September is finally here! I’ve been waiting for this month because I will have a lot of time off. Serendipitously, I saw Jodie’s post on “What are your goals for September?” and it really got me thinking about what I need to focus on this month. It’s a big month, too.
For starters, it’s moving month. I have to find a new place to live. I won’t get into the dirty laundry list details yet, as I’m debating how much to share on my blog. I think the information is useful, but I’d rather wait-and-see. This is definitely a case where waiting on my haunches will be better than starting a pep rally.
Nevertheless, I’m truly looking forward to finding a new home. Please wish me luck!
Another goal I’d like to tackle is finishing the recording of my first book {the missing teacher}. It’s been a lesson in trial and error, but that’s okay. What I’ve learned to do is: 1) record myself, allowing for mistakes and starting over without turning off the recorder, 2) Listen to it later using VLC. Usually, I work on something else while I listen, like I would with music. I’m listening for mistakes so I know where to cut it. 3) Finally, I edit using a free software called Audacity.
Before, I would listen and try to edit at the same time and it made the process unenjoyable. I ended up doing a sloppy joe job and not really listening. By breaking down the steps, I can now enjoy listening to the recording, multitask and worry about the clean up later. I liken it to editing your writing while you are writing. You can do it, but I don’t think you’re allowing yourself to put your best work forward and relish your words.
And since September is vacation time, I want to remember to have fun (!) especially during this month where looking for a new home and moving can be a stress-parade if I let it. So far, I’ve been having a good time exploring Chiang Rai and I want to remember to breathe.
I hope these goals aren’t too big and too much. This will be the first time I’ve officially written out monthly goals. Recently, I’ve been working with daily goals and these have been going well. Setting up a “to do” list definitely helps me focus and provides a framework for the day. I find yearly goals to be too daunting and easily forgotten. They almost seem too lofty and unrealistic because you have these grand ideas, but I think a smaller set of breakdowns works better – at least for me.
What about you? Are you a goal-setter? How do you set goals? Thanks!
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
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