I like to take some time at the start of each year to reflect on my hopes and aspirations for the next year. At work when we do a debrief on an event or quarter, we often use the format of "what do we need to stop doing, keep doing or start doing". I find it a good way to think about goals, so I'm going to try it here.
WHAT I NEED TO START DOING
Get serious about my health.
I was probably my healthiest and happiest in 2010, when I finally felt like I had figured out how to be at a weight that felt good and was also achievable and sustainable. Then I went through a series of major life events and the pounds slowly crept back on. I know that what worked for me then - diligently tracking calories - would work for me now. But for some reason, I just haven't done it. It seems like a symptom of a larger problem which is not enough time for myself in the day. My barrier to counting calories is I don't always have time to enter it. But it really does work, so I need to find a way to make this happen. So here is my goal. Starting tomorrow, January 3, I will track my calories. I will commit to doing this until end of February, with the only break being when we're on holidays (since I won't have access to a computer). By February 28, it should be an entrenched habit.
Get through my book backlog.
I don't think I can file this under the category of "keep doing" since I didn't make a dent on my existing backlog. Any of the books I read last year were new ones I had purchased. So I really need to figure out a plan for this. My first step is to take an inventory of my backlog (title and page numbers) and set a goal for how much I want to read each week or month to get through it. I think seeing the hard numbers will be the kick in the pants I need to (a) stop ordering more damn books and (b) feel like it's not an overwhelming task.
Take a class.
Every year at work we get $750 for personal health and wellness. The definition of wellness is pretty encompassing - it can be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Each year I scramble to submit my expenses at the last minute. Usually I submit for my gym fees, and then am desperately trying to think of something to buy for the other $400 or so that's left. This year I would like to be more proactive and really think about what would help me with my wellness. Maybe a sewing class? I could see that being helpful. Or a cake decorating course? I've always been interested in fondant or gum flowers. The possibilities are endless!
Do regular maintenance.
I am horrible at making sure I'm taking care of myself. I do go for regular check-ups each year but the only reason that happens is that I need prescriptions refilled and that's the only way to get them. Without prescriptions, I'd probably never go until I found something wrong. (And even then I put it off a ridiculously long time.) Case in point - I haven't been the dentist or eye doctor in I'm not sure how long. So this year: make appointments for both. Deadline: By June 30.
WHAT I NEED TO KEEP DOING
Keep making time for myself.
This one is so hard. So hard! It just feels like there aren't enough hours in the day, by the time I factor in work, making meals, and housework. I feel like there is almost no time left for anything I want to do. (I seriously don't know how women with children do it, if I'm struggling!) But I know the answer is partly that I don't make time for myself. I put myself last on the list (or not at all) time and again, and I therefore train everyone around me to put me last on the list too. I need to let go of the guilt and be okay with saying "This is what I need right now". The world won't crumble! So how will I know if I'm doing this? A few things - if I have time to track my calories (see point number 1), and time for fitness. If I'm getting through my book backlog and taking time to read. (Because I really do love reading.) If I'm taking time to do some sewing every week, or any other hobby that I take up. And if, when I ask myself if I'm happy, that I can answer yes more often than no.
Keep making time for fitness.
This year my fitness has really gone south and I hate it. I used to love going to the gym in the morning and now I can't pry myself out of bed. It's the strangest thing. I will cut myself some slack that I've been dealing with a lot and my cancer has really fatigued me. But this year I want to get my fitness mojo back. I want to start going to the gym in the morning again. Perhaps a goal of 3 times per week - once on the weekend, and twice during the week. With running on the off days and one day of rest. I do believe I can do this.
Keep learning and growing.
I know there are some major challenges coming my way at work. We are definitely working in a new way which brings many good things but also some adjustments. I have to remember that I don't need all the answers, I just need to be able to ask the right questions and listen with humility. I think it will be an exciting time, but I have to be willing to fail and learn from those failures.
Giving Wicket what he deserves.
I think there's room for improvement with this one. This year I resolve to give more walks (not to let a good day go by), and a little bit of time each day playing chase or laser. Wicket loves to play and I love that there is still so much puppy in him. I don't want to look back and remember all the times he wanted my attention and I ignored him or was too busy.
WHAT I NEED TO STOP DOING
Ordering books from Amazon!
See the point about the book backlog. Until I work through at least half of the books on my list, I think I need a moratorium on buying any more.
Mindless eating!
Sometimes the only "me time" I have is when I'm mindlessly snacking. Enough already. Food can be pleasure but it shouldn't just be to kill time.
Dehydrating myself!
I do not drink nearly enough water in the day. I need to start doing this and perhaps cut down on the coffee when I'm working from home. (That one will be brutal - not sure if I can do it.)
Worrying so much about others I lose touch with myself!
I think this is a struggle of many women. It's so easy to spend your time trying to please other people. Eventually you don't even know what you want or what you like - you've lost yourself along the way. I spend a huge amount of my time arranging around Dennis and his needs. He doesn't ask me to do this but I've made it an expectation for myself. And it makes no sense! I need to really push myself to question this behaviour. I'm not being selfless and kind to others by making myself disappear.
Getting cancer!
Obviously I have no control over this but I'm just putting it out there into the universe. No more cancer for at least a decade or so would be nice.
So that's it! Those are my hopes, dreams and goals for the next year. I don't think 2015 will be an easy year but nothing worth having is ever easy. I think it will be a year of transformation. It may demand some resiliency but luckily I've spent the last year developing a heck of a lot of that quality. I can't explain why but I feel like this year is one where I will become closer to who or what I'm meant to be. I don't know why, but that's just the feeling I have about what's in store for me.
