Focused On Personal Goals

As of Monday summer is here.  No exams to grade, no labs to set up, no schedule to follow.  That’s not to say I won’t be busy, the yard won’t mow itself, but this summer I’d like to achieve a few personal goals.

Not ‘personal goals’ like when a mid-lifer proclaims they’re taking ‘time for themselves’ to train for a marathon or get another degree, I gave up those dreams years ago.  I mean simply, goals not associated with the betterment of my job, family or home. 

The first and foremost of those goals is eight hours of sleep every night.  That may not seem difficult but I assure you, it’s frustratingly elusive during the school year.  Evenings are packed with prepping for the next day, attending sports and activities, general house and life upkeep and a deep seeded need to have piddle time.  That usually means even if I’m done with everything in time for a good night’s sleep I’ll be up another hour or two watching Jimmy Fallon or playing the banjo (I’m a terrible banjo player but nobody can tell because even great banjo playing still sounds like a banjo). 

This summer, even if I have to mow through the heat of the day and toil until well after dark, I’m not getting out of bed until I’ve finished sleeping.  Fans, flood lights and heat-stroke be damned, I will get my eight hours!

The next personal goal is naps (do you see a pattern developing?).  I hope to get a thirty minute nap every day.  Maybe after I’ve had lunch or before supper.  Naps are a sign of success like fat bank accounts and name brand toilet paper.  They are opulent: not only will I get enough sleep to be healthy; I’ll get a little extra.   They’re like eating at a Chinese buffet or buying a bottomless tub of popcorn at the movies.  And I’ll nap in the living room, in the recliner under the afghan my Great Aunt Minnie crocheted me as a child…I’d like to see Warren Buffet do better than that.

My third personal goal for the summer is fishing, something I’ve not made much time for in recent years.  With the drought it’s a goal that’s nearly out of my hands but I’ll still wet a hook while there’s water.  Fishing is relaxing, tranquil and good for the soul.  Some of the greats were fishermen: Jesus, Thoreau, both my grandfathers.  I’ve even invested in new tackle, though I’m more a bait fisherman, it allows for action when their biting and napping when they’re not (2 goals in one).

These goals may seem a bit self-serving…because they are.  Last summer I dedicated a lot of time to building projects and trainings for work.  Those were good, having made me better at my job and improving my home.  This summer I’ve already spent time getting better at my job, and may have a home project or two, but I’m throwing in a big heap of ‘for me’, a dose of selfishness, and a sprinkle of anti-altruism. 

Sometimes we give to others, sometimes we give to ourselves.  With balance, intent and recognition I think both are healthy.  The next month and a half will be focused on personal goals.