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Personal Goal Setting for 2012

2012 Mocha Dad

While most people are busily writing down their New Year’s resolutions on January 1st, I’m contemplating my life. I consider myself to be an introspective person and I’ve never been able to create a list of resolutions without giving it some serious thought. Also, there’s a part of me that hates to fail; therefore, I have to make sure that any goals I set for myself are achievable.

That’s why I usually wait until my birthday, which falls in the middle of the month, to set goals or make resolutions. Birthdays are always a time of reflection when I evaluate the previous year and determine how I’d like spend my time in the year ahead of me. This process has become more important to me since I’ve passed the 40 year mark. I now realize how short life really is and how important it is to maximize my time.

I’ve divided my goals into 5 categories: Physical, Spiritual, Family, Giving, and Personal. These categories help me to keep things balanced. Even though some categories have more items, I intend to treat them equally because each one is important to me. Things that prevent me from achieving my goals in each category will be systematically culled from my life. Of course, I will remain to take advantage of great opportunities or experiences, but all things must pass through my internal filter.

Here are the things that I intend to accomplish in 2012:

Physical

  • Run a 5K race
  • Get into shape by exercising  at least three times a week
  • Get regular medical and dental check-ups

Spiritual

  • Read the Bible and pray daily
  • Become a more active volunteer at church

Family

  • Go on monthly dates with my wife
  • Go on regular dates with kids individually
  • Build train table for my sons
  • Take two family vacations
  • Take a trip with my wife
  • Support my kids in all of their endeavors
  • Spend more time with friends and extended family

Giving

  • Set-up a scholarship fund for kids at my high school
  • Participate in at least 2 cause related walks
  • Volunteer for and donate money to causes that are important to me and my family (education, hunger, AIDS, homelessness, veterans)

Personal

I’ve decided to post my goals on this blog because I understand the importance of community. I know that many of you will hold me accountable and keep me motivated. Last year, I didn’t invest enough time in the spiritual and physical categories. This year, I will to do better because I have a defined plan for how I want to live my life in 2012.

Stay Strong,

 

 

 

Question: What are your 2012 goals?

 

 

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The Man-Cold vs. The Superwoman

When I’m not feeling well, I’m perfectly content with lying in bed all day. I also have no problem with my wife’s taking care of me or having the kids fetch me the remote. After all, my getting better is the most important thing. Right?

Obviously, my family disagrees. Instead of serving me a healing breakfast in bed, they taunt me by calling me a big baby. Every time my daughter sees me sleeping longer than normal, she says, “Oh no, Daddy has man-cold. I guess we won’t see him all week.” Hey, I’m only responding to my body’s telling me that it needs a break.

My wife, KayEm, on the other hand, refuses to be still when she’s sick. Many times, I have to physically carry her into the bedroom, place her in bed and tuck her in. If I could lock the door from the outside, I would. That would be the only way that I could keep her from escaping and washing a load of clothes.

The last time KayEm was sick, she reluctantly went to bed while I prepared the kids for bedtime. Forty-five minutes later, she came upstairs with a disapproving look on her face.

“Why aren’t the kids in bed yet?” She asked looking at the clock that displayed 8:35 p.m. I turned off the TV and put down my guitar to better defend myself.

“I told you I had everything under control,” I said. “Why are you up here?”

“I’m just checking to make sure everything is going okay,” she said.

“Everything’s fine,” I said as I escorted her back to the bedroom. “Now get some rest.”

The next day, we had an event to attend and I told KayEm that she should stay at home since she wasn’t feeling well. Of course she didn’t listen. She spent the next 4 hours in a room filled with rambunctious cub scouts with lassos.

KayEm ran herself ragged for the rest of the weekend and refused to take any time to decompress and get better. She continued to wash dishes, iron clothes, and pick up around the house even though I told her I would handle it. But she likes things done her way and it’s hard for me to convince her that my way works too.

I really do wish she would come down with a case of man-cold because she could use the rest.

