Looking forward- what will you be resolving?

[Zhoen]

Yes, today is only the 14th of December, and we all have 17 days days of vice left in the old year before beginning anew on the first... but ever notice how many New Years Resolutions in January are the result of guilt for the excesses of December?

Example- The "I'm going to lose weight" resolution... but we sure love the candy and cookies and cocoa and and and all through December

The "I'm going to get out of debt/spend less/save more" resolution... frequently inspired by the buyers remorse after Christmas

So what if we all thought, right now, about what our resolutions might be in two weeks, and started planning for them NOW? After all, your time, your money, your energy, are about to be taxed heavily... and we know that the first step to conserving your resources is to have a plan!

Example-- if you're planning to save money next year by packing lunches, now's a great time to tell that coworker/relative who has no idea what to get you for Christmas that you'd like a reusable lunch kit (practical AND not-too-expensive-a-request)

I can't say I have any "new" resolutions this year... continue to try to lose the weight/get healthier, continue to try to save for my dream home--and those require me to eat better (see above) and spend sensibly, so my goal is to focus on those goals for the next two weeks so when the expensive, delicious, fattening chocolate calls to me in the store, I'll try to remember.

On the flip-side, I'm trying to plan for what gifts and events I've got planned in the year to come so I can take advantage of the post-holiday sales, but trying not to go overboard.

So how about y'all. Resolutions? Start-dates? Plans?

And for those who firmly intend to party right up until 11:59:59... that's a plan, too, so enjoy it! No judgement, just curiosity. I'm always looking for new ideas!

 

[furb & dez]

Resolutions are an exercise in futility and pointlessness.

Change, or don't change. Playing little mind games really isn't much more than a waste of your time and mental energy.

 

[zeferjen]

My friend has asked me to compete in a 'Tough Mudder' race next year. I am terrified of this idea, but at the same time would like to think that I am the kind of person who would do this once in their life. I am giving myself up to NYE to make up my mind. In the meantime, I am going to try to start running again to see if I think that I can do this.

 

[Zhoen]

Resolutions are an exercise in futility and pointlessness.

Change, or don't change. Playing little mind games really isn't much more than a waste of your time and mental energy.

Yes and no... if you know you want to change in two weeks, why not start prepping now, before more damage is done? ... the "running now to make an informed decision" is a great example.

Sometimes mind games become real actions, everything begins with a thought... or a lack or thought

 

[QT Pooh]

My friend has asked me to compete in a 'Tough Mudder' race next year. I am terrified of this idea, but at the same time would like to think that I am the kind of person who would do this once in their life. I am giving myself up to NYE to make up my mind. In the meantime, I am going to try to start running again to see if I think that I can do this.

Wow! There's one in Vermont and it looks like a lot of fun (but terribly hard work). If you do resolve to do it, ENJOY!!!

 

[zeferjen]

Wow! There's one in Vermont and it looks like a lot of fun (but terribly hard work). If you do resolve to do it, ENJOY!!!

Yes, that's the one - in Vermont! It looks like it may literally kill me! My friend is really nuts.

 

[Karenj2]

What is a tough mudder???

DH and I have plans to start trying for #2 in March via IVF, which means that:
1) We have to have our finances in order, because most likely nothing will be covered (again). Last time we borrowed from my 401k (and paid it off by the end of my maternity leave), but we don't want to do that again, so we have to figure out how we're going to pay for it.

2) I want to lose weight NOW - last time I was at 155, gained about 30 lbs, and lost it all and then some while I was BFing, but I've been creeping back up to 155 again. I'd like to be about 10lbs less (and perhaps start an exercise habit so that working out won't be difficult during the pregnancy.) DH also gained weight, and wants to run in the Broad Street Run (Philly, in May), so he's got to start running again.

3) I want the house better organized - we've currently got a toddler, and there are times when I look at our house and say WHY do we want another mess-making being in the house?!?! (Did I mention I'd also like to get a dog, too - I think I'm crazy!) I had been loosely following FlyLady, but I've gotten off track.

