It’s that time of year where we reflect on what we have or have not accomplished. For some it’s a turning point to think of ways to be better, stronger, faster and happier in the next year. However, for others it’s a reminder of all the obstacles seemingly too large and daunting to conquer.
Clearly I love to set goals. I set short and long term goals. I make fitness goals , creative goals , eating goals . You name it – if I can challenge myself to do it in order to become a more evolved version of myself – I’m on it! I aim to keep my goals tangible and measurable, such as run x miles, eat x number of vegetables or work on x for an hour a day. No goal is too small. In fact, the smaller the better. A hundred mini-goals will help you stay motivated. For example, focusing on losing 100 pounds is daunting. Focusing on losing 1 pound a week by doing x, y and z is completely tangible! I should know . So to recap, goals = good.
Now the word resolution is being thrown around a lot lately. And it’s no coincidence. Our culture LOVES setting New Years Resolutions. In general these resolutions are short-lived and from my perspective lead to a failure cycle. What’s that, you say?! That’s right – a failure cycle. Better known as…
Wishing something will change – hoping that you can make that change – thinking you set your mind to make said lofty change – starting to climb the mountain of change – realizing it’s super hard – giving up – proclaiming yourself a failure at everything: and repeat!
Life never quite works out exactly how we imagine. It’s more complex, difficult and rewarding than we acknowledge. If your resolution is as big and grandiose as many people like to make them, you might just be setting yourself up for failure. Dirty dirty word. To recap, new years resolutions = unlikely to succeed = bad.
If you really want to make 2012 outstanding, make a list of 2-10 measurable goals. Some that you know will be easier and some that you know may take more effort. The idea is to have a few pat-myself-on-the-back moments. After all, you rock and so do I!
Without further ado, here’s my list of goals for 2012:
- Write more – on this blog, on other websites, reach out for more writing opportunities! Right now I’m averaging 3-4 posts a week on this little bloggy, but there’s so much more that I want to share. I want to up the ante to 4-5 posts a week and work on more blog networking by attending blogger meet-ups and maybe my first conference.
- Listen to my body – I haven’t talked about it too much here, but I am a calorie counter from way back. Calorie counting is a tool in my belt that keeps me on track when my emotions and nerves attempt to take the best of me. But, I don’t want to live and die for my counting. I’ve started to guestimate and look for quality foods while loosening some of my rules. Intuitive eating is a scary trail for me to blaze, but my goal is to set it on fire (in a successful way, of course)! That doesn’t mean I won’t turn to counting in moments of redirecting or overindulgence. My goal is to continue to continue find my way to my happy weight by listening to my body. I believe happy weight is internally determined. If I’m making healthy choices, continuing healthy habits and keeping a positive mentality then I’m on the right track.
- Sign up and complete 3 races – last year I completed two races, the GOTR 5k as a coach and running buddy and my very first 10K ! In 2012 I’m setting my goals higher. I would like to run at least one race with a buddy, so if you live in the Chicago area and want to train or run together let me know. And, I would like to complete one race that is longer than a 10k. I have my sights set on a triathlon sprint or a half-marathon, but would be happy with continued fitness and desire to run!
- Find my yoga groove again – I used to do yoga once a week mostly as a way to shut off my analytical mind and stretch my tired muscles. Since moving to Chicago 2 years ago, I haven’t found a studio that’s cheap-enough/close-to-where-I-live/just-right. So, I’m going to explore the classes offered at my gym. If nothing else, I want to commit to go once a month to yoga, whether it be hatha, power or hot yoga. The plan is to get my stretch on.
- Less television time – this one for Grant Park (the bf) and myself. Winter is rough y’all. One of the few ways to get through it is either at work or on the couch. Drives.Me.Nuts. Seriously, by the time the sun is shining and temps are rising in April I am ready to bust a wall. I plan to give in and buy some snow pants, long sleeve athletic gear and check out more books. I’m open to suggestions if any of you have ideas!
What are your goals for 2012?
P.S. You have until tomorrow at 5pm CST (Thursday, Dec. 22) to enter this super cool giveaway !
It’s that time of year where we reflect on what we have or have not accomplished. For some it’s a turning point to think of ways to be better, stronger, faster and happier in the next year. However, for others it’s a reminder of all the obstacles seemingly too large and daunting to conquer.
Clearly I love to set goals. I set short and long term goals. I make fitness goals , creative goals , eating goals . You name it – if I can challenge myself to do it in order to become a more evolved version of myself – I’m on it! I aim to keep my goals tangible and measurable, such as run x miles, eat x number of vegetables or work on x for an hour a day. No goal is too small. In fact, the smaller the better. A hundred mini-goals will help you stay motivated. For example, focusing on losing 100 pounds is daunting. Focusing on losing 1 pound a week by doing x, y and z is completely tangible! I should know . So to recap, goals = good.
Now the word resolution is being thrown around a lot lately. And it’s no coincidence. Our culture LOVES setting New Years Resolutions. In general these resolutions are short-lived and from my perspective lead to a failure cycle. What’s that, you say?! That’s right – a failure cycle. Better known as…
Wishing something will change – hoping that you can make that change – thinking you set your mind to make said lofty change – starting to climb the mountain of change – realizing it’s super hard – giving up – proclaiming yourself a failure at everything: and repeat!
Life never quite works out exactly how we imagine. It’s more complex, difficult and rewarding than we acknowledge. If your resolution is as big and grandiose as many people like to make them, you might just be setting yourself up for failure. Dirty dirty word. To recap, new years resolutions = unlikely to succeed = bad.
If you really want to make 2012 outstanding, make a list of 2-10 measurable goals. Some that you know will be easier and some that you know may take more effort. The idea is to have a few pat-myself-on-the-back moments. After all, you rock and so do I!
Without further ado, here’s my list of goals for 2012:
What are your goals for 2012?
P.S. You have until tomorrow at 5pm CST (Thursday, Dec. 22) to enter this super cool giveaway !