New Year's Resolutions are stupid. Try this instead.
First of all, Happy New Year! Hope you had a great new year's weekend, whether you were out partying or just staying home and taking advantage of some down-time from work.
My 2016 was off to a great start, until I read this statistic: 92% of New Year's Resolutions will fail. That is just straight up depressing...
But I’m not telling you this to be a Debbie Downer. No, I’m telling you this so that you can do something about it before your ambitious plans for 2016 crash and burn like everyone else..
But first, a quick story.
I used to make New Year’s Resolutions every year. Each December I’d get out a fresh piece of paper and brainstorm big audacious goals for the year ahead. This was going to be the year that I finally took control of my life and fulfilled my potential!
I was never satisfied with something simple like “floss everyday”, so I’d set these ridiculous goals aimed at perfection in every part of my life:
- Host a dinner party once a month.
- Read 20 books and take detailed notes on all of them.
- Workout 5 times a week.
- Eat healthy every single day.
- Etc., etc.
On January 1st, I’d come flying out the gates. My to-do list would be jam-packed with actions items and I'd schedule my life down to the minute.
The first few weeks would be tough, but I’d make it through. I was still feeling that beginners motivation we all get when starting a new and exciting challenge. And so I'd drag myself to the gym everyday and compete over weights and mirror space.
But after the first month or so, the cracks in my plan would start to show.
My busy life would start to get in the way of my perfect plans. Work would blow up and I'd skip a few workouts. I’d go on a weekend trip and cheat on my diet. Or I’d just lose focus and forget why I was so committed to my resolutions in the first place.
Slowly I’d let it slide further and further, until I eventually dropped my new habits completely.
It was only the following year when I went to make new resolutions that I’d find my scrawled plans from the year before and get depressed about how little I’d accomplished.
Any of this sound familiar?
For most of us, each New Year’s is like a depressing version of 'Groundhog Day'. We make the same resolutions as last year, and promise ourselves that somehow ‘this year will be different’. No wonder so many people feel like they're not making progress in their lives. Think about it — how many years have you made the same resolution? To “lose weight” or “get fit”, or to “be more social”. Have you ever followed through and truly succeeded? Why do you keep failing to make simple changes that you know will improve your life?
This year, I didn’t make any resolutions. Why? Because I didn't need to. I’m already on track to accomplish my biggest goals at work. I’m already taking action every day to build the life I want. January 1, 2016 was just another day for me — I went to the gym, wrote for my blog for a few hours, read a book, and ate healthy all-day.
I feel in control of my life, and I have a system for turning my visions into reality.
I don’t say this to impress you. I say this to impress upon you that most New Year’s Resolutions are a waste of time.
If there is something you want in life, don’t want for a special number to change on your calendar before you do something about it. This isn’t Cinderella. You’re not going to magically change into a different person at the stroke of midnight. Numbers change on your calendar every single day, so why not start making some “New Day Resolutions” instead?
Most people that set resolutions really do want to succeed, but are stalled by the fact that they don’t know where to start or worry about whether they’re doing the right thing. And even if you did know exactly what to do to achieve your goal, most of us don’t go all-in and commit 100%. We set vague guidelines to “workout more” or “see friends more”, and it doesn’t take long to start making exceptions and rationalizing that we'll skip it 'just this once’. And in the end it’s a lot easier to stay in your comfort zone than to make the leap into uncertainty, so you settle back into your routine and forget about your big dreams.
This was the story of my life for years, until I completely changed how I approached “resolutions” and goals. New Year's Resolutions fail because we try to make ambitious, sudden changes to our lives without coming up with a plan or addressing the underlying causes of failure. I learned this the hard way, and failed my way to a better approach of setting and achieving goals.
What follows is the no-bullshit template that I use for turning the dreams and visions for my life into a reality. It’s a 3 step system that borrows from people much smarter than me.
Since one of the most common goals is to “get fit / lose weight / eat healthy”, I’ll include a few examples on this topic to illustrate the process (it’s also the area I know best as a certified exercise and nutrition coach).
