I’ve gotten some invaluable comments about my proposed 44 goals. One of the most valuable had to do with the difference between a goal and an item on a to do list. Another wonderful comment linked to some reflections on whether goals are overrated. I also particularly liked what a writer friend said about keeping a modest number of big goals written down and in her purse — with her most of the time, I imagine. She said that for a long time, publishing a book was on that list. Now she’s done it!

I still want to kick off my 44th year with goals for the year, and 365 days to complete them, but I think what I need are four big ones, which can serve as categories, and then about forty tasks, items, projects, things that need to get done.

Speaking of getting things done… I was doing some cleaning earlier today, and I have to admit that I find cleaning satisfying! Unlike so many jobs and so much of life, it has a beginning and an end to it (at least within a certain context) and there are immediate and satisfying and visible results. I sound like Real Simple magazine (which I did not renew a few months back in the spirit of simplifying — good irony).