I'm a very goal oriented person and believe that writing down goals, as well as the means by which one can measure progress, can be very helpful in keeping focused.
My current goals, and the metrics against which I'm measuring progress, are:
1. JAPANESE
Goal: learn Japanese to be able to conduct meaningful business in Japan without relying on English or an interpreter.
Personal metric: # of Kanji learned (for reading and typing, not handwriting ... the ROI on learning to write Kanji by hand is insufficient compared to the opportunity cost of the time involved)
External milestone: target JPLT N3 in Dec 2010 and JLPT N2 in Dec 2011. By end September I want to be at 600 kanji.
2. FITNESS
Goal: I'm 37 now, my goal is to be in the best shape of my life when I'm 40!!
Personal metric: 10K time; # reps in my conditioning workout (pushups/chins/crunches/squats) (which is currently on ice pending recovery from a separated shoulder)
External milestone: sub-42:00 10K in the 2011 TC 10K; sub 1:45 in the 2011 Half-Marathon
3. ZEN PRACTICE
Goal: to cultivate a consistent daily sitting practice, with full intention brought to bear for each sitting
Personal metric: consistency in daily sitting routine against planned schedule in 30 day chunks
External milestone: not really a milestone per se, but want to participate in at least one sesshin every ~6 months
Other personal goals which I'm working towards but have deprioritized against the above:
4. KARATE TRAINING & DEFENDING JAPAN OPEN TITLE
I will recommence my study of Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan seriously in 2011. My priority right now is to focus on the above 3 goals which will help lay a strong foundation for my future martial arts studies. I hope to participate in the 2011 Japan Open Koshiki Karatedo Tournament, and defend my 2007 heavyweight title.
5. STUDY OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE, ESP. CROSS-BORDER ISSUES
My current role running Finance and HR at a growing software company has kindled a great interest in how corporate culture develops and can be influenced to create an environment where people can realize their potential in a way that aligns with creating shareholder value. My background is in finance (I'm a Chartered Accountant) but long term, whether I stay in a CFO role or in something else such as M&A advisory services, I'm very excited about bringing a broader perspective. I have started reading a great textbook on this subject and have borrowed a few more, but have to focus on higher priority (ie more immediate) goals.
It goes without saying that my #1 priority, above everything else, is the happiness and health of the three main women in my life - LG, LM, and LH :)
My "execution plan" for Q3 is pretty simple:
M-F: 6:10 - 6:30am zen, 6:30-7:00 Japanese study
Tues, Thurs: hill & speed training
Sat: long run working up to 22k over 12 weekends (10, 12, 10, 14, 10, 16, 10, 18, 10, 20, 10, 22)
Sun: zen with Queenswood sangha; no exercise
Mon, Weds: gym/conditioning/kicking workouts
Once my shoulder is better I'll throw in some Bikram yoga for good measure, but right now getting my shoulder(s) back to health is very important.