1) Find Your ONE Thing
How many resolutions do you usually set? 3? 5? More?
I used to set at least 5, and sometimes more.
One of the primary reasons that only 8% of people succeed with resolutions is that we try and make too many changes at once. We try and make a complete 180 on our life, and take an all-or-nothing approach. Unsurprisingly, our chance of success drops drastically with every new habit we try to change.
Instead of doing an entire home renovation on your life, let’s just start small with the downstairs bathroom and focus on your ONE Thing.
'The ONE Thing' is a book written by Gary Keller. In essence, the book talks about how to achieve your goals by thinking BIG and focusing on ONE SPECIFIC thing at a time. The key is to identify the one goal you have in life that will produce disproportionately high results when compared to everything else, and then focus your time and energy on that ONE Thing while ignoring everything else.
So, the first step is to take your list of resolutions and cross off everything except for ONE Thing.
If you feel anxious about this or think you’re accomplishing less or moving slower, then here's what to do. Just remember that the chances that you would actually achieve all 5 – 10 resolutions is basically zero. People tend to overestimate what they can do in a day, and underestimate what they can do in a year. Try this: focus on your ONE Thing for a minimum of one-month before adding in a second goal. By the end of the year you’ll have accomplished 12 goals instead of zero if you’d have tried to do them all at once.
Ok, that was the easy part. Most of us are really good at identifying big ambitious visions for our lives like 'I want to be fit and healthy', 'I want a fulfilling and happy life', or 'I want to be stress-free and enjoy my work’. The challenge is that very few people can figure out how to get there.
The Obstacle is the Way“We are A-to-Z thinkers, fretting about A, obsessing over Z, yet forgetting all about B through Y” — Ryan Holiday,
The next thing to do is turn your long-term dream into something tangible you can do today, right now. The ONE Thing book outlines this with a concept called “Goal Setting in the Now”:
- Someday Goal: What’s the ONE Thing I want to do someday?
- Five-Year Goal: Based on my Someday Goal, what’s the ONE Thing I can do in the next five years?
- One-Year Goal: Based on my Five-Year Goal, what’s the ONE Thing I can do this year?
- Monthly Goal: Based on my One-Year Goal, what’s the ONE Thing I can do this month?
- Weekly Goal: Based on my Monthly Goal, what’s the ONE Thing I can do this week?
- Daily Goal: Based on my Weekly Goal, what’s the ONE Thing I can do today?
- RIGHT NOW: Based on my Daily Goal, what’s the ONE Thing I can do right now?
“By thinking through the filter of Goal Setting to the Now, you set a future goal and then methodically drill down to what you should be doing right now. It can be a little like a Russian matryoshka doll in that your ONE Thing “right now” is nested inside your ONE Thing TODAY, which is nested inside your ONE Thing this WEEK, which is nested inside your ONE Thing this MONTH… it’s how a small thing can actually build up to a big one… You’re lining up your dominoes.“
At this point you’ve got the ONE Thing you need to do right now to achieve your most important goal. But how many times have you made ambitious plans and then not followed through? I sure have. The next step is to build a bulletproof system to make sure you stay on track and actually follow through.
2) Use Systems, Not Willpower
In the past year, how many times have you skipped brushing your teeth? You can probably count the number on one hand. Most of us brush our teeth everyday, twice a day. It’s automatic.
Compare that to flossing. How many times have you skipped flossing? I'm guessing every single day (like me). I hate flossing, and have to use all of my inner strength to force myself to do it. Why is that? Why do most of us have to force ourselves to floss everyday, but we don’t even think twice about brushing our teeth? It’s not like one is much harder than the other — they both take two minutes max and involve rubbing things on your teeth.
That’s because brushing your teeth is a habit. You don’t think about it; you just do it. Whether you know it or not, it’s because you’ve built a system for brushing your teeth everyday.
The reason systems are so important is because of something called willpower.
