Productivity: A Year of Goal Trials

Earlier this year I started getting up at 6:30am.  I gave this pattern a 30-day trial and at the end found the behavior added value to my life.  I thought it would be a good idea to keep trying different habits, one a month, for the rest of the year.  At the end of the year I could have 12 new habits impacting my life in positive ways.  However, when February came and sailed half way through without a new trial, I decided it was time to get ahead of the curve.

I spent a few days brainstorming goals.  I asked friends what type of person they want to be and I asked myself about the type of person I want to be.  In the end I had a list of about 30 goals for the year. Using two simple criteria I then whittled the list down.

• Goals must be related to habitual patterns.  If it’s not something I can do most everyday, it’s not a good candidate for a 30 day trial.  I’m not saying I won’t do it, I’m just saying that it doesn’t go in the 30 day trial list.
• Goals must add value to the rest of my life.  If I can do one simple task that then makes the rest of my tasks easier, this will have an exponential effect on my productivity.  An example would be waking up at 6:30am gives me more time to work on my goals.

The List

• January - Wake up at 6:30am
• February - Strength training 3 days a week
• March - No computer after 8p
• April - Play a musical instrument
• May - Yoga practice
• June - Spend 15 minutes outside
• July - Do most important thing for the first 90 minutes of the day
• August - Bike everywhere
• September - Read everyday
• October - Meditate for 20 minutes a day
• November - Vocal training
• December - Drink glass of wine everyday

All goals are subject to change, as my life will naturally change direction over the course of a year. However, it’ll be easier to regular adopt new behaviors if they are already scheduled.