Friday, January 3, 2014

I Resolve



People who talk smack on resolutions can shove it. Sorry to start out so harsh, but why be a Debbie Downer on something good? I mean, people deciding which ways to improve themselves for 2014… that's applause-worthy whether they stick to it or not. Personally, I am a big fan of resolutions, goals, and all things introspective. I make resolutions every year-- some I keep to form new habits and others are lofty goals that are just as promptly thrown to the wayside. I don't necessarily wait for Jan 1 to begin a new feat, but bandwagon goal-setting can’t be of more harm than good.  

Here are a few of the 2014 specific goals so far (Girl, read your Yahoo! articles and listen to Pastor Rick; the more specific your goals are, the more likely you are to accomplish them!):
·         Wake up a few minutes earlier to read the Bible 3x's per week to squeeze in some extra Jesus time. This will be a real challenge seeing as I hate waking up a moment sooner than the last possible minute, and then four snoozes later…yep, I'm late again.

·         Continue going to bootcamp 3-4xs per week. I started this in August as a goal to go 2xs per week and I stuck to it pretty well, even upping my game in the weeks prior to Christmas. Then I got sick and that led to lazy. Fitness goals this year are more of a continuation of 2013 life-changes, but still pertinent in 2014 since I'm {clearly} not always on my A-game.

·         Do a half-marathon. This has been a goal/NY resolution before, but this year I have a plan and a buddy. Hopefully I can stick to it this time. I really hate, loath, DETEST running. Yeah, I don't know why I am making this my goal but stubborn little me says a half-marathon will be mine in '14.

·         Work for 1 hour, 2xs per week on writing a book. Gotta start somewhere.

·         Set up and use Mint, the financial planning app. That leads to my financial sub goals:
-          Pay off all credit card debt. I have a big purchase I want to make, and I can't rationalize that {indulgent} {major} purchase with credit card debt lingering over my head.
-            Meal plan. Be all blogger-esk and organized and know what I'm having for dinner on Thursday by Sunday afternoon. Save time and money by eliminating those last minute "what should we eat" and "I'm too hungry to figure out a home cooked meal now" discussions. More time and money saved by making extra and having leftovers (probably for lunch and dinner. Not above it.)

Well, that's what I have so far. I also have other things I would like to accomplish or start this year (taking voice lessons, become fluent in Spanish, etc.) but I need to start with the essentials and work from there.
I also need to make a 30 (things to do) before (I turn) 30 list. I'll add Spanish fluency and voice lessons to that list.            
Now intro-spect yourself: What do YOU want to accomplish this year?