“Goals are dreams with deadlines”.
(Diana Scharf)
The Walkinto the Future blog allows me to chronicle thoughts and adventures with my readers.
Goal setting remains a high priority for me, and I make a point to reset my goals each year. I was able to hit all my 2023 goals and look forward to a productive 2024. There are always goals that carryover from one year to the next but decided to add a few wrinkles to my goal plan.
Travel is a central theme to my Walk into the Future and 2024 is no different. I’m heading back down to Negril, Jamaica for spring break in a few weeks. This location makes it on my goals list each year since Negril is one of my favorite places to visit. Can’t wait to get back down there for the great food, reggae, rum, and outstanding sunsets. The staff at Samsara do a great job of taking care of guests and treat everyone like family. The Turks and Caicos is a new destination on my travel agenda for 2024. I’ve heard great things about the Turks and Caicos and want to experience it for myself. It would be a new adventure and allow me to explore another part of the Caribbean. Will target summer travel for this island visit.
I have an overarching travel goal to visit all 50 states. I’ve got 38 so far and want to get busy seeing the other states. I recently signed up for the Rhode Island Half Marathon in May and this trip will allow me to venture north to visit three new states, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. I crossed off Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island last October. Ran out of time to hit the other 3 states so a return trip to New England is scheduled. Will look for an opportunity to visit Arkansas and West Virginia at some point this year. Got a few western states to visit but will focus on the west in 2025.
My exercise program remains front and center when I sit down to write out my goals. I will workout 3 days and run 4 days each week. My targeted weekly mileage is 30 – 40 total miles which would put me slightly ahead of my 2023 mileage numbers. My current race schedule is listed below:
| 2024 Bridge Buster 5k |
| 2024 Vero Beach Half Marathon |
| 2024 Town of Celebration Half Marathon |
| 2024 Fleet Feet Run for your Heart 10k2024 Sailfish 10k |
| 2024 Winter Park 10k |
| 2024 Nashville Rock N Roll Half Marathon2024 Rhode Island Half Marathon |
| 2024 San Diego Rock N Roll Half Marathon |
| 2024 Virginia Beach 10-Miler |
| 2024 Chicago Marathon |
| 2024 OUC Half Marathon2024 Palm Beaches Half Marathon |
I’m sure I will find a few additional races to sign up for, but this is what I have so far.
Reading is another major component of my goal setting process. I set a goal of reading two books (minimum) monthly in 2023 but did not hit my targeted goal. I read quite a bit but never got close to two books per month. I enter 2024 with the same goal and I’m happy to report I am ahead so far this year. I’ve made a concerted effort to pick topics I want to explore (leadership, team dynamics) to ensure I stay engaged in the process. My book selections in 2023 were ambitious but did not excite me so I began to lag in effort—not in 2024.
I recently purchased a new grill and will look to get good use out of it in 2024. The grill provides me with healthy options that I will leverage to cook more this year. I’m not a huge fan of leftovers but can eat grilled food daily—love the flavor. I will grill or bake twice weekly to ensure I’m getting healthier dinner options—especially on the weekends.
Professionally, my goal is to network and identify additional consulting and speaking roles. I’ve found success with local business contracts and want to get a few more. My Authentic Leadership platform continues to grow, and I want to share it with other organizations.
Volunteering in the local community is another goal I want to meet in 2024. There are multiple options available, and I will get active in 2024.
Lastly, the Leadership eBook is coming! 😊
What are your goals for 2024!
Irie!
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hope”.
(Andrew Carnegie)
Walk Into the Future 