Stay Strong,

 

 

 

Question: Has a similar scenario ever played out in your relationship?

Repost from Making it Last Forever (visit to read my wife’s perspective)

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A Musical Tribute to “Fatherhood”

Many of you may know Tray Chaney as “Poot” from HBO’s “The Wire,” but I know him as dedicated father. He made this song and video titled “Fatherhood” to inspire other men to accept and relish in the responsibilities of raising a child and having him or her call you Dad. The video not only features Chaney’s son, but also his own father. Enjoy.

Stay Strong,

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A Father’s Hug is a Powerful Thing

I read an article in the New York Times with the curious title, “A Poverty Solution That Starts With a Hug.” I was intrigued and delved into the story. The piece talks about a study that the American Academy of Pediatrics did on the harmful effects of toxic stress on young children. As a child, I [...]

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Why I Keep Blogging

I’m no parenting expert. But from time to time, I receive requests for advice from my readers. Sometimes I’m able to share solutions to problems I’ve experienced. Other times, I must refer the reader to a professional. However, I’ve discovered that many people already know the answers they’re seeking and they simply want someone to [...]

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Top 10 Posts of 2011

2011 was a great year for Mocha Dad. I was selected as a top Dad blog on Babble and SheKnows. I participated in the Twizzlers Landmark Summer Roadtrip, I was selected as an eBay Parent Panel Ambassador, I blogged for Dr. Smiths as a Premium Parent, and I worked on some exciting campaigns with several [...]

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Merry Christmas

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the time with your family. Stay Strong,

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Mocha Dad’s Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Dads

If you’re like me, you wait until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping. Sometimes it works out well because I’ve been able to score some great deals. Other times, I’ve been stuck in a crowded mall at the 11th hour picking through the left-overs. If you’re still searching for that special Christmas gift, [...]

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The Power of a Simple Christmas Card

Today’s communication tools such as e-mail, texting, Facebook, and Twitter were designed to help people stay in touch. While I enjoy using these tools (except for e-mail), I sometimes feel as if our dependence on technology has made it more difficult to develop authentic relationships. One thing that I like to do to remain connected [...]

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The Search for Mark Henry

My sons are huge WWE fans. They can’t wait to watch RAW and Smackdown each week. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised when they asked for wrestling action figures for Christmas. I was surprised at how difficult finding these figures would be. I had no idea that WWE action figures were a hot holiday item. My ignorance [...]

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The Bag of Quarters

My wife and I are committed to helping others. We do this by volunteering, donating money or items, or getting involved with causes we believe in. Most of all, we try to be a blessing to other people through everyday acts of kindness. We also teach these values to our children. As a parent, it’s [...]

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Protect Your Children From Sexual Abuse

Over the past few years, stories of adults sexually abusing children have been making the headlines. We’re all familiar with the horrific abuse cases discovered in the Catholic Church, Penn State, and Syracuse. The other day, I read a story about a man who was viewing child porn in the first class cabin of an [...]

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Taylor Swift Makes Me Wish My Daughter Would Never Grow Up

I like to make my little girl smile. I accomplished this goal by scoring tickets to the Taylor Swift concert. My daughter, Nee, is a huge Taylor Swift fan and her faced beamed when I flashed the tickets in front of her face. In the weeks leading up to the concert, Nee listened to Taylor [...]

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The YMCA Helps Families Grow Stronger

There are many reasons why the YMCA is a great place for families, but I enjoy the youth sports the most. My daughter plays basketball at the Y and the highlight of each season is the Parent Game. During this game, the kids get to test their skills against their moms and dads. No matter [...]

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A Trip to the Beach Helps Son to Overcome Fears

Watching a child overcome his fear is a satisfying moment for any parent. I was blessed with the opportunity to watch my son push past his fears and have a fulfilling experience at the beach with his brother and me. I planned a Mancation – a trip with just the guys – to Galveston, TX. [...]

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