These aren't going to be resolutions, though - I need to start them NOW, and we actually are starting/working on some of them already. I'm hoping they're more of a habit by the time NYE rolls around.

 

[QVCshopper]

Well, I'd like to continue expanding on what we've been doing. Trying to live simply, buy less, and therefore save money. Afterall, if you don't buy as much, you in theory won't have as much to declutter or destash.

I'd also like to get more organized and stay that way. We are having a new baby soon, and I think organization will become even more important. Along with having the baby, of course I will have to lose weight, although I've been trying to watch what I gain and hopefully will be back to my goal weight quickly.

Other than that, I would like to learn how to spend money without worrying about it. We save almost too much and watch everything we spend, even though we are quite comfortable. So, being more relaxed with that would help. But, I honestly don't see it happening, as I've been this way always and now my hubby is the same way as well. I'm doing well with helping others and giving to charity, though. But, saving 40% of your salary for retirement in one year at age 35 is probably excessive.

 

[scbelleatheart]

Do not let toxic people rule your life! Ignore them, unfriend them. Be kind even if you do not feel like it. Focus on the good in your life and do not let them influence you in any way. But when you happen to meet up with them, say Hello, how are you? It's a start but you will feel better afterwards.

 

[SettinSail]

Do not let toxic people rule your life! Ignore them, unfriend them. Be kind even if you do not feel like it. Focus on the good in your life and do not let them influence you in any way. But when you happen to meet up with them, say Hello, how are you? It's a start but you will feel better afterwards.

Love this and try to follow this philosophy, even for my relatives if necessary. Don't need the negative energy in my life.

I am resolving to get my photos in some kind of order which may take an entire year. I have some in albums, some in photo boxes, some on discs, some still on the computer, some still on the camera.

I am also resolving to stop the habit of eating in my car

 

[StephMK]

Count me in! I was actually thinking about this the other day. I think my main focus will be organization.

I am sick enough of sifting through papers to find info that I am determined to set up a system over my two week break. I am looking forward to packing up the holiday stuff and getting rid of more decorations - holiday and everyday. I am getting tired of dusting so much and if I have less stuff out, it will be easier.

My second piece to organization will be setting up a schedule for myself - for fun & exercise. This fall has been too focused on school, work, and more work. Plus I want to lose a few and that will start w/a more organized eating/grocery shopping plan and time scheduled for the gym.

I want to enjoy life more, spend more time doing fun things w/my kids, and enjoying my DD's last few months before college!

 

[tikilyn]

Mine is to be a more meaningful wife and mother! The last couple of years I've been becoming neglectful of my husband and I want to turn it around by spending more one on one time with him. And just try to be a better mother to my kids. Like I said I've gotten lazy.

Secondary, dh and I have a plan to pay off as much debt at possible so by Jan 2013 we can buy some land and build our dream home. We want to do it mortgage free so that mean selling the house we live in now, paying off all debts so we can have a large cash flow. Also we'll be living in a camper trailer to keep us motivated !

thats the plan and hopefully we can get there!

 

[walkdmc]

Resolutions are an exercise in futility and pointlessness.

Change, or don't change. Playing little mind games really isn't much more than a waste of your time and mental energy.

I disagree that planning for a change is futile. There are stages to making a lifestyle change. I forget the actual stages but they're basically awareness, contemplation, action, challenge/relapse, etc. That's one of the reasons anti-smoking drugs are started 2 weeks before someone sets their actual quit date. Some people can make a lifestyle change on a dime and stick with it but those folks are very rare.

Personally, I love the anticipation of change. I address changes in stages. If I want to lose weight, clear the house of junk food, stock it with healthy choices. I get fitted for new running shoes, buy a new exercise DVD, check out a new healthy cookbook, etc. The anticipation and preparation make me more successful.

OP, I want to go to church more often with my kids. I also want to cook at home at least 6 of 7 days.

 

[figment3258]

I have two this year.

One is to really stop spending money. To cut way back and to be grateful or what we do have.

My sepn one can't really start until feburary after my bird daughter is born. I want to run in my first 5k this year.