Willpower is known by many different names: determination, drive, resolve, self-discipline. It’s a limited resource, and we use up a little willpower every time we make a decision or exhibit self-control. Starting a New Year's Resolution requires a huge amount of willpower. Each day you need to have the same inner dialogue convincing yourself that working out is good for you, or that you shouldn’t have that after dinner snack. You expend a huge amount of willpower defending against the endless excuses and rationalizations thrown up by your self-defeating inner mind.
And once we run out of willpower, we’re at the mercy of our impulses.
That’s why instead of relying on willpower, systems are so important. Systems help to automate your actions so that you don’t need to expend any willpower making decisions — you just do it by default.
I love this excerpt from a Lifehacker article called Stop Relying on Motivation and Make Change by Creating Systems. The quote is from Ramit Sethi, who runs a personal finance blog called iwillteachyoutoberich.com.
"One of my mentors, BJ Fogg, who runs the Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford, says we should assume that our "future self" is going to be lazy with no motivation. We need to set up systems to make achieving our goals as easy as possible -- even when our motivation is low. In other words: Motivation DOESN'T work. Systems do."
Anytime I'm setting a new goal, I try to build a bulletproof system that makes my actions as automatic as brushing my teeth.
For example, if I’m trying to workout each morning I’ll put my workout clothes next to my bed so I just get up and put them on without thinking. Or if I’m trying to lose weight, I’ll stock my desk and briefcase with healthy snacks and avoid having to head to the food court and make a decision.
3) Build Accountability
But even with bulletproof systems, most of us will still fail. Sometimes, no matter how good your system is, it’s just not good enough. Your weaker self will get the better of you, and next thing you know you're looking at the bottom of an empty Häagen-Dazs tub realizing that you've made a huge mistake.
That’s why I use a third line-of-defence: accountability.
I define accountability is an outside source other than yourself that keeps you on track when your willpower and systems fail. Everyone has moments of weakness when work and life get crazy, and accountability is designed for those moments. Maybe a deal you're working on blows up at work, or maybe you've got some travel coming up and you're not sure how to stick to your workout goals.
By far, the most effective form of accountability is a coach. Pay someone to keep you accountable. A good example of this is the online coaching I do for my clients. Not only does the financial investment keep you motivated, but your coach will also make things easy for you by doing all the thinking and planning for you so you just have to focus on one thing: action.
The second cheaper but less effective option I use is a checklist. I use a template called 'The Life Checklist' that you can download HERE. (I know, not the best name... I'm open to suggestions if you have any ideas).
I put each of my daily habits on a checklist with a box for each day, and I put a big ‘X' on days I complete my ONE Thing.
The technique is loosely based on a productivity method attributed to Jerry Seinfeld. The story goes that Jerry gave some sage advice to a young comic about how to get better by writing everyday. Here’s how it works:
- Print out a big calendar and put it on the wall
- Put an ‘X’ on the calendar for every day that you write
- After a few days, you’ll start to build a 'chain' of X's
- Your focus is now 'don't break the chain'
It sounds simple, but it’s amazing how many days I've dragged myself to the gym just to keep the chain going for one more day.
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To summarize:
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We all have things we want to change in our lives, but most of us never succeed.
Imagine how different your life could be by next year if you started actually working towards some of those dream resolutions you write down each year.
What if you finally lost that extra weight you've been carrying around? What if you finally seeing your friends more and making the most of your weekends? What if you finally landed that job or promotion you’ve been dreaming about?
Don’t let 2016 be another failed year. Make 2016 the year you finally start fulfilling your potential and building the life you want.
Now it's your turn.
Leave a comment below with your ONE Thing that you're focusing on, and the system you're going to use to make it happen.
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Alistair Clark is a former management consultant that runs worklifefitness.co.
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A "New Year's Resolution" is a marketing tool to make people feel guilty and provide a gleam of hope so that they may buy more stuff. If you're on the buy side, screw 'em. If I'm selling then of course a NY resolution is something you should consider.
