Now that I’m feeling myself again, I’m eager to get back on track in terms of doing the things I love to do. I thought I’d write down several realistic goals here, and then work to ensure that I actually achieve them.
1) Fitness
Ever since the weather turned cold here in Providence I’ve been, let’s say, lax about cycling and running. Granted, I have continued to ride my bike for transportation purposes, and I walk everywhere else, but I have ceased going on leisurely bike rides and runs. I would like to change that.

Especially given the fact that I only have class twice a week, it doesn’t seem unreasonable for me to find the time to do an hour to an hour and a half of cycling or running more fairly frequently. Therefore, I’d like to set the goal for myself of at least an hour of physical activity (not including walking) 5 days a week. That should include at least three bike rides a week. The aim is not to transform myself into some kind of behemoth with bulging muscles; rather, I want to get outside, feel the beating of my heart and the rush of cool air against my skin. I also need to balance my intellectual interests with an activity that allows me to release the tension that builds up in my body when I think about changing the way we generate power, get from place to place, and grow our food.

2) Studies

I would like to be more efficient and focused with respect to my studies.  My main focus right now is doing research on my thesis. Beyond that, Mike and I are continuing our conversation about possible ways to start a company.  While that is important and exciting, I need to keep my eyes on the prize, and ensure that I graduate on time and with a useful, high-quality master’s thesis.

3) I’ll call this Spirituality

Generally, I would like to work to be more level-headed, equitable, kind and far less judgmental and negative.  It has always been extremely important to me that I be about more than just words and, therefore, that I live up to my ideals.  Walking the walk means that I must always work to refine myself, to channel my energies and passions, and ensure that I am not drifting away from my core beliefs.  I don’t like to hear myself speak negatively, or criticize others, but I do so consistently.  There is a fine line between being obsessive and being great, but I can’t reach greatness if I don’t at least try to walk that line.  The objective is to cultivate more of a “buddhist” mentality, without attacking or frustrating myself when I am thwarted by my shortcomings.

4) I’ll call this last one Saving the World

I want to do more volunteer work.  More blog posts.  More fund-raising.  More things related to actually getting out into the world and bringing change the way Muhammed Yunus and Gandhi did.  I’m looking for game-changers; those “ahah!” ideas that revolutionize a problem.  Think micro-credit, distributed renewable energy and small-scale water purification.  We’ve got some big problems headed our way with water shortages, energy crises, climate change, HIV/AIDS, and I want to be sure that I’m at the fore, pushing to find innovative solutions.

Those are the goals. They are lofty, and some of them are rather vague, but I intend to arise in the morning with them in mind, and go to sleep at night having worked towards them.  On the one hand, I am cultivating myself so that I am fit, healthy, happy, and on the other, I am spreading my ideas and passions, and applying them to work on problems that affect people, plants and animals.  I think big: I need to act as big as my thoughts.  Here’s to a new beginning!