Looking back at 2008, I did manage to keep a few of my resolutions (and failed on some others). I haven’t been using the free gym at my complex, but I did discover that the hot tub is open all year. I have been walking more (with and without the dogs), and even got out on my bike a few times. I have lost twelve pounds over the last year, thanks to my work at the cats-only boarding facility. All that bending, lifting, and general running around has whittled me down a little without it seeming like “exercise” or “hard work”.
Looking ahead to 2009, I want to try to be more specific with my resolutions. I used to do Weight Watchers, and I liked that they set and rewarded a lot of little goals on your way to the one big goal. So I’m going to try that for this year’s resolutions.
- Use the exercise room at least once per week. In fact, I may even make a rule for myself that if I want to use the hot tub, I have to use the workout stuff first. (I have to trick myself into being good sometimes.)
- Be more diligent about dusting and vacuuming. Dust is one of my major allergy triggers, but dusting is one of my least favorite chores. So I’m going to actually keep a chore calendar with specific days to dust and vacuum. This idea is inspired by the daily chore lists at work.
- Make time for my fiction writing. Making up stories was my first great love. But when life gets hectic, creative writing time is the first thing to go. So I want to spend at least a half hour writing stories at least five nights per week. That’s a total of two and a half hours each week — more than manageable. I waste at least that much time playing solitaire!
- Be kinder to myself. I tend to be very hard on myself — I have very high expectations sometimes. So I’m going to forgive myself when I don’t meet them, and try not to feel guilty or worthless.
Rewards work really well for me, so I’m going to think up some little presents I can give myself when I stick with the plan. The reward for going to the exercise room can be a dip in the hot tub. I’ve already got a prize in mind for when I finish writing a novel — an hour-long massage. Maybe I’ll reward a month of chores with a trip to the coffee shop with the laptop for an afternoon of chai tea and writing (there’s something I love about writing at a coffee house).
Any other ideas for rewards? What’s worked for you and your New Year’s resolutions?