Best times to buy stuff: http://lifehacker.com/5973864/the-best-time-to-buy-anything-during-the-…
Great post, im a big fan of all of your writing. For me, when I look back on what caused some of my resolutions to fail was constantly getting up later and later. This caused me to not be able to fall asleep and instead of spending my precious free time on my resolutions I was tossing and turning in my bed until I could fall asleep.
My 2015 slowly fell into a path of self-loathing and it all degenerated from sleep, which turned into a worse diet, which made working out feel useless. Once you're eating poorly, sleeping poorly, and skipping workouts you can guess how the rest of your life unfolds. I have a few attainable resolutions this year but the biggest im focusing on is waking up early (and at the same time) everyday and eating a healthy breakfast.
My New Year's resolution is to be less ambitious. I want to become poor white trash, like Cartman taking up NASCAR.
I disagree with points 1 and 2. Focusing simply on ONE thing makes us short-sighted, as many facets of our life come into play each day - Perhaps you meant focusing on one THEME (financial skills, knowledge, health&fitness etc.) which in my opinion would be a better compass to directing your efforts.
Next, what is systems without willpower? The thing that sets you apart from the street would be an excellent system charged with willpower - the grit to ruthlessly self-examine, improvement of systems and to add value, whether in the morning, on the way to work, at your desk, having a coffee break challenging yourself to adapt and deliver more and better.
Some very good points regarding focusing and building systems. Thanks for the post
The ONE Thing is what powers my commercial real estate business.
Fits and starts (new to the field), but I have built a foundation of prospective deals that is the envy of many, and just goes to show what 'The ONE Thing' for a salesperson--get more leads--means to production when you set the goal of 'get more leads' and then go about your day to day activities 'looking' for new leads.
It works.
And even though I've slowed my progress recently (reasons don't matter)--that is The ONE Thing for 2016: Get More Leads.
Listings, sales, and income will inevitably follow.
The highest producers have the most leads.
Thanks for referencing the book.
Oh by the way, I am part of KW Commercial--the top commercial real estate brokerage in the US.
And I thank Mr. Keller for founding it.
Good point about focusing on one thing at a time. As Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory said, "The best way to achieve a goal is to devote 100% of your time and energy to it."
New Years Resolutions (Originally Posted: 12/21/2015)
So with 2016 right around the corner what are you monkeys giving up this go around?
I'm giving up hope.
The only New Year's resolution that ever stuck was when I gave up morals.
How did that work out for you?
My New Year's Resolutions (Originally Posted: 01/18/2012)
As a way of sharing with the community, and also keeping them out in public to ensure I stick to them, and also inspired slightly by a couple of videos on the front page, I've decided to list my NYR's and the reasons behind them.
I just came back from a family holiday in Cancun, which is what prompted the motivation behind these.
1) Get to 8% body fat. (currently around the 15--17% mark) In a couples resort ( on my own lol) of nearly 300 rooms, for 2 weeks, I would have seen approximately 800 or so people, generally middle aged, but a LOT of honeymooners (so mid to late 20's, early 30's as well). Of the men, I would consider 1 person to be in shape (not me), and no more than 5 women (and my standards on women being in shape really aren't that strict). Carrying more fat than you need is inefficient, increases your competitiveness in the dating field, and also increases your lifespan (and thus lifetime earnings). Combining this with my own personal belief that near immortality is not too far away (replacing all cells in the human body, not just most of them), I have an extreme interest in surviving as long as possible, and having the best quality of life in those years. While I won't be benching 150kgs any time soon, I will get my sorry butt in shape. So far I'm down 3lbs on my post holiday mass.
2) Spend quality time with quality people. While sitting on a beach in winter, enjoying 90 degree heat and 95% sunshine, it was hard to justify my reasons for existence in the UK. The weather blows, the population is generally miserable and reclusive, and the tax rates are off the charts. Not to mention its socialist leanings. The only reason I have to stick around therefore is the people I like. If I don't see them, there's no point being there. I've made a list of people I really enjoy spending time with, and make sure I meet up with at least one of them a week (often they know each other as well so you can do plenty of stuff together). When you book as a group you also get discounts, so you can do fun things for a lot cheaper too, bargain.
