One of my favorite Christmas gifts I received this year, and now one of my favorite gifts to give, came from my husband. At first I was quite unsure what this little, hollow, round Japanese figurine – called a Daruma doll – was all about. But I LOVE what it symbolizes and I am now a big fan.
I love them so much that on New Year’s Eve my family had a Daruma doll painting party. After our two little ones went to bed, my husband Brad, daughter Molly (10), son Gavin (8) and I got around the kitchen table with our Sharpies and our goals. You see, the idea of these dolls (or at least my interpretation of it) is for goal setting. The doll is seen as a symbol of patience and discipline and is a creative way to teach kids about both goal setting and other cultures. While decoratively painted, it comes with no eyes; custom says you paint on one eye when you set your goal, and paint on the other when you accomplish it. On New Year’s Eve we sat around the table and each shared a goal that we want to accomplish this year and painted one eye. As I told the kids, it needs to be a far-reaching goal, something that you have to work hard to achieve and something you’ll be proud of when you accomplish it. The idea—my idea— is that it should be a SMART goal which stands for (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely).
Since I am all about goal setting, I plan to have about five dolls going at one time. Some goals are a little loftier than others; my goal for the Daruma doll I painted on New Year’s Eve is a lofty business goal that I will have to work really hard to achieve. One of my other goals, which I have taped to my computer, is a great example of goal setting and one I hope will get my butt in shape this year. (Who doesn’t want that?) It states “By June of 2012, I will have greater balance in my life by taking better care of me. I will be exercising 3x’s a week and prioritizing me because I am worth it and my family will benefit as a result with a happier mommy and wife. Win-Win.” Oh no! Now I’ve shared it with the world, which means I better follow through on it!
What goals are you setting for yourself this year? Do share, because once you verbalize it and post it you will feel like you are being held accountable. I know that is what I need. And that’s why these little Daruma dolls are so great…they are constant reminders to us to aim high and follow through!
Colleen
Happy New Year!!
