I've often wondered how you manage your time / priorities, so I'm glad you took the time to expound on this subject.

I like your "SMART" acronym, but there is one other factor that I use to evaluate a goal: Independence. Can a goal be achieved without relying (too much) on outside influences? "Install and learn a Linux OS on my old home computer" has a high Independence factor, since I already have the computer to play with and obtaining a Linux distro and a tutorials is relatively easy. However, "Install and learn a Linux OS on a file server at work" has a lower Independence factor because I might not be granted permission to tinker with that file server.

Another idea.... I think we have modern versions of Leonardo da Vinci walking around us. You're probably one of them. da Vinci was brilliant, of course, but he also had a Patron, so he didn't have to work for a living, cook his own meals, or worry about laundry as we do. The best we can do is get a job with enough autonomy that allows us to learn / explore Emacs Lisp or Lua or the next computer paradigm.

(Ahh, and now to figure out the dreadful captcha...)

Since "attainable" and "realistic" seem to be synonymous, you could change one or the other to inject a new meaning. I like that Tom Hopkins' phrase for "A" is "ardently desired," because that reminds me to choose a goal that I will not mind working hard for, because I ardently desire it. There is extra energy from the ardent desire to change an arduous task to an easy or pleasant one.

Re your friend's comment about having a supportive "infrastructure" (not having to work for a living, cook his own meals, or worry about laundry") to allow him to realize his goals - let me share my own insight.

I don't think that's what he needs.

I have all that support. Living here in the Philippines allows me to be surrounded by people who will attend to my menial tasks (and even some of the important ones), but I find that I am still behind in setting and meeting goals. I do write them down, and make sure that my goals are SMART, but I don't seem to have the same energy, courage and confidence as you, your sisters or your papa.

Papa does not follow this acronym, or any of the goal setting "lessons" but when he sets his heart to do something, it's as good as done. He would have beaten Nike to the punch if he had patented his motto "Just Do It!" when I first heard it from him in the 1970's. :)

Papa and I have the same support system, but I don't achieve as much as he does. And look at you - no maids, but you are into a lot of things I only still wish for - cooking, baking, freezing, canning, gardening, carpentry in addition to programming, doing business, writing, sketching etc. etc. etc. (how many etc's am I allowed to write?) ;)

So, what's the secret? JUST DO IT! I think there is magic in beginning something. I did not have the confidence that I could write a comment on your blog, or on your friend's comment, but I began it, and look at this - 3 or 4 paragraphs already. :)

That's my new mantra. BEGIN. This reminds me, I owe a writer-friend an edited version of my conversation with him on the Business of Photography. I guess I also have to add another mantra. FINISH. :)

Much love,
Mom

Raymond: Many people think that work and everyday life get in the way of the things they really want to do.

One of the things I'm learning is that I actually enjoy the chores and the paperwork. I'm lucky in that W- is right in there doing the housework with me. We chat while cooking, watch movies while folding laundry, and banter about who gets to empty the cat litter. In terms of business paperwork, I like learning about accounting and law and all those other things that are part of having your own business. Because I can transform chores into social activities and administrivia into learning opportunities, I don't mind them so much. Chores become a way for W- and I to bond even more, and paperwork becomes a way to dig deeper into something new.

Maybe someday these things will lose their lustre, but it seems like there's always something to learn. For example, I made another four pizzas again yesterday. This time, I quartered the pepperoni to see what the effect would be like, and that was nice. Little things to experiment with.

Mom: Yup, you just need to give yourself permission to begin. =)

I agree with Mom where she wrote, "I don’t think that’s what he needs" (referring to me having a Patron). Thanks so much for taking time to comment!

I have many other reasons why I'm not a modern day daVinci. (One day I'll write about that, but not here.) I guess was generalizing about others.

I also agree about enjoying chores. I've read about some people who carry out chores almost as a spiritual path. The trick is to give the chore your full attention as in meditation.