Enter 2016, another new chapter in our lives.  This time of the year is a traditional time for us to look back over the past year and see what worked out for us, and what didn't go so well.  What goals did we meet, and what do we want to achieve in the new year? Short term goals, or life goals are looked at in January.  

 

Last summer on my bucket ride, I had ample time to think about all aspects of my life.  Mind, body and spirit, and how could I improve in all areas, what needed attention. What goals did I need to come up with to help in each area?  

 

There are many tools out there to help with  goal setting.  One of the simplest tools is using the acronym S.M.A.R.T.:

 

Specific- who, what, where, when and why of the goal  

Measurable - how much, how many  

Attainable - develop attitudes and skills 

Realistic - be willing and able to achieve the goal  

Timely - set a date and believe in it

 

In the past at Johnson's, we've encouraged our team members to write down their goals for the year. It's a private list and only they have access to it unless they want to share it with someone to help keep them accountable.

 

Wichitian Joe Walsh of The Eagles, sang the song ' One Day at a Time'. It's a song about dealing with his addictions. At the end of it, Joe mentions that he needed to get help from a higher power.  

 

Well I finally got around to admit that I was a problem.

When I used to put the blame on everybody's shoulders but mine.

All the friends I used to run with are gone, (la la la)

Lord, I hadn't planned on livin' this long. (la la la)

 

I have to learn to live my life one day at a time!

 

It was something I was too blind to see,

I got help from something greater than me...

And I have to learn to live my life one day at a time!

 

Does it have to be a formal document? Absolutely not!  Here is one of my SMART goals for 2016 - To learn to play the ...... harmonica. It was a gift given to me from a cyclist friend after my bike ride. I'd love to hear what some of your goals are for this new year.

 

In other news, now is the time to start that goal of having a nicer, healthier lawn. This month is the time to come into the store and buy all the fertilizers you'll need all year to achieve that goal. Plus you'll receive big savings. Only good during the month of January save 20% off of the ferti-lome Lawn Care Program.  We'll guide you in selecting the items needed for your individual lawn, and even store the products for you and loan you a spreader for easy application. For a small fee, we'll deliver it to your door when it's time.