Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2013 Resolutions

source: Christmas Stock Images

Last year I made specific goals related to improving my health, fitness, and hair, along with a number of mini-goals to improve my happiness and quality of life. I want to do something a little different this year; Instead of outlining specific actions, I am focusing on a few, over-arching ideas that will guide my actions throught the year and lead to the positive changes I want to happen in my life. I have coined this year The Year of No Excuses, and all of my resolutions reflect this idea:

source: No Finish Line Blog

Allow the amount time and energy I devote to projects/people reflect the importance that the project/person has in my life.  I sometimes put people I care about on the backburner, or say I'm too busy to engage in important activities like exercise or cooking which only provide positive benefits to me in terms of my health and pride in my appearance. This year I will give these activities and people the time and attention they need, which will in turn improve my happiness and create much needed lifestyle changes. 

Be consistent in all that I do.  Every so often I get really into a hobby, and then a few months later it is a distant memory. The same with exercise, I get super committed for a while, but then somehow I fall off the wagon (and I fall HARD) until I get the fitness urge again.  I would like to turn these urges into habits that I am committing to engaging in regularly. That includes blogging! 

Stop allowing fear and uncertainty to mold my decisions. I sometimes do not seek out opportunities because I let negative self talk convince me that I'm not good enough for it. I am also naturally shy and tend to avoid activities that bring me into the spotlight and expose me to criticism. I've allowed fear to affect my decisions for too long, so this year I will actively pursue opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone and silence that little voice of doubt in the back of my mind.

Create more experiences that put a smile on my face, and learn to smile during hard times.  Happiness is a state of mind, and most importantly a choice. It is not based on your external circumstances or dependent on the action of others.  This year I am choosing to be happy, and this starts with changing my outlook on situations that occur in my life and engaging in the activities (refer back to my first resolution above) that bring me joy.

Are you making New Year's Resolutions this year? What's on your list? 

1 comment:

  1. YES to the last two! I sometimes don't continue with a goal and/or endeavor because I am afraid of failure. I have to step out on faith and just do it! I hope you achieve all of your goals in the new year! Happy 2013!

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