3) Learn more about my chosen career path. My own choice is Quantative Trading. I'm making sure I do 1 hour of C++ (and as of yesterday, adding 1 hour of Matlab) to my day. As well as reading a book a week from the reading lists of prop firms (they all have them). Total cost to my life? The book (unless you pdf it) and about 45 minutes of my day. I have a 40 minute train journey (each way) to my current temporary job, where I read my book instead of the bullshit in the media, and instead of mucking around for 30 minutes before I go to bed, spend 30 minutes on a laptop with my programming, and do another 30 minutes of programming while I'm eating dinner (only possible if you don't have a family really), instead of sitting in front of the tv. (the other 15 minutes comes from doing it while cooking). This point is more about maximising your down time, when you actually aren't doing anything productive.
So far so good, and the more people that know about it, the better chance i will be guilt tripped into keeping them. Hope this was helpful to someone.
T
Good for you man.
I see you are obviously type A as am I. Speaking from experience I feel compelled to mention that sometimes you do need that 'bullshit' free time to veg and let your mind rest. I think it actually helps stimulate creativity if you let your brain break from the constant set of tasks we arrange for ourselves.
Good job on the general self mprovement initiative though. Full support for you.
Here's A Jump Start to Your New Years Resolutions (Originally Posted: 12/28/2012)
It's that time of the year again. Everyone and their cousin will be looking for your new years resolutions. Now, although I'm always tempted to state my real ones that involve drinking and women, they probably aren't that appropriate for your Aunt. Here are a few ideas to get you started that just so happen to be things that this blog seems to think you should stop doing in your 20's.
Okay, so obviously these are pretty generic but they certainly have some potential to help you out in the real world. I'll admit, although it is much more gratifying to rip some asshole's throat out over the phone, it is probably easier to take a more moderate approach towards the situation. I think it is also important to realize that stop being stingy relates to spending money on things you care about and not just buying frivolous crap to say you have it. Experiences, which many people on here always talk about spending your money on, are really priceless.
The last one is something that is particularly dear to me and something I've noticed more and more on these forums as a philosophy people should embrace. Stop fearing things and just go out and do them. Girlfriend dumping you for a more prestigious dude?You're now free to date hotter ones. Passed over for a promotion? Work harder or start something yourself. Anyway, maybe my resolution is to worry less about the downside and focus on the upsides.
If you guys are even reading at this point, what are some of your resolutions or thoughts heading into the new year?
I am very fortunate that I am working in private banking and not investment banking because it makes your last point a little bit easier to do. Sure, I still work 75-80 hours a week, but I have yet to work a weekend, or even so much as check my email between 8pm on Fridays and 6:45am on Monday mornings. And I'm one of the fortunate people that likes their jobs. It is very stressful and demanding, but you get to meet a lot of cool clients and prospects, my group is awesome, and I'm learning much more than I ever thought I would. And I know that know matter how stressful things can seem, as long as I keep a clear head and work my ass off things will get done in the end.
I try and force myself to go out at least one Thursday a month and let loose. Our group tries to schedule an analyst/associate happy hour on Thursday every 6 weeks or so if we know we will have a light Friday to let off some steam. I live in Chicago, and pay ~$700 less a month on rent than my buddies in NYC, so I am able to save a few hundred a month for a rainy day without even thinking about cutting back on spending. You gotta add life to your days, not days to your life.
I live with 4 fraternity brothers in an amazing apartment, we all just graduated in June and work in finance, I am having the time of my life, doing well at my job, and I know I haven't reached the peak yet. As such, my New Years resolution is to not change a single thing.
Well, except maybe a gym membership. Eating almost as much as I did as a dlineman in college probably isn't sustainable much longer without a gym membership...
Amen to that brother.
This. Im in a really similar situation to you but living in London... Life is good I just want it to continue this way.
.
