New Years Resolutions

January 1, 2017 3 Comments

Category: Personal
Tags: new years resolutions, 2017

Happy 2017! Beginning of a new year, a fresh start and an opportunity for a clean slate…

When many people think of New Years, they also think of resolutions.. I have to admit, I’ve never been one of those people who sets a resolution but this year, I’m breaking that rule. I’ve typically found that if I’m really eager to do something – like eat cleaner or exercise more – I’m motivated enough to get it done right then and there (usually because I just honestly don’t have the patience to wait). BUT, there are exceptions to every situation and I can certainly appreciate – and get on board – with the extra nudge that the beginning of the year gives you. So, let’s talk about resolutions…

If the timing is right for you, I would urge you to think about a few things before finalizing your resolution:

    • Is it realistic?
    • Is it measurable?
    • How are you going to hold yourself accountable?

I think the reason so many people fall off the treadmill after 3 weeks of the new year is because their resolution hasn’t addressed those three points. Just like any goal, I think you need to be able to clearly define what you’re hoping to achieve and have a clear plan as to how you’ll get there. What are the actionable steps that are needed and how are you going to ensure that you don’t fall off the wagon?

So, if your resolution is to be healthier, I would think about what that looks like and set clear goals. (e.g. exercise 30+ minutes at least 4 days a week. Limit dessert to 1x per week). Perhaps find a partner or group to tackle it with you and have touch bases each week until you meet your goal.

This year, I’m getting on board with a resolution but in a bit of a different sense.. Goal setting, planning and tackling my to-do list is something that’s always been easy for me (it’s the type A, “account” person in me) but what’s not been easy for me is living in the moment. I’ve always been so concerned about what’s next in the future that it’s become difficult for me to sometimes appreciate the present.

Mindfulness has been something I’ve been looking into it and want to further discover. This practice focuses on living in the present and savoring the life that surrounds you. It means not dwelling in the past but also not fast-forwarding to the future.  I’ll admit,  it’s kind of difficult to articulate what that looks like in an every day sense, but to me, it’s not always thinking about “what’s next” and instead enjoying 1:1 time with Chloe, my friends or family or even the task at hand. It’s about reflection and awareness, and an appreciation for your current state of being.

So, when trying to put my own advice into practice, I’ve deemed Chloe’s nap time / early bedtime as my “work time” to focus on what I need to do for myself, the blog, our home, etc. and her awake time as our time together. The multi-tasker in me sometimes tries to fit errands, cleaning and other household duties within that period too (I mean, you obviously have to!) but I also need to set aside dedicated time to just be together. Sit and play. Watch. Listen. Read. Laugh. Go to classes. Get off the phone. Stop trying to figure out “what’s next” on my seemingly never ending list of to-do’s. It sounds simple but it’s not.. especially for me who likes to go-go-go. But I want to do this because life goes by so fast… Chloe’s almost one (what?!) and I have this gift to be with her and I need to take advantage.

How am I going to keep this up and not forget about it after a few weeks? This simple reminder that will sit on my desk. A little nod to help keep me on track.

I’d love to hear from you… what are your resolutions? How are you planning to achieve them? Tell me so I can hold you accountable 😉


Category: Personal Tags: , Comments: 3

Comments

3 thoughts on “New Years Resolutions

  1. Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

    Anonymous

    Thoughts we all need to consider.

  2. Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

    Sharon

    Thanks Angie. What a great way to start the year.

    • Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

      wellandstrongwithms

      Thanks, Sharon..it was so great to see you guys last week. Happy new year!! Xoxo

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