It’s 2020. The confetti has been swept up, the sugar and fat-laden treats have been eaten, and my door wreath and Mistletoe have been laid to rest in my storage closet. (Hmm. Maybe I should keep that Mistletoe up.)
It’s now two weeks into the year, and I’m just getting around to focusing on my New Year resolutions. But instead of just listing the larger than life feats, like losing 30 pounds in a month or replenishing my entire savings account in a week, I’m taking a different approach.
My friend Laurel gave me a great idea; set swift, attainable goals. You’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something and give you the confidence and drive to keep it going. Love it!
Following are my attainable goals for 2020:
Save $100 a month. So it’s not that much, but I’m usually thinking about what I can buy with an extra $100 ($1200 annually.) I’m actually ‘way ahead on this one. I redid my budget for the year, made some major cuts that do not effect me in the large scheme of life, saving more than $4k a month. Woo hoo!
Take