2013 Goals

I'm not normally one to make New Year's resolutions. In theory, I like them because I think its good to have goals and to work toward things and make progress. But resolutions (typical ones, anyway, like "lose weight" or "save money") just seem to set people (me, anyway) up for failure. There's a destination, but no procedure for getting there. Instead, I like to make attainable goals for myself, and then make a plan of attack for achieving them. It makes goals feel so much more in reach, instead of like some lofty ideal that I will inevitably shove aside or put on a back burner "until I have time".

So this year, I made a short list of goals to start with, and see where it takes me. The list is short and sweet, but made-up of things that I can continually work on. I like making these kinds of goals, and then crossing them off my list as I accomplish them. It gives me immense satisfaction to see how much I can accomplish when I put my mind to it!

 

My goals for 2013:

1. Create, and stick to, a budget. We're already off to a good start on this one. I'm working on putting together some tips and resources that are working for us to share in an upcoming post, so check back!

2. Work on paying down my credit card debt. This one ties into goal #1. Unfortunately, I have more credit card debt than I'd like to, as a result of being a student for 5 straight years and not having a job for half of that time. I'm proud to say it wasn't 'frivolous' spending on clothes or shoes, but its debt nonetheless

3. Become a dedicated Yogi. I've always been fascinated with yoga, but never had the time, money, or resources (ie a local studio) when I was living in PA and was a student. Since moving to New Hampshire, I've been realizing that the opportunirty for me to try yoga has finally presented itself. My employer (and friend!) have me a 10-class pass to a local studio, so now my goal can be realized. I just have to stick with it and see where it takes me!

4. Drink more water. This one is so easy, yet its always on my list of goals each new year. I am TERRIBLE at remembering to drink water! I think I'm probably always a little bit dehydrated, which is really terrible. I just don't really like "plain" water (I know, I know), so I've taken to carrying around a travel mug of water with a little NOW Vitamin C powder in it. It gives it just enough tangy flavor, sort of like a squeeze of lemon.

5. Start blogging again. This one is HUGE for me. I really love blogging, and while I was in school, I just didn't have the time to create quality posts (and to be honest, my whole life revolved around school so I just didn't have anything interesting to say). Now, I finally feel like I'm getting back into the groove and finding my voice again. And it feels good.

6. Open an Etsy shop again. This is another big one. I have missed creating these past few years. I'm finally at a place, both physically and mentally, where I CAN create. I'm just itching to draw again. There's nothing solid in the works yet, but its a goal that I intend on working toward much sooner than later.

7. Make small goals every month. Can making goals be a goal? I like to have shorter-term things to work on, whether they be to save a certain amount of money each paycheck, or to blog X number of times each week, or whatever. This one is non-specific so I can make goals as the opportunity presents itself.

8. Make fitness a priority. I've never been one to exercise on a regular basis. i'm mot terribly athletic, and I don't really enjoy running....but why should that stop me now? Before I went vegan about 6 years ago, I was on the heavy side. After going vegan, I lost a lot of weight and was really happy with my body. But over the past year or so (because of grad school and the beer that comes along with it), I've put a few pounds back on. I'm definitely not complaining about my current size (I'm 5'2" and a size 3 or 4), but I'm not as FIT as I used to be. I don't even know how much I weigh, and I really don't care. I care more about how I feel...and right now, I don't feel as sexy in my skinny jeans as I did just 1 year ago. I don't want to be out of breath after just a quick jog, or feel sluggish like I have been. So I want to make fitness a priority in my life, whether that means jogging with the dog every day, exercising for 20 minutes each morning, or simply making yoga a part of my life. One thing I'm going to try to do every day is keep track of my calories using the My Fitness Pal app. Its simple, but effective in making you think before you eat. I guess I could say "eat mindfully" is goal 8.1.

I feel like I'm off to a good start in working toward my goals so far. I'd love to know, did you make any New Year's resolutions? Or do you set goals like I did?

What do you want to accomplish in 2013?