Tuesday 7 September 2010

Goal Setting Revisited

Earlier in the year I set myself some personal goals that I wanted to achieve. These goals were to identify and read 10 books by John Steinbeck during 2010 and to paint and draw every day.

I read 3 John Steinbeck novels but after the greatness of the Grapes of Wrath I found it difficult to engage with some of the characters in his subsequent books.

Painting and drawing every day fell by the wayside too. I just didn't always feel like painting or drawing and guess that the lure of the paper and palette box is not as strong as I once assumed.

I have decided to review my personal goals and will do so on a regular basis. As my interests develop, my goals will be reviewed and updated as necessary.

So, my new goal is this; to identify and read 50 books from the best English Language Novels of the 20th century. I am starting with 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. I have put no time limit on when the books have to be read by and will read them at leisure.

Have you any personal goals you want to achieve?

9 comments:

  1. That's my favourite book ... I hope you are moved by it as much as I am. My husband is working his way through John Steinbeck. He's just embarked on East of Eden after finishing the Grapes of Wrath. I haven't read any ... they look a bit heavy for my frame of mind right now. I need a bit of frivolity at the moment!
    Love Kathy xxx

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  2. That is my favourite book too. In fact, No2's middle name is Jem.

    I really am trying to get back into reading again. I used to be such a bookworm but I think I do so much reading online these days, by the time it comes to pick up a book I'm all read out.

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  3. That's a great starting book for a personal goal. I want to feel like I've achieved something worthwhile every day. Just a single step in the right direction. Not sure how to turn that mission into something more quantifiable though.

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  4. Hello Simone. I think all personal goals should be reviewed don't you? Times change and we move on, so the goals need to do the same otherwise they become chores. I LOVE To Kill a Mocking Bird and it is my joint favourite novel (the other is Great Expectations - Miss Haversham is such a great character). My short-term personal goals are to sort our garage - a greater task than painitng the Forth Bridge - and to work on my business aims. x

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  5. Good luck with your goal. I hope you achieve them.
    I have a 30 things to do before 30 list of goals. I've managed a couple. Just over two years to go and the list is looking daunting.

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  6. This week I want to actually send the notes I bought in Kilkenny, post about my summer reading, and do everything on my To-Do list. But tomorrow is suddenly Thursday! And 2010 was supposed to be my year of reading Kirkegaard and i still haven't finished the biography! Do read L'Etranger by Camus- I know it's a French novel but I read it every year, Gilead every two years and A Handmaid's Tale every few, when well enough steeled for the task!

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  7. I felt the same after my first few Steinbeck. Think you'll love 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. My personal goal is to stick to my running regime.

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  8. Oh, always! And I like your idea of revisiting your personal goals. As you grow and change, your goals should, too! It's great to be mindful of that.

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  9. To paint more often. So, I joined the Twenty Minute Challenge yesterday (you get 20 mins to draw and paint your picture. No fudging on the time!) and I'm enjoying it.

    BUT! I've learned that when I set goals and don't meet them.. it's okay. Just continue on as soon as you can get back to it. Takes the pressure/burden off and keeps me on track - pretty much!

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