A few I think apply to the 20-something population at large:
I wanted to say something about "getting back in shape," but my developing golf body wouldn't let me
Every damn thing on point
gotta learn about those wine pairings though...
I'm definitely getting a start on my muse in 2013. Something to really look forward to. Fear not monkeys, i will be sharing it with you all soon enough...
> Disregard more females > Acquire more wealth > Acquire more aesthetics
My Five New Year's Resolutions (Originally Posted: 01/02/2013)
Morning Monkeys,
A new year is upon us and it's time to think about all the different aspects of our lives that could use some serious improvement. Like many people, I'm realizing that there's many things that require some attention, especially in my professional life (isn't there always?) and so some resolutions are in order. As others have noted, it's important to keep your resolutions simple and concise so they're easy to follow. So, in order to best keep myself on track, I thought I'd share with the WSO community my goals for 2013:
I have high hopes for 2013, and these all look very doable. How about all of your monkeys? What do you think of these resolutions? If you haven't already noted your resolutions, what are yours?
Amen to all of those!
i can relate to 1,3,4,5. Not at that level of my career yet for level 2, but I'll replace it with pass CFA level 1. Any tips??
CFA level 1 is a pain, or at least I thought so, as it's not terribly difficult material but there's just so damn much of it it's hard to not get wound up. I studied my ass off for months, but there's probably a much more simple way of passing :).
Good luck!!
Thanks. Out of curiosity, how long is an average sized equity research report?
I've seen initiation reports around the 50 page mark, but from what I've learned insofar, since analysts have 100s of these sitting on their desks, your first 20 words better be great.
I find 1 and 2 kind of odd. Are you a FT employed?
Yes, for the better part of a decade. Why do you find them odd?
You?
Same for me, but #2 different
New Year's Resolutions (Originally Posted: 01/01/2013)
It's that time of year again. Christmas is behind us and 2012 is coming to an end. That means two things:
1 - Time to go out and celebrate another year gone by
2 - Time to put some together some New Year's Resolutions
In my view, there are good and bad ways to handle both matters. Read on to see how I tackle them. The New Year's Eve Party
New Year's Eve in New York City can honestly feel like more of a burden than a reason to celebrate. When you start to lay out all of your options, you realize that most of them involve spending a lot of money, waiting in long lines, or both.
I've done the bottle service thing in the past, but only out of necessity. My friends and I, young and naive as we were, assumed that buying tickets to the club meant we'd be able to get in with no problem. Not even close. We got to the club a little over an hour before midnight to find a massive line spanning around the block. Rather than wait and risk getting in after the ball dropped (and hypothermia), we threw down some cash for a bottle and got right in. The night was fun, but it's not something I'd ever want to do again.
Since learning that lesson several years back, I've committed myself to only spending New Year's Eve at house parties. Clubs cost too much and bars are way too crowded. I've gone to friends' house parties the last few years and have had a blast and will be doing the same this year.
New Year's Resolutions
They range from silly and inane to serious and profound. One thing is for sure, virtually everyone makes them.
Personally, I try to stay away from typical resolutions, like swearing to go to the gym more or to lose 10 pounds, and try instead to list out a few things I can realistically accomplish in the new year. It doesn't need to include any staggering achievements, because Lord knows they'd be the first to be dropped. I aim for things that are feasible and that I'd ideally be able to use going forward. In many ways, what is most important is that it is feasible, so you can't easily toss it by the way side.
This year, I've made a list of a few things I'd like to accomplish. Chief among them is learning to be a decent cook. While I'm not totally helpless in the kitchen, I might as well be. And, frankly, it's a little embarrassing (though I know I'm not alone amongst guys my age.)
What about you guys? How will you be spending your New Year's Eve? What sort of resolutions are you making? Aiming for a new job? Want to learn a new skill? Something totally different? Leave them in the comments.
Last but not least. Everyone have a safe, happy, and fun New Year's Eve.
What I have found to be helpful in sticking with new years resolution is to start practicing it before the new years. (ex. end of november/ beginning of december) instead of starting it right when the new year starts.
