Short term Goals

I am lucky. I get good, creative, positive ideas in the form of questions, early in the morning before others ask me.

Today's question was "what next?". Not that I had accomplished a milestone (which my partner will do, come April she will complete 75 years) except that we had listed, procured, collected, packed and couriered a few items to children across all seas.

And that set in motion thoughts about processes and systems I have observed, at times helped in developing and implementing, over 55 years of work life.

And I asked that question to my Partner who is normally occupying the rocking chair next to mine twice a day for two hours each. And before the answer could come I had dived into the sea of knowledge, Google first and ChatGPT recently, has made available. Since I think logically and find and arrange search words Google likes, I get most appropriate results on first page.

I knew I was thinking about Milestones, Goals and Short term goals in particular and therefore necessarily SMART goals. You all know SMART here stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant (to age in my case), and Time-Bound.

I am convinced for long now that time will pass evenif I do not do anything. But that will mean I will exist and not live. For meaningful existance I need to have purpose and therefore goals for life. I have experienced and hence agree with that quote "You need a plan to build a house. To build a life, it is even more important to have a plan or goal." – Zig Ziglar

And I found extremely informative articles written to help Seniors, as they call them in west, help themselves and for caregivers who support such seniors.

I came across a website of an organization providing support to seniors. The approach includes design for SMART goals for seniors. Such goals are categorised as under:

The care givers suggests:

"The best goals will touch on one (or more) of the mind, body and spirit approach to total wellness. Here are examples of SMART. goals for seniors that address each of the total wellness areas.

Intellectual – sharpen your brain

• Try a new computer program or download a new game on your tablet or smartphone.
• Spend time researching a person, place or historical event and present your findings.
• Start brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or performing a familiar task in reverse order.

Social – enhance friendships and meaningful connections

• Sit at a different table with people you don’t know at lunch or dinner.
• Set up monthly Zoom calls with a friend or family member you don’t know as well as you’d like.
• Take someone (or yourself) out on regular dates.

Emotional – stay happy or content

• Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal every day.
• Commit to complimenting someone regularly.
• Share your feelings if you’re feeling sad, lonely or just out of sorts.

Spiritual – Connect to your higher power

• Watch inspirational videos on YouTube from people of different religions and spiritual backgrounds.
• Create faith-based discussion groups with your peers.
• Read or recite a different prayer each day.

Occupational – maintain or improve lifelong skills

• Work on strengthening your balance.
• Use a stress ball to strengthen your hand grip and dexterity.
• Reintroduce yourself to daily tasks you used to enjoy but no longer do (even if it’s dusting knicknacks).

Physical – move your body

• Invite a good friend into your activity routine to enhance accountability.
• Set a walking steps goal or chair exercise goal and meet it daily.
• Ask for an extra serving of vegetables in place of dessert a few times a week."

I have an idea, and that prompts me to this request. My goals, necessarily for shorter terms (not more than three months) should be directed in helping others and not helping myself. I will appreciate if any one or more (all will be best) can suggest some goals which I should plan to achieve which will help you all. You may write them down in comments. I will sincerely try to achieve as I have normally done.