Who Needs Resolutions When You've Got Goals?

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The word "resolution" seems to have become synonymous with the New Year.  Everyone wants to talk about their New Year's resolutions, but what does that really mean?  Well, let me tell you.  According to dictionary.com resolution means, "a formal expression or opinion of intention made".  Well, ok, that sounds about right then, but you can only make these "intentions" once a year?  Hmmm, I am not so sure I really agree with that.  So, who needs resolutions (once a year), when you can have goals all year round?  Especially when those "resolutions" that people make so strong and proud on January 1st, usually fall off a week or two later.  I can't even begin to tell you how annoying it is to have overly crowded gym classes and wait for cardio equipment because all these "resolvers" decided to make a change.  And please let me clarify, I am VERY happy for these people wanting to get their health and fitness on track, but again, why only now?  Who started the whole New Year's Resolution thing anyway?  I know I make such "resolutions" after each weekend, determined to start anew on Monday.

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So, again, why not just focus on the goals you set for yourself and take one day at a time.  Often times, putting such pressure to stick with a monumental, life changing resolution comes back to bite you in the tush when you maybe don't succeed.  Then what? You're left with feelings of failure and sadness?  No thank you, I'll stick to my daily, weekly and monthly goals.  You can keep your New Year's Resolutions, because me, I've got goals.  Each day, week and month my goals are set and I strive to reach them.

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Here are a few of my monthly/birthday goals (I consider that my personal New Year's) that happen to coincide with the New Year's Resolution hype:

1. Focusing on new workouts that take me out of my comfort zone.  I am a cardio junkie and need to start focusing on my strength and flexibility.  While I do lift weights three times a week, I am not really as dedicated as a should be.  So, the time has come, yoga.  Not my favorite, but as I have done in the past, I will force myself to like it.  With only two years left in my 20's, I want to help my body adapt to aging and increase muscle tone and flexibility, so stay tuned!

2. Taking the time to breathe.  I can be pretty impulsive with my emotions sometimes. For example, when I am rushed, I tend to flip out a bit.  I'm not proud of it, but I am working on it.  So, to stop being such a lunatic, I am gong to breathe.  When I feel the crazy coming on, I am going to stop (whatever I am doing), drop (my eyelids) and inhale.  

3. Enjoy life.  There are some big ticket items that I really want; a house and a baby.  Well, I can't really control either of those (aside from staying healthy as well as communicating with our realtor), I need to focus on what I can control and leave the rest up to the Universe.  I need to enjoy every second of not having kids and take full advantage of the freedom my husband and I have while we still have it.  I need to appreciate the process of looking for our home as the one we find and purchase will be everything I dreamed of.  I need to love the NOW of life and stop looking to the NEXT.  I plan to do that, heck, I am doing it now!

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I hope you too create goals that extend far beyond January 1st and are willing and able to reevaluate those goals regularly.  If you don't reach those goals, no biggie, just figure out a way to meet them.  One day at a time.  Happy 2013!