Goals are important. As unlikely as it may be that you would make it a goal to survive the night in a safe, warm bed at home. some mornings it still feels like an accomplishment.

Goals come in different flavors, as we all know. There are daily goals (clean house, or do laundry, or exercise an extra fifteen minutes). There are weekly goals, and monthly and yearly goals. We’ve had educational goals, career goals, life goals.

I’ve often found that when formulating a goal, writing it down with clarity and forethought solidifies the essence of the intent. That’s not to say that circumstances don’t change, or crises arise, or someone has forgotten that they promised to take a friend’s Meals on Wheels shift that conflicts with the goal. Just an example, by the way. Really, it’s a completely made-up hypothetical.

Anyway, the point is to not be afraid to edit the goal. Don’t set it aside. Don’t give up.

But don’t leave it on the back burner; I edit and replace my goals all the time. That 10 pounds I’m losing over the next 12 weeks? It’s become 5 pounds that I’ve gained in six weeks! Those writing prompts I was going to faithfully complete EVERY SINGLE DAY, are now being completed AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK!

Just remember, it’s like tennis: it’s all in the follow-through.

And the footwork.

Also, practice.

Keep it fresh: Edit, don’t forget it!