| | 2005 is almost over, and 2006 is almost here. I can't believe another year has come and gone so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was still in Taiwan, but in fact it's been over five months since I got back. Time stands still for no one.
Here are some of the key events that happened in 2005:
The goals that I had set at the beginning of 2005 were never met, mainly because my situation changed completely in the middle of the year. However, this is not going to stop me from setting goals for 2006. This time, however, I'm going to set SMART goals. 
I learned about SMART goals at work when I was given a bit of training on how to handle staff development. SMART is an acronym that stands for:
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
According to business management experts, people who set goals which have these five characteristics are more likely to follow through with them. So I have put together a list of things I want to accomplish in 2006 and the related SMART goals.
Objective #1: Go back to school in the fall of 2006
I got the ball rolling on this one months ago. By mid-January I'll know if I was accepted to U of T's MBA program. If by chance I don't get accepted, then I'll apply to York U and possibly other schools since their deadlines are between the middle of February and the end of April. If all else fails, I'll look into continuing education courses at Ryerson. In any case I am determined to do something to get me out of my current job and onto an actual career path.
Objective #2: Save money for school
This is actually the easiest one because I'm already doing it. Between now and when I start school in September, I will continue to put aside 20% of my take home pay into my savings account. This will allow me to save money while at the same time still having enough money to pay my bills, do a bit of shopping, and enjoy my life. Plus, I will get a big chunk of money back around income tax season (ie. forced savings) so I will put that into the pot. My specific goal is to have $15000 in my savings account designated for school by the time I finish my contract at my current job in August 2006.
Objective #3: Get certified as a BodyCombat instructor
This is the one with the closest deadline. I did my initial training back in November, and I have been given three months to practice and prepare for my evaluation. I've gotten a lot of support from the instructor team at my gym, and so if all goes according to plan, I will get my video done in the last week of January and sent off to the head office for evaluation by the end of the month. Within four weeks I'll hear back from them, so by my birthday I'll know if I passed or not. If I don't, then I get a second shot at it, but I'm not going to let that happen.
Objective #4: Get my driver's license
I can already hear people groan and see their eyes roll back into their heads.  Yes, it's true. I'm almost 31 and I don't have a driver's license yet. I've been putting this off for way too long, so this year is the year I will do it for no other reason than to get people off my back. I know I've been procrastinating on this one, so this will be the year I do it. I'm not going to attempt to do the test in the snow, so I'll time this one so that my test will be in the spring 2006. I'll call some schools, get my lessons set up before my birthday, and by June 2006, I will have my G2 so that I can get my full G in 2007. (Damned graduated licensing! That's my punishment for not getting my license when I was in high school or university.)
What are your goals for 2006?
Okay, that's it for 2005. See you all in 2006! 
Happy New Year Everyone!!! |
since i got back. your smart goals sound really good, well like city dwellers need no drivers licenses, (thats what i say!). what is body combat! 
