“First tell yourself what you want to be; and then do what you need to do.” EPICTETUS (55-C. 135)

The above quote is one of my favorite. It simplifies what we often unnecessarily complicate. Many of us tell ourselves what we want to be, but we don’t do what we need to do. I believe the first thing we need to do set goals for ourselves.

I know this post is a bit late for 2009 goals, but here goes. This year I have set goals for myself that very challenging yet attainable. I am very excited my goals and I know I will feel great once I accomplish them.

How will I accomplish them:It feels very good to write down goals and set resolutions for the new year, but this brief feeling of hype often dissipates as the year goes on. One must find ways to stay motivated through out the whole year to make sure that we are on course to completing our goals. I will do this by simply telling everyone what my goals. I find that when you tell people you are going to do something it creates the pressure to do it. I have instructed my best friends to ask me weekly about my progress. This really keeps me motivated as I don’t want to be embarrassed by not having anything to report when they ask me for progress. Actually the primary purpose of this blog is to tell as many people as possible about my goals.

My goals for the year are as follows:

Salient goals for 2009

• Increase disposable income/control finances: This will be done in two ways. I plan on making some income from the businesses I am planing to start this year. But the primary way I will increase disposable income is by making an effort to live more frugally and reduce expenses.
• Start businesses that I not acted on for the past two years:
  • jcrowlife.com: This blog. I blog that is primarily about attainment of desired lifestyle and escape unwished-for lifestyle.
  • Status Basketball Camp: (Network of advanced basketball trainers) This is still being tested for viability by a friend and I and is not yet in development.
  • b-ballersource.com: (Online resource for basketball players) Development will begin in late march early April.
  • InnovationBlvd.com: (Online workplace for advertisers and video productions – 2010) This is my very big project. I will spend most of this year planning vs. acting. I plan on changing the way business is for many industries with this site.
• Lose weight: I am 6′4” 225 now, not big by any means but I ned to get to 210 lbs to make my goal below come to life.
• Play in Semi Pro League: I have played basketball all my life. My college career was ruined due to injuries. So I want to prove that I can play at high level by getting back into shape and playing in a very competitive semi-pro league. This is a very ambitious goal since I have not played at a high level in years.
• Read at least a book a month

  My last goal is copied from zenhabits.com

• Simplify: Reduce my needs. Reduce clutter. Reduce complications in life. Simplify workday. Simplify the house. Create times of peace (meditation, running, reading).