I've never quite understood why we all put ourselves through the torture of coming up with long, unrealistic lists of everything we want to do right this year, molding ourselves into these perfect people. I don't think there is a single year where I can actually say I succeeded in any goal I had set for myself (I mean clearly, I'm still fat--HELLO!) But, as 2009 came to an end, I began to wonder what on earth I would do for 2010 resolutions.
This year, however, I'm not setting myself up for failure. Each of my many goals focus on broad areas I want to fix in my life, similar to the areas discussed here on LMBL--religion, family, health, intellect, etc. Traits or things that will make me the best version of well, me. It is the approach to these goals, however, that are often where we find our downfall.
According to Dr. Pauline Wallin (psychologist), our goals need to be something we really want to achieve, not what we believe society thinks or pressures us into putting for our goals. She gives the examples of losing weight and quitting smoking as some that people feel compelled to do, but aren't their true hearts desire.
Other experts state that our goals should be attainable, we should hold ourselves accountable, and we should have a strong support system. This helps us all feel like we've accomplished something towards our goals, like taking baby steps. So, for example, if you want to lose weight (like me) set yourself smaller weekly goals that make up a larger goal. Instead of looking at it like you want to lose 60 lbs. this year, decide that for the month of February you are going to try a new exercise each week, or you're going to drink more water. These goals are small enough that you can see your progress and make the 60 lbs. closer than before.
One big part of what causes us to break new year's resolutions is the idea that if we mess up one day, everything's out the window. That's just not true! If we slip up a little one day on our goals, just refocus yourself tomorrow. Each day is a start fresh.
My Resolutions
Armed with all of that new knowledge, I made a list of goals for 2010. . .things that I hope over the course of the next 300+ days (we are halfway through february already--yikes!) I will be able to work towards.
What are your resolutions for 2010? Post a comment and share!
How to Make Successful New Year's Resolutions by eHow
Use Psychology to Make Your 2010 Resolutions Stick by PsychologyToday
5 Strategies for Successful New Year's Resolutions by that'sfit
This year, however, I'm not setting myself up for failure. Each of my many goals focus on broad areas I want to fix in my life, similar to the areas discussed here on LMBL--religion, family, health, intellect, etc. Traits or things that will make me the best version of well, me. It is the approach to these goals, however, that are often where we find our downfall.
According to Dr. Pauline Wallin (psychologist), our goals need to be something we really want to achieve, not what we believe society thinks or pressures us into putting for our goals. She gives the examples of losing weight and quitting smoking as some that people feel compelled to do, but aren't their true hearts desire.
Other experts state that our goals should be attainable, we should hold ourselves accountable, and we should have a strong support system. This helps us all feel like we've accomplished something towards our goals, like taking baby steps. So, for example, if you want to lose weight (like me) set yourself smaller weekly goals that make up a larger goal. Instead of looking at it like you want to lose 60 lbs. this year, decide that for the month of February you are going to try a new exercise each week, or you're going to drink more water. These goals are small enough that you can see your progress and make the 60 lbs. closer than before.
One big part of what causes us to break new year's resolutions is the idea that if we mess up one day, everything's out the window. That's just not true! If we slip up a little one day on our goals, just refocus yourself tomorrow. Each day is a start fresh.
My Resolutions
Armed with all of that new knowledge, I made a list of goals for 2010. . .things that I hope over the course of the next 300+ days (we are halfway through february already--yikes!) I will be able to work towards.
- Renew My Faith– attend church on Sundays, reconciliation monthly, volunteering twice a month, and reaching out to people who I should help more, as well as reflecting on what my religion means
- Get Healthy– stretching every day, working out at least three times a week, cooking for myself (and finding joy in doing so), drinking more high-quality H20 (particularly before meals), and taking my meds for my PCOS consistently.
- Adios Negativity–cut out people, places, things, habits that are not good for me and focus on the friends and family who bring joy into my life, practice looking at the glass half full
- Get Some Money Sense–In the effort to keep learning, I want to understand the market and more economics and business and how everything ties together as well as gain more knowledge about my personal finance and work on a reasonable budget, a savings plan, paying down my self-induced debt, and "sleeping on it" when I'm making decisions about what to buy so I quite impulsively spending $100 on crap from WalMart.
- Stay Classy–just because I finally got my edumacation, doesn't mean I have to stop learning. I want to keep up reading and attending live concerts, experiencing different things, taking weekend classes, festivals, everything :) and relearning my spanish and starting Chinese! Being cultured and always expanding on your intellectual curiousity can't be a bad thing, right?
What are your resolutions for 2010? Post a comment and share!
How to Make Successful New Year's Resolutions by eHow
Use Psychology to Make Your 2010 Resolutions Stick by PsychologyToday
5 Strategies for Successful New Year's Resolutions by that'sfit
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