Setting goals.

Happy New Year. I used to be one of those people who eschewed New Year's Resolutions. I figured that no one ever really stuck to them, so why make them in the first place? As I've gotten older (and perhaps wiser), I've learned that I am very goal-oriented. I like having a clear end point and then backwards mapping my path to achieve that goal. It works for me and in the process, I grow and develop positive patterns.

The new year seems like a good time to begin that planning process on a clean slate. In order to increase the likelihood of achieving my goals and sticking to my resolutions, I need accountability and I've found that if I resolve to do something, I need to tell people about my decision. "Weren't you going to..." "Didn't you sign up to..." It's easier for me to stay focused and honest if I have told others.

That said, my goal this year it to increase the Happiness Quotient (HQ). I want to engage in activities that make me a happier person. The overarching goal is to try new things and find my "happy" but that's really rather abstract. Therefore, my first official, concrete goal of the year will be to commit to running twenty miles every week. Why? My mood and overall focus is significantly improved when I engage in regular, strenuous exercise. I run anyway but putting a number to reach weekly will help my commitment. I'm telling you so that when it's pouring rain or 100 degrees in the shade, I'll have made this public announcement for motivation.

That's all for now. Rather than having a one day extravaganza of promises, I figure I'll work to develop and then implement my resolutions for happy living over the course of the year thereby increasing the likelihood that these will become good habits, not simply good intentions.

Happy 2013.

What's your resolution this year? How about past years? Did you keep it/ them? What helped?

What, already?

What's wrong with me? It's only January 3rd and I'm already checking out shoes. One day of sore feet and I'm convinced I need new shoes. Oh, but it's so tempting. I play games in my head and tell myself that shoes aren't clothes. Shoes are necessary.

Yes, they are necessary but it's not like I don't have several pairs already. I just want something to replace my favorites which must be retired. They were comfortable and stylish and had a bit of "wow." I wore them to death. No amount of repair can save them anymore. I want another pair that has that same feel. There it is-- "I want."

Is there a way to want, to get and then not feel guilty?

Simplification for better living.

I've decided to embark on a "happiness project"; actually, it's more of a "Simplification for Happiness" project. I'm not sure exactly what form it will eventually take, but clearly I work better with some sort of a plan in place. (I've learned that much from my marathon training.)

First I want to get rid of stuff. I really just want to clear out and give myself some space.

Then I really need to get a handle on my finances. (I probably should start with that. It would relieve a lot of stress.)

Connected to this is to just quit spending. If I don't need it and I don't love it, I shouldn't buy it. Period. (I was thinking about instituting a "consumables only" rule but it seems rather harsh. I think I'll start with no new clothes. That seems reasonable to try again.)

Then the focus needs to shift to what matters. What do I want in my space? How can I start working towards what I want to do?

So this is where I am on this new year. It's not exactly a resolution and yet, I guess it is. It's a resolution to live better.

Oh-- add time management into this as well. Procrastination and "drifting" are problematic.

Looking back; moving forward.

I realize that making resolutions is often an exercise in futility. Usually within a week I've forgotten my original plan or it's so general (ie. be a better person) that it is essentially meaningless.

This year I'm going to try something different. I have a 3-parter. The first deals with the ongoing desire to simplify and my need to become more financially responsible.

I'm not entirely sure how it happened (or when) but I have become a shopper. Used to be that I'd buy new clothes when the old ones were worn out/ didn't fit or for a special occasion. Somehow that morphed into, "Oh, that's cute. It fits me well. I like it. I work hard. It should be mine" thinking. As a result (by my standards, not in comparison to many other people), I have a lot of clothes. I spend too much time worrying/ thinking/ considering buying clothes. So that's new year's resolution #1-- a moratorium on shopping for clothes--including shoes-- for 2010. I tried to do this earlier this year and was doing well until running provided all sorts of excuses for needing clothes. Once the initial permission was granted, I just kind of kept going.

There will, of course, have to be a few exceptions. "Foundation garments" (hah-- that's such a funny term) may need to be replaced. One other addendum is if I knit it, I can wear it. I have a sweater on the needles and another that I'm planning to make. I think it's reasonable that if it constitutes a creative endeavor, it should be allowed. (Not to mention the fact that I'm such a slow knitter it will likely take all year to produce one wearable item!)

The only other exception would be a "special event" purchase-- new running shoes would fall under that category but not any more shorts/ shirts/ etc. I suppose they could be considered a "foundation" garment in some circles since they are essential.

I'll have to keep updates on how this one is progressing. It doesn't seem like it should be an unreasonable goal, but I'm embarrassed to say it will be difficult.

The next goal is to have more communication with friends. So, I'm aiming for a once weekly "live" connection to a non-work-related friend. Doesn't seem like much, but I've been really reclusive lately.

Finally, I want to spend this year reconnecting with my thinking self. I want less "fluff" and more substance in my reading so it's off the computer and into the books.

This is enough for now. If I can do these three things, I will be on my way to fulfilling that nebulous catch-all resolution of becoming a better person.