As 2022 starts off I have been having a hard time getting motivated to tackle the year ahead. As I write this post in the third week of January alone (finally!) in my house I am thankful that my kids are back at in-person at school and my husband is able to head back to the office. Omicron breakouts and close contact occurrences in the first week of school in Saskatchewan plus the timing of vaccine roll outs for those 5 to 11 years-old meant that many people, especially families, are dealing with impacts of COVID-19. It sucks and definitely puts a damper on motivation for planning for the year ahead.
As a person who loves organization, I am naturally drawn to setting personal and professional goals. However as we enter another pandemic year, I recognize the need to be compassionate and empathic with myself and others. Managing our mental health and acknowledging reduced capacity at times is so critical.
Rapid tests are now part of our weekly routine
I have a pretty good idea of what I want to accomplish this year. And yes, I have a spreadsheet for that. Actually I have a few different spreadsheets. These various documents detail my PhD project schedule, various business proposal’s schedules, research mobilization strategies and abstract deadlines, and my overall availability through the year. The privilege I have of being self-employed, a student, and a leader in a not-for-profit organization is that I have a lot of control over my time. I am careful to cross-check my schedules to ensure I am not overcommitting myself. Not overcommitting is important to me as accountability is one of my core values. I want to make sure I can complete what I take on by when I said I would complete it. At least 9 times of out 10 I can do this. Sometimes I need to renegotiate my commitments and I try to do that with as much advanced notice and by understanding how what I do fits in with others.
So what are my high level goals for 2022? It helps me to break it down by the various roles that I hold.
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Get my 10,000 steps a day
(Re)connect with friends and family ** COVID dependant, so this might be virtual at times but I am hoping for resuming travel
Support my kids to stay healthy and be kids
Aim for 1 date a month with my husband
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Complete LAW 898 (Human rights legal history) in winter term 2022
Complete 4 Seasons of Reconciliation short course in winter term 2022
Complete comprehensive exams this spring
Publish Psychological Safety paper and Insights from Active Allies paper in peer reviewed journals
Share research findings in 3-5 conferences/ public presentations
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Continue to collaborate with EDI entrepreneurs to serve our clients in leading and inspiring positive change
Continue growing my network and connect with 3-5 new clients
Typically I put timelines around when I will accomplish my goals but in 2022, I am being a bit more broad in light of the ongoing pandemic. As an example, I just finished sewing some new pillows for my living room. The fabric was purchased a few months back and now we get to enjoy the finished product. This project allowed me some time for creativity. As an added bonus because I tackled it when my kids were self-isolating it inspired my kids to be creative and sew their own projects.
The creative zone with finished products in the background.
I look forward to hearing how you are getting motivated for the year ahead and what your big goals are.