This year I just want to spend as much time with my family and friends as I can. I missed out on a lot this year and don't want to do the same next year. As well as stick to my workout schedule, making sure i hit the gym for 3 months straight 3x a week without missing a day without a lackadaisical attitude. in addition to that, hopefully land a summer position by march, that would be pretty nice.
I usually spend new years with my family and after the ball drops, go out with friends.
TheKing, here's two books you should get to help you with your new years resolutions:
http://www.Amazon.com/The-4-Hour-Chef-Learning-Anything/dp/0547884591/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356636454&sr=8-1&keywords=the+four+hour+chef
http://www.Amazon.com/Modernist-Cuisine-Home-Nathan-Myhrvold/dp/0982761015/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356636477&sr=1-1&keywords=the+modernist+cuisine+at+home
As for me, my new years resolution is to kick ass at my job, finish the CFA exams, and continue inch by inch towards having a healthy dietary and exercise lifestyle. I think I will try to write a post about my last resolution before the 31st.
Gym / fitness has got to be a main one. CFA Level 1 as well.
I resolve to pass CFA Level 2 on my first attempt.
That involves several subresolutions like a more rigid schedule, intense discipline (since I also work full time while a more than half time MBA student), a rigid gym schedule (at least three times per week studying while doing cardio), less drinking, less sex (which isn't a problem since I'm married), healthier eating (which also shouldn't be a problem because my high maintenance wife is obsessed with Whole Foods), and more sleep.
In reality, I'll probably just fail it.
This is the only thing in the whole thread that I don't understand. What's the problem with sex?
1) Keep chiseling away at my six-pack. I'm surprised it's still noticeable after 3.5 ish years of college. 2) Get 700+ on GMAT (got Manattan GMAT study guides for Xmas) 3) Maybe take CFA Level 1 in June. Would have to decide very soon. 4) Try and not party more than 2x a week. Go to huge party soon, my friends don't exactly take their studies seriously. 5) Lock down this girl as my "main bitch" who just got back from studying abroad. Had a crush on her forever but have completely blown it like 3 separate times.
Thank you for sharing, OP! I will be at a popular gala venue on 42nd st that night so I expect suffering. My resolution: not to socialize less, not to party less, not to travel less.
Become more right wing. I've been far too liberal lately.
Hahaha. You need to be to the right of Herman Cain.
wow
From an old guy; take the time to thank God for all I have, and not just material posessions. My family's healthy, we are financially secure, and I'm comfortable in my work enviorment. I'm never gonna be a CEO/Big Dog on the Street; yet I answer to myself and (knock on wood) consistently beat the market in returns. I have all the material goods and toys any sane person could desire; more importantly, a loving and healthy family, many, many good friends, and the ability to sleep soundly thru the night. Next year..............more charitable work, more BBQ'ing, and just enjoy life!
I have been giving this some thought over the last few days and this is what I have (in no particular order):
I want to elongate enough to "helicopter" by year end.
Secure a FT offer before graduation
Take a step back and take life a lot less seriously, I tell myself this every few weeks and yet I find myself just spending hours thinking about my career and the future. The more I muse about the future the more the present seems to be slipping by. This and increase the creative writing.
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT SON posted that line on my blog before entering my prior year of uni...proceeded to kick ass by the end of it. But, it is nice to take a breather (lol) once in a while compadre.
That video is pretty epic.
I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.
TNA, we all support you... A few of us support you.
I resolve also to score beyond 700 on the GMAT. Also will learn to golf, make new friends that don't suck, and finally dunk a basketball (still on the list).
Hmm, not sure. I'm happy enough with my fitness routine. I like my job, and appreciate the stability of ER as a lot of HFs are returning capital. That said, I wouldn't turn down a good opportunity.
Maybe treat my girlfriend better - she manages to be very thoughtful, despite working insane hours in a post-grad arts program. And she is way out of my league appearance-wise.
Get a girlfriend. Somehow, this has been much harder than I thought.
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