Making a goal list

[Mozart]

Anyone ever tried making a goal list? I just spent 10 minutes to actually write down what I wish to accomplish between today and Dec 21. Not only that I wrote that I will accomplish it. I've never actually taken the time to write such things down, so I'm curious to see it will help me accomplish my goals. We'll see how it goes. I advice you to try it with me!


I have 8 things and I will keep the sheet with me at all times from now until then.

[DavidW]

I have a daily todo list, a weekly todo list, and I also have a schedule of what I'm doing until May.  It's essential to have a plan when you're teaching, so I do.

[Dr. Dread]

At first I thought you wanted a "gaol" list. 

[Mozart]

I have a daily todo list, a weekly todo list, and I also have a schedule of what I'm doing until May.  It's essential to have a plan when you're teaching, so I do.

Well thats great but goals and plans are a bit different no? Goals are generally bigger than something for 1 day, and require parts of many days to be achieved.

[DavidW]

Well thats great but goals and plans are a bit different no? Goals are generally bigger than something for 1 day, and require parts of many days to be achieved.

No kidding, hence writing the weekly list and the plan for the academic year.  Did you even read my post?

[Mozart]

No kidding, hence writing the weekly list and the plan for the academic year.  Did you even read my post?

Yes sir I did, but my point is that your goals in life, is a lesson plan? What about like I don't know joining quantum theory with general relativity? Or buying a puppy? Visit Montreal? Learn to play golf? 

[Dr. Dread]

Goals:

1. Make a goal list
2.

[DavidW]

Yes sir I did, but my point is that your goals in life, is a lesson plan? What about like I don't know joining quantum theory with general relativity? Or buying a puppy? Visit Montreal? Learn to play golf? 

You never said "goals in life", great intentional misrepresentation of my post.

Why would you need to write down your goals only?  If they are important, they don't need writing down.  Plans are written down so that you don't forget the details.  And plans are procedures to achieve goals.  I don't think I need to write down "learn to play golf" to remember that I want to do that.

[Mozart]

You never said "goals in life", great intentional misrepresentation of my post.

Why would you need to write down your goals only?  If they are important, they don't need writing down.  Plans are written down so that you don't forget the details.  And plans are procedures to achieve goals.  I don't think I need to write down "learn to play golf" to remember that I want to do that.

Writting them down gives you a constant reminder everyday to get going. It's more than wanting to do it, it keeps it into your mind and it helps your attention turn to doing it. It seems to me that at any moment so much is going on that our brain must filter most of it out, kind of reminded me of the movie pi where the old guy is saying something like "when your mind is obsessed with something you will find it everywhere in nature" it just helps to turn your focus on it more often, guides your attention to achieving the goal and filtering out other things.

OHH and it also will give you a specific time frame for which you can achieve them. It's easy to say I wan't to learn to play golf, but I want to learn to play golf this month is a bit more powerful. 

[Bulldog]

When I was a working person, I kept a "To Do" list of work requirements.  Now, the only list I have is one for immediate needs such as "buy dinner and dog food".

As for a goal list, give me a break.  If you can't remember your important goals, they're not so important.

[Diletante]

I do have a goal list in the site www.43things.com.