2012: Let’s Face It, These Are Resolutions

My 2 Lovely red-headed friends and Me (in my thematic dress!)on NYE 2012

For the last couple of years I have attempted the kinder, gentler approach to New Year’s resolutions. I have tried selecting a “theme” for the year, and have also tried loosely-defined “intentions.” I guess the intentions were good in that I ended 2011 feeling like I actually achieved something based on what I wrote that I wanted to achieve. But on the flipside of the coin, I think that I could be just a little more free from the issues that bog me down (mainly weight & finances) if I had set some measurable goals. So, this year I’m  back to calling resolutions resolutions!

I think that like to avoid setting measurable goals because they make it harder to make excuses for myself.  If I know that I’m supposed to do something by a given deadline, and I know it far in advance, and it’s been in the front of my thoughts because there’s a deadline, it makes it harder to come up with reasons for not doing it. The funny thing is that I’m a project coordinator for a living. I set goals and deadlines, and then (nicely) harass people to meet them. Apparently, from my discussions with other project managers, it’s pretty common that people who are really good at managing projects do not apply their talents to their personal lives. In the spirit of project managing myself for once, I’m going to try a grab bag of approaches to New Year’s resolutions: most of my goals are specific and measurable, one goal is absolute, and one goal is a little more thematic!

2012 Goals:

1. My theme for 2012 is “finding the love again” – Remember when I used to be cheerful? Accepting? Empathetic? Kind-hearted? Even patient?  If you’ve known me for 5 years or less (or, only through this blog!) you probably don’t remember that. I’ve become the type of crabby, cynical, sarcastic, stabby person that yells at people in public (O.K., honestly, I’ve always had the major sass, but it used to be much less aggressive and much more balanced by kindness!). I don’t like it. I don’t want to be the kind of person that escalates a negative situation. I want to return to some elements of my hippie-dippie self of days past (minus the partying) and focus on being a light-bringer again!
2. Absolutely QUIT QUIT QUIT SMOKING for good!!! – I’m on day 4, and thanks to my above theme, I haven’t even felt like choking anyone this time! ; )
3. Get to my goal weight of 130 lbs by April 1 – I am currently at 155, which means I will lose 25 lbs in 3 months. That seems doable!
4. Put at least $500 in savings each quarter – I’m thinking at least $75 out of each paycheck
5. Pay off my last high-ish interest credit card ($2500) by end of year – $208 per month.

Not nearly as big and crazy as usual, but things that I think my chaotic self can actually attain that will be really, really good for me. Wish me luck, and best wishes to you all on your goals for 2012!

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