WHAT I NEED TO START DOING
Get serious about my health.
I was probably my healthiest and happiest in 2010, when I finally felt like I had figured out how to be at a weight that felt good and was also achievable and sustainable. Then I went through a series of major life events and the pounds slowly crept back on. I know that what worked for me then - diligently tracking calories - would work for me now. But for some reason, I just haven't done it. It seems like a symptom of a larger problem which is not enough time for myself in the day. My barrier to counting calories is I don't always have time to enter it. But it really does work, so I need to find a way to make this happen. So here is my goal. Starting tomorrow, January 3, I will track my calories. I will commit to doing this until end of February, with the only break being when we're on holidays (since I won't have access to a computer). By February 28, it should be an entrenched habit.
Get through my book backlog.
I don't think I can file this under the category of "keep doing" since I didn't make a dent on my existing backlog. Any of the books I read last year were new ones I had purchased. So I really need to figure out a plan for this. My first step is to take an inventory of my backlog (title and page numbers) and set a goal for how much I want to read each week or month to get through it. I think seeing the hard numbers will be the kick in the pants I need to (a) stop ordering more damn books and (b) feel like it's not an overwhelming task.
Take a class.
Every year at work we get $750 for personal health and wellness. The definition of wellness is pretty encompassing - it can be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Each year I scramble to submit my expenses at the last minute. Usually I submit for my gym fees, and then am desperately trying to think of something to buy for the other $400 or so that's left. This year I would like to be more proactive and really think about what would help me with my wellness. Maybe a sewing class? I could see that being helpful. Or a cake decorating course? I've always been interested in fondant or gum flowers. The possibilities are endless!
Do regular maintenance.
I am horrible at making sure I'm taking care of myself. I do go for regular check-ups each year but the only reason that happens is that I need prescriptions refilled and that's the only way to get them. Without prescriptions, I'd probably never go until I found something wrong. (And even then I put it off a ridiculously long time.) Case in point - I haven't been the dentist or eye doctor in I'm not sure how long. So this year: make appointments for both. Deadline: By June 30.
WHAT I NEED TO KEEP DOING
Keep making time for myself.
This one is so hard. So hard! It just feels like there aren't enough hours in the day, by the time I factor in work, making meals, and housework. I feel like there is almost no time left for anything I want to do. (I seriously don't know how women with children do it, if I'm struggling!) But I know the answer is partly that I don't make time for myself. I put myself last on the list (or not at all) time and again, and I therefore train everyone around me to put me last on the list too. I need to let go of the guilt and be okay with saying "This is what I need right now". The world won't crumble! So how will I know if I'm doing this? A few things - if I have time to track my calories (see point number 1), and time for fitness. If I'm getting through my book backlog and taking time to read. (Because I really do love reading.) If I'm taking time to do some sewing every week, or any other hobby that I take up. And if, when I ask myself if I'm happy, that I can answer yes more often than no.
Keep making time for fitness.
This year my fitness has really gone south and I hate it. I used to love going to the gym in the morning and now I can't pry myself out of bed. It's the strangest thing. I will cut myself some slack that I've been dealing with a lot and my cancer has really fatigued me. But this year I want to get my fitness mojo back. I want to start going to the gym in the morning again. Perhaps a goal of 3 times per week - once on the weekend, and twice during the week. With running on the off days and one day of rest. I do believe I can do this.
Keep learning and growing.
I know there are some major challenges coming my way at work. We are definitely working in a new way which brings many good things but also some adjustments. I have to remember that I don't need all the answers, I just need to be able to ask the right questions and listen with humility. I think it will be an exciting time, but I have to be willing to fail and learn from those failures.
Giving Wicket what he deserves.
I think there's room for improvement with this one. This year I resolve to give more walks (not to let a good day go by), and a little bit of time each day playing chase or laser. Wicket loves to play and I love that there is still so much puppy in him. I don't want to look back and remember all the times he wanted my attention and I ignored him or was too busy.
WHAT I NEED TO STOP DOING
Ordering books from Amazon!
See the point about the book backlog. Until I work through at least half of the books on my list, I think I need a moratorium on buying any more.
Mindless eating!
Sometimes the only "me time" I have is when I'm mindlessly snacking. Enough already. Food can be pleasure but it shouldn't just be to kill time.
Dehydrating myself!
I do not drink nearly enough water in the day. I need to start doing this and perhaps cut down on the coffee when I'm working from home. (That one will be brutal - not sure if I can do it.)
Worrying so much about others I lose touch with myself!
I think this is a struggle of many women. It's so easy to spend your time trying to please other people. Eventually you don't even know what you want or what you like - you've lost yourself along the way. I spend a huge amount of my time arranging around Dennis and his needs. He doesn't ask me to do this but I've made it an expectation for myself. And it makes no sense! I need to really push myself to question this behaviour. I'm not being selfless and kind to others by making myself disappear.
Getting cancer!
Obviously I have no control over this but I'm just putting it out there into the universe. No more cancer for at least a decade or so would be nice.
So that's it! Those are my hopes, dreams and goals for the next year. I don't think 2015 will be an easy year but nothing worth having is ever easy. I think it will be a year of transformation. It may demand some resiliency but luckily I've spent the last year developing a heck of a lot of that quality. I can't explain why but I feel like this year is one where I will become closer to who or what I'm meant to be. I don't know why, but that's just the feeling I have about what's in store for me.