a  lot of people are talking about goals. I have three lists of goals. One is my mid-year goals list–the things I want to accomplish by July of 2008. Then I have the 2008 goals list. And then I have my 10-year plan, for 2018.

The one thing I always keep in mind is that I cannot have everything I want (sadly), and so I don’t make goals lists so I can strike off every item on the list. I expect to not achieve all my goals. That means I have to know what trumps what. So, for instance, on the ten year plan, I have listed “build my own home.” Because that is a dream of mine, and it would be nice. And another thing on that list is “have at least a million dollars in liquid assets.” Which would also be nice. I think that either of these things are attainable. It’s probably going to be difficult to do both. A third item on that list is “Have sex on every continent (including Antarctica).” Which may not exactly be compatible with the million dollars, either.

And so I have to know where my priorities are. Of the the three, the one that is (obviously) highest priority is. . . . The third one. Obviously. And yes, I’m serious. Because at the end of my life, I am not going to lean back and say, “I had a million bucks when I was forty.” And while I might enjoy the process of acquiring a custom-built home, I know myself well enough to know that 90% of the time I spend there will consist of my ignoring my surroundings because I am enraptured in what I am reading or writing. I just don’t pay attention to what’s going on around me.
But the third one not only involves two of my favorite activities, it’s one that will make a lot of memories and bring me closer to Mr. Milan. And so if I have to sacrifice the other goals to get that one, I’ll do it.

Remember: Goals are dreams. Goals are not death sentences. Don’t pursue them just because you want to cross them off your list. If you stop wanting a goal, don’t be afraid to give it up.

With those cheery, encouraging words for 2008, I wish everyone all the best! Happy New Year!

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