This year I’m taking a different approach to my New Year’s Resolutions. In the past, I have had too many, most of which are aspirational and not measurable. My list is usually based on things I feel lousy about… things I ought to do but not necessarily things I want to do. My success rate is not great and I’ve decided that 2020 is when it’s going to change! I’m writing about it for two reasons. First, it will make me more accountable. Second, I would love to hear how you approach New Year’s resolutions!
Definition
According to Wikipedia, a New Year’s Resolution is a tradition in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, to accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life.
I’ve decided I’m going to focus on personal goals. And it’s not that I don’t have lots of other things I want to and need to improve, because I do. But in the spirit of keeping it simple, I’m going to narrow it down to three that I’m excited about. Not another year of, “oh well, I stuck with it for a little while, which is better than nothing…”
My Strategy
I’ve decided to focus on three core things that, if I accomplish, will make me all-around better; a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I’m going to make each resolution specific and measurable. I’m also going to regularly track my progress. My life is changing as I prepare to take my baby to college in August. At that point, both of my daughters will be far away in Texas. This momma needs to be strong, prepared and feeling reasonably good about herself however possible!
Resolution #1
Lose 10-15 pounds
I’ve never been a scale person. Getting on the scale daily, weekly or even monthly has never motivated me. If my clothes begin to feel tight, I change my eating and exercise habits until they don’t feel tight.
I’m 55 years old though, and in the age where it’s easy to put on a pound a year until, all of a sudden, I’m at an unhealthy weight. I’m 5’9″ which can hide the weight creep because a few pounds is not as noticeable. Part of it is vanity and part of it is health. I know that if I’m healthier I will sleep better, be more productive, feel better and be an overall better person.
My approach is two-pronged: food and exercise. On the food side, I’m focusing on reducing sugar and carbs. On the exercise front, I’m a new Peloton rider and I’m trying to embrace the Peloton lifestyle. And no, my husband didn’t buy it for me if you saw the commercial… it was the other way around! I’m working toward a balance of cardio and weight training.
Resolution #2
Be present
While I’m quick to notice other people living on their devices, I’ve been less critical of myself. It’s time for me to give 100% attention to whatever I’m doing, whether it be having lunch with a friend, a conversation with one of my daughters, watching a movie or participating in a meeting for a fundraiser. I’ve been rude, missed parts of conversations/movies and it’s time to knock it off.
My initial approach is to leave the room without a device and not carry my phone around like my life depends on it. I’ve tried this out recently and it works. I believe I will strengthen relationships by focusing on the people I am face-to-face with rather than having the constant distraction of the phone.
Resolution #3
Simplify
There’s a ridiculous amount of stuff in my house. A few examples… when we moved to Florida 13 years ago, we brought all of our winter coats, many of which we have never worn. It’s time to donate those coats to someone who needs and will use them. In addition, I have so much stuffed in my kitchen cabinets it’s ridiculous. Who needs 12 spatulas? Or three sets of mixing bowls? Or an appliance you just don’t use? I feel like every cabinet, drawer or closet is bursting with stuff, and it’s just unnecessary.
My approach here is to go through everything, closet by closet and drawer by drawer. I am going to somewhat apply the Marie Kondo “does it bring you joy” approach. I’m going through EVERTYTHING, even it takes all year!
Measurable and Meaningful
If my goals aren’t meaningful to me, I won’t do the work. I know each resolution is meaningful, so I feel pretty good about that part. On the measurable side, I’ve decided to treat this like a work project. I’m putting my goals and specific action plans into a spreadsheet and tracking my progress. For me, to see the little victories is important and motivates me to continue moving forward.
Wish me luck!
Do you have New Year’s resolutions? How do you decide on what they are and how to implement?
For other posts from The Two Dandelions, please link on the following:
Back to school: the sucker-punch of saying goodbye to upperclassmen
If You Think You’ve Grown Apart, Consider Pearls!
Love is a Diet Coke with a wedge of lemon
I have a she-shed; so should you
“Me and her are fixin’ to tell you”: grammar pet peeves
