunge this quarter.
Bookish Goals
Buddy Read (and review) – Jane Eyre – Okay, the reading part of the goal I know I will achieve, because I am really looking forward to both things – reading the actual book, and buddy-reading it with Bookish Muggle. The review is what I want to stay on top of, and get it out as soon as the buddy read is done.
Write (and publish) the beginner to audio-books series – This is another series I have been procrastinating for about 20 years, or at-least it feels like it’s been that long. And this is another series of posts I truly want to write. Hence the goal.
Fitness Goals
Lose 9 pounds to reach my short term weight goal – This one I am cautiously optimistic about. Because as of today- I have lost 5 pounds in the last month, thanks to the system I mentioned here, but who knows when the plateau hits.
And I know that 5 pounds in a month will not seem like a lot to many of you, but I haven’t lost even 500 grams from many many months, so it’s an achievement for me, albeit a small one.
Elliptical 20-30 minutes – 5 days a week – The plan is to start with 20 for first week (which is done), and work towards 30 minutes.
Fit Bit 5000 steps – 5 days a week – This is a pretty self-explanatory goal. I would have liked to set a more ambitious goal of like 10,000 steps a day or some such, and I probably would have set just such a goal, if I hadn’t used Fitbit for a month, and actually tracked my average number of steps, which is 2500-4000 steps a day. So, I settle for 5000.
That’s all from my end folks. How does your upcoming quarter look like? Do you guys have written goals too? What is the one thing you would like to accomplish in the first quarter of the year? Do share. We can cheer each other on.
Youknowho
Meet me Idiot!!
Shanaya Tales
Go away, stalker! 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Rachna Parmar
That is pretty comprehensive and l wish you all the luck in achieving it. Losing 5 pounds is pretty good and you seem to be doing well. Pat yourself on the back for achieving that. Do let me know if your trip includes Bangalore. Would love to catch up.
Rachna Parmar recently posted…The January That Was
Shanaya Tales
Oh I would love to catch up too. As of now, Bangalore isn’t on the agenda, but I am trying to make it work. Will keep you posted.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Sreesha
This! This is so organized that just looking at it makes you feel like accomplishing them.
Which city in India?
Looking forward to the food blog. Don’t worry, it’ll be perfect. If Shanaya Tales is anything to go by, it’ll definitely have a neat and uncluttered layout – pleasing on the eyes. And food is pleasing in whichever form 😀 😀
No Bookish Bingo this year?
Sreesha recently posted…Changes, Self-Indulgence and The Four Year Cycle
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, Sreesha. It truly means a lot.
As far as Bookish Bingo goes – not this year, I still have to complete some categories from last year, which is what I will focus on, in addition to the reading goals I have set for this year. But I plan on another round in 2018. It was way too fun to be just a one year wonder.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Rajlakshmi
Wow you are so organized… That’s a lot of planning and sorting out priorities. I wish you good luck… And keep us posted. At least I will drive inspiration from your successful completion of goals ?
Rajlakshmi recently posted…Hiking – National Pass Trail, Australia
Shanaya Tales
I hope you do. Glad to be of help. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Geets
So delighted to read this in the morning, Shanaya. Quarterly goals sound like the perfect idea. I’m wondering why couldn’t I think of this before?!?
Sorting digital photos is a task, and is on my to-do list for I don’t even know how many years? I’ve lost the count!
I like the way you’ve covered everything in your goals. My goal for today is to make quarterly goals covering everything ! Thanks for the inspiration:)
All the best!
Cheers
Shanaya Tales
Oh I am so glad that it inspired you to make goals of your own. I would love to read them if you choose to share. We can cheer each other on. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Aditi
I have seen Jenna’s quarterly posts and setting this time frame does make a lot of sense. Very practical goals, all the best and I hope you achieve them. I have set some long terms goals, I need to structure and plan on how to getting them. 🙂
Aditi recently posted…Discovering Iceland through Folklores and Sagas
Shanaya Tales
Thank you, Aditi. And I hope you are able to sort through your goals and develop a system which will help you achieve them. Wishing you the best with them. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Shilpa Garg
I love the idea of quarterly goals and winning the quarter. Pretty cool. Agree, quarterly goals are easy to track.
I love chatty posts, I mean reading as well as writing. They are so much fun and give a glimpse of your life too.
Good luck with all your goals, Shantala. You have inspired me to get my act together too 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…Toxic People
Shanaya Tales
So glad that you found this helpful, Shilpa. If you do end up doing a goals post, I would love to read it. We can cheer each other on. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Shilpa Gupte
Wow! That’s quite a lot on your plate, girl! And, I will be adding to that pile of yours by asking you if we will be able to meet during this India trip of yours! 😛
I liked this idea of short term goals, Shan. I know I need to make those goals as far as my blogging and art goes. Last year, I was so much more regular with my art. However, this year, the reading bug has bitten me big time and I am (most of the time) buried in my books! I am loving it..reading all those awesome tomes, but it’s taking away from my art and my writing! Guess, I will have to become serious and set goals, quarterly goals and work on them.
Let’s see….no, let’s HOPE I am able to work things out! 😀
Shanaya Tales
Well, since I am biased towards the book fairy that has visited you, I think it is awesome that you are able to get so much time to read. But sometimes there can be too much of a good thing, and we need to find the balance. Which is why I forced myself to write down my priorities across ALL areas of my life. Short term priorities that is. I hope you are able to do that too. Just mind over matter, girl. Mind over matter. 🙂
As far as meeting you is concerned – that is already on my list. Will get in touch closer to day I travel. I am so looking forward to finally meeting you!! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
upasna
Hey Shantala,
Can I take this forward? I loved this idea of having quarterly goals and practical approach of execution. I think this way I can achieve something in real.
Shanaya Tales
Hi Upasna..sorry for the delay in approving your comment. It had gone in spam, and I only found it now to retrieve it. I am glad that you found this helpful, and I would love to hear how this approach works for you.
If you do write a post about it, please do let me know. I would love to know what your goals are, and we can cheer each other on. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
upasna
Its second month of the Quarter and still have time to set my goals. Will let you know about it. Thanks.
upasna recently posted…He is entering into a new phase and I am full of beans
Shanaya Tales
Sure thing. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
upasna
Hey Shantala,
I have come up with my post for first quarter- http://lifethroughmybioscope.com/personal-development-goals-first-quarter-2017/
Hope you enjoy reading it.
upasna recently posted…Realistic Quarterly Goals- First Quarter 2017
Beat About the Book
I love your ‘goal’ posts. They always inspire me to make some of my own, though I’m not too good at getting through them. I love the ones you’ve set for yourself. Good luck with them. Looking forward to your food blog.
Beat About the Book recently posted…A line from the boat #Teaser Tuesday – 1
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Tulika. The ‘food blog’ is the one goal I am unsure about actually accomplishing this quarter, but I am going to give it my best shot. Even if I end up doing it on March 31st. 😀
Oh and there is the photo sort too..sigh.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Menaka Bharathi
Really wonderful to set some goals and try to attain them. I have started something of this sort too, in fact I have made it monthly goals. However! I have only a blogging goal, I shall follow your other goals also!
Shanaya Tales
That’s nice. Have you been blogging about these monthly goals as well? If yes, I will go look them up now. And we can cheer each other on. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Modern Gypsy
That’s an excellent set of goals. Sorting out digital photographs has been one of the hardest things for me too! I think I like the idea of it more than actually having to do it! 😀
I like the idea of quarterly goals. I think I will try it out this year!
Modern Gypsy recently posted…#KashmirDiaries: Pahalgam – Of fairy tale gardens and the majestic Lidder
Shanaya Tales
You know, that’s what I have been wondering about as well. I probably love the idea of it more than I actually want to do it. I hope that’s not the case though, because I really do want them sorted, just not too enthusiastic about being the one sorting them. :/
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Parul
Love your goals actually more than your desire to be organised about them 😉
Good luck and have fun in India. Sister’s wedding is going to give you more than 5k steps for all the duration you will be home. The dances and the running around. So, fitness checked. Reading, I know you will and photos of course for your sister 🙂
Food blog – please for my sake. I need some healthy quick recipes. 😉
Enjoyed your post and I’m sure you will be able to accomplish them all 🙂
Parul recently posted…A dive to remember
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much for your support ad encouragement, Parul. It truly means a lot. And oh yes, 5000 steps in India should be no problem at all. Easy-peasy. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)
Avada Kedavra
Good luck for this quarter. I am sure you will achieve all these goals. This year I am pretty much not setting any goals as I am bad at completing them 🙁 I might get inspired from you and do this for next year.
Avada Kedavra recently posted…First Disneyland trip
Avada Kedavra
Btw I emailed you 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Oh I have been pretty bad at accomplishing them too. I am hoping that organizing them will help me get better at actually accomplishing them. Fingers crossed. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Catch-Up Over Coffee #2 (Blog Birthday, Shanaya Tales ‘Birth Story’ + #ChattyBlogs Linky)