New Year Goals

Every year I make a long list of New Year's Resolutions. This year is no exception. I don't want to become stagnant in life—I want to be a better person, grow, create new habits, and become more disciplined. So, I make goals for my year. Some I'll accomplish and some I won't, which is fine. I'll try again next year—no big deal. The point is that I challenge myself and make some improvements, even if they are just baby steps.

My 2011 Goals

1. Do 4 half marathons—one each quarter of 2011. Every year I put 'Exercise Consistently' on my goal list. I think I only exercise about 6 months a year. Not because I'm lazy, but because I get sidetracked with other projects and I hate the rain. So this year I've decided to approach this goal differently. If I sign up, pay, and commit to friends that I'll do a half marathon with them each quarter, it should force me to be consistent with exercise the whole year. I'm excited that I might finally accomplish the goal of consistent exercise!
2. Read the Bible each night before bed. I want to be more consistent with my Bible reading. God's word is the best thing to have on my mind as I fall asleep. I want to get into the habit of falling asleep to scriptures and not the TV.
3. Finish a writing project. I have 4 and they've been on the back burner far too long. I really want to finish 2 of them this year...or at least one.
4. Lose 15 pounds. For the first time in years, I don't have, "Lose 25 pounds" on my New Year's Resolution list. YEAH! Been there and done that! But the bad part of that is the fact that I had lost 37 pounds in 2010 and have gained 15 of it back. Shoot! I hope to re-lose that 15. My plan to lose is a little different this time. I'm simply going to eat a little less and exercise a little more. Maybe lose 2 pounds a month. Hopefully that will help me to develop new habits for life.
5. Be INTENTIONAL with my eating. I'm so good at eating fruits and veggies while dieting, and drinking teas and lots of water. But I return to my beloved cookies when the diet is over. Soon my good habits fade. This year I want to learn to be intentional with my eating so I can keep the weight off without feeling totally deprived. I've read lots of books, I know what I'm supposed to do, and now it's time to actually do it. So if I eat a couple cookies, I need to skip the pasta and garlic bread. Pick and choose my calories—be intentional! This is the year to learn to eat without gaining weight.

Although I have several small goals for 2011, these are the main five I will focus on. I don't see any reason I can't complete all of them either.

May your New Year be blessed, fulfilled, and safe, Amen!