Intentions can easily fall by the wayside; but not so easily if they are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound): you may observe these elements below, but have probably all been preached the acronym enough to avoid further explanation.  I call them intentions, rather than ‘resolutions’, as they match my needs and desires at the time – both of which may well change throughout the year ahead.  The guilt of a broken resolve is negated; the mis-placed intention realigned, is only a good thing.

Last year I tracked my intentions, much as Benjamin Franklin tracked his virtues.  Most, by trickery of averaging were attained.  Some sufficed to have the desired effect, and many seeded activity that developed and changed direction.  Although I stopped tracking around October (and should perhaps have re-examined at that time), my year benefited from the exercise; even though I never once went swimming, let alone once per month…

This year, an even greater mix of short and long term goals; regular and one-off achievements; mundane habitude and grand scheming:

• Write at least 1x /week (is that a new blog sir?)
• Jot all quotes in the 1 book, and store all writings in the 1 file!
• Memorise 1 quote /month.
• Memorise 1 poem/passage /3 months.
• Go to the Cinema 1x /month.
• Read 3 Books /2 months (an increase from last year’s success)
• Attend 1 gig/classical music/art/literary event /month.
• Fast 1 day /week.
• Continue with my new, intense 1-day /week gym training.
• Remember to use my nectar points/cashback links when shopping online.
• Go horse riding for a day.
• Complete part 2 of my Wilderness Medical Training (before my window expires in July)!
• Go on a 3-day bicycle tour.
• Visit at least 2 of the mountain ranges in Ireland (south of the border).
• Before the end of the year, begin to learn some Sword in Tai Chi.
• Partake in the Mourne Mountain Marathon in Class B or Elite!
• Learn French at least 1 hour /week (bonus: get Rosetta Stone)
• Get 1 of my photographs on a canvas, up on a wall in my house.
• Sell 3 of my photographs.
  
• Take 2 steps towards preparations for future ambitions (Mongol Rally, Expedition to Afghan Hindu Kush)
• Bonus – get away to Skye to play on the Cuillin.
• Bonus – get away to the Alps for some winter mountaineering and tuition in same.

It looks like a lot, but is all rather SMART.  A rich year of effort and reward awaits!  If anyone can help with any of my intentions, I am open to offers.  What do you intend to do with yourself in 2010?