5 Reasons 2010 Will Be Different

 

I've been thinking long and hard about the new year, new beginnings, and what I want from 2010. If you've followed me for any length of time, you probably figure I've got a list of resolutions a mile (or 5!) long. And you'd be right -- at least to start out with.

But as I made mental note after mental note of the things I wanted to change/become/do/create/have/give/reveal in 2010, I put the brakes on. After 40 years, I know myself, and I know I tend to, ahem, OVERDO it when it comes to taking on more than I can chew. So I decided to boil 2010's resolutions down to a simple FIVE THINGS I aspire for in the next 12 months.

In crafting these resolutions, I set some ground rules:

• I would select five (and only five) "major goals" for 2010 that covered a good range (not all health-related, for instance, or shoe-amassing-related).
• They would be goals I felt in my core -- not ones I selected for someone else, but for ME. Ones that made my heart cry "YES!" when I thought of them. (That allowed me to cross "Do a triathlon" off the list. It's worthy but it's not MY goal (thank goodness).
• I would pick items that could truly change my life (in small ways or in large ways) if I were to successfully undertake them for the next year.
• They would be in my control. (In other words, "Sell my mystery novel" wouldn't work because it implies someone is buying, and past efforts show that no one wants to buy my mystery novel.)
• They would be progress-oriented. (I didn't want goals that were all-or-nothing, but rather ones that would allow me to feel some level of success even if I didn't do them every day, or every week.)

So after pondering that list, and looking at my possible goals in light of my "One Little Word" for 2010 (Light), here's what I came up with:

1. Bible Study. I will join a women's Bible study fellowship. (Spirit)
2. Books. I will get rid of 50% of the books I own. (Material possessions)
3. Yoga. I will start doing a regular yoga practice - either in class or on my own. (Health)
4. Budget. I will track all expenditures according to the family's budget. (Financial)
5. Mom/Son Book Club. I will read a book a month from the list that Ben has created for me, and we'll spend time talking about the books. (Family)

Of course, there are a ton more I could add -- but these are the most important things to me this year, the goals I know in my gut I need NOW.

I'll be updating you on my progress on the first of each month. And these year-long goals won't take the place of my regular monthly goals (there may be some overlap, but I see the monthly goals as more tactical than strategic, if you know what I mean).

Note on finding myself: One thing I really strive for in my writing, goal-setting, and life is AUTHENTICITY... that resonance between the inner and outer world. It can be tough to figure out who I am, what I think, and then be brave enough to share that with the world! If you're working on those areas, too, I suggest you pop over to Jennifer Louden's blog and read her current series of blog posts on authenticity -- what it is and how to live a life full of it.

Jennifer is one of my dearest friends, my personal coach, and one of the wisest souls I've ever encounterd. Plus she's really fun! Jennifer runs a series of retreats throughout the year, including a virtual retreat coming up in a few weeks. I'll tell you more about that soon!

Want to play? What are your goals/resolutions/intentions for 2010?

Comments

[FuzzyCricket]

I always start out with good intentions. Then convince myself I'm bored, too tired, above the goal. In other words? I talk myself out of resolutions because I feel bound by them. I don't do well when I feel trapped.

Your trick of paring down the goals to things that resonate with you deep down? Brilliant! Then I had an epiphany - goals that resonate with me now might not be my focus in 6 months. And that's okay!!! Because as you said, "It can be tough to figure out who I am, what I think, and then be brave enough to share that with the world!"

By trying different things, then not fretting if I don't enjoy them wholeheartedly, is just another way to find Who I am.

Right now? I run. I write. I read. I document. I play. I want to run a half-marathon. I want to write despite the fear of failure. I want to read a classic or two (love the Mom/Son bookclub idea...I'll be borrowing that!). I want to compose better photos. I want to learn a new song by heart on the piano.

Thank you for the thought-provoking post!

[Ann Johnson]

I am not a goal setter but I used the 10 Resolutions that were posted on Write, Click, Scrapbook and wrote my own meanings. They might not be exactly goals/resolutions but they are statements I made to make life a little simplier. For example - Quit smoking (since I don't smoke) I wrote - Not really, but pay attention to life and don't just "burn" through it. Quit drinking - well that is no fun and Fit in Fitness - Get your butt moving, at least read the book you bought and take the wrappers off the videos.

So those are a few of my "resolutions". I have printed them and hung on my bulliten board - at least I will get a laugh from them. ~Ann

[Lonely Scrapbooker]

I really hope 2010 is different (in a positive way)...
If you are new to yoga, may I recommend the Ali McGraw Yoga Mind & Body DVD. It's over 10 years old, but I love it and do it all the time. It's not too long (about 45 mins) and it's very beginner friendly, but the stronger/better you get, you can still get a good yoga "workout" from it. No I wasn't paid to say all that. There are a couple of other yoga DVDs I can recommend if you're interested.
I have a list of goals for the year, but I didn't number them... I just realized that!

[michelle]

I like your five goals..all good stuff. Although I did cringe a little when you said you were going to get rid of 50 percent of your books. I am a book junkie and I keep every one!! LOL!

You go girl and thanks for the inspiration!

[Jennifer @ Simple Scrapper]

I have such a hard time with books, especially my crafting books and cookbooks. I tell myself they are references, but I know I don't need 50 vegan cookbooks now that I'm no longer vegan.

I'm doing better there, getting rid of a few coffee table cookbooks recently that were more style than substance. One was the "Lake House Cookbook"... writing by Sting's wife Trudie Styler and their personal chef. The recipes were all super long and challenging.. not sure I even made a thing from it. Plus, 50% was photos of their home, kitchen and garden.

Good luck with these goals. I decided to set only one and see how that one change would cascade.. and that's to drink more water.

[MH]

Awesome resolutions! Have a wonderful new year! Bible Study is so fun, it has enriched my life in amazing ways. Go you. :D

[Dena]

Thanks for the link to the Comfort Queen. There is a one-day retreat in Ohio and I am excited! I've e-mailed my friends too.

[Michelle Moore]

1. Read Bible-I want to read the entire Bible. While I've read lots of it, I've never read in through. So far, I'm sticking to my plan, even on a trip.
2. Eat healthier- since I now have diabetes, I need to do this, but I've lost about 20 LCD in the last 3 months.
3. Do some exercise-well, I've been walking lots this week. That's something.
4. Less frivolous spending-so far, so good.
5. Less TV-sometime the TV is on just for noise. But I'm more productive when it's off. So this will be a real switch.

Lain, I needed to write these down. Thanks for your encouragement, and for letting us encourage each other.

[Amy]

Thanks for this post! It really helps me see how to narrow the list!

[Holly Thatcher]

I am a new reader to your blog, but I have enjoyed your work @ Simple Scrapbooks. I love what I have read so far, but I have one tiny request. Could you write in BLACK? I have such a hard time reading the gray type on my monitor.

[Gab]

I really love you idea of the mother/son book club. And I love that these are not all or nothing goals too

[Nicole]

I could echo each one of these (as you've seen on my 5 (x 2) list... I have been in a great bible study and having those ladies (young and old) keep me accountable and sharpen me has made a huge impact in my life.

Here's to accomplishing all we can in 2010!

And I think I still owe you a badge/button, don't it? ;)