2013 - A new start
I haven't written in a couple of months. I set out a goal or one could call them 39 resolutions and I accomplished them in one year. I am not sure how I did it because by November 1st I was pretty wiped out trying to get everything done and my bank account was not looking so good either.
So that brings me to talk about resolutions. They are really goals. Goals are the best way to accomplish anything I want to do. They must be reasonable, achievable and there must be a timeline. In addition, announcing your goals to family and friends and tracking your progress makes you me accountable. Lastly, at times, it is necessary to make adjustments to goals, whether that be timelines or changes in the goal itself.
My resolutions
Get out of debt by Dec 2013
You can't do 39 things and not have the funds to do so. This was not very good insight on my part. So here is my plan:
- All credit cards are locked in the safe (step 1 done) and not to be used
- When making purchases go through wants vs needs assessment
- Every month I have a set amount of money that is paid to the credit card
- I have taken on a new role at work which pays me an additional amount 2x a month - this money will be a direct payment to the credit card
- I have taken on a second class which provides additional money 2x a month - this money will be a direct payment to the credit card
I do believe I will have this paid off before Dec 2013.
Blog biweekly
I really enjoyed my blogging last year. I actually have missed writing. It had that accountability factor for me which I believe was part of how I accomplished 39 things before my 40th birthday. Being realistic with the time I believe I can write twice a month. If I write more than that, I'd be thrilled. Taking into consideration, I don't want to write about meaningless topics to make a goal.
Enhance my creative side
From my 39 experiences I loved being outdoors and taking art classes. I have worked to develop good self-care in the physical aspect of my life but have not done so with my creative side. I need to tap into that part of me.
My plan is to:
- Take more hand blown glass classes
- Take a painting class (need to sign up)
- Take a class that works on my physical/creative side - possibly belly dancing (spring or summer)
Continue learning Japanese
This was one of my 39 experiences. I took a class this fall and greatly improved in my skills. I even know 4 Kanji characters. However it's like I'm still in first grade. This is an important piece to me both culturally and personally. I hope to travel to Japan again to see my family and be able to participate in conversations, rather than have my mom or cousin translate for me.
My plan is to:
- Take Japanese II (I'm signed up)
- Continue talking with my mom in Japanese weekly - that will even happen today as we celebrate oshogatsu
- Complete assigned homework
- Practice daily writing and repeating phrases
I hope that 2013 brings much promise to you all. What are your resolutions and how will you accomplish them? Have you told anyone about them?
