Resolving NOT to make resolutions this year
By: Lexi Smith
As Christmas winds down, and the new year starts, so do my resolutions. I really enjoy the process of thinking about and writing down hopes and dreams for the year. And, though I start out with good intentions, find that within no time my plans to lose 10 pounds, go to the gym 3 times a week, etc., are seriously compromised by competing priorities. I know I’m not alone. So, this year, I’m resolving to not make resolutions that I cannot keep.
I’ve decided instead of making resolutions for the year, I’m going to set short-term goals for each month – and do weekly check ins with myself. This way, if I have a particularly busy schedule in that planning period, I won’t expect to go the gym 3 times a week that month. The more realistic the goals, the more likely they’ll be accomplished, the less I’ll self sabotage and toss out my hopes for the perfect me in 2012.
To help keep me on track, I just downloaded the app Awesome Notes for iPad. It’s suppose to help organize all of my tasks, journal notes, calendars, etc., in one place. A miracle of technology for only $4.99! In addition, I’m thinking of following my friend, Kimberly Wilson’s – Hip Tranquil Chick – lead and do a “Week in Review” in my journal to document all of my accomplishments. This time next year, I can celebrate what I was able to do – not regret what I didn’t get done.
So – goals for January:
~ Learn Awesome Notes
~ Host amazing Epiphany party
~ Clean closets and make end of year donations
~ Finish strategic plan at work
~ Update calendar for travel and after-work commitments
~ Go on cruise to Belize and Cozumel
~ Schedule/attend yoga and Pilates classes for the month
Realistic. Manageable. Measurable. And yours? How will you manage your resolutions, goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for the coming year?
Happy New Year!
Lexi Smith is a lifestyle guru for the woman seeking positive change. She is owner and creative director of Being Fabulous!, a consultation and personal shopping service designed to help clients achieve a higher quality of life by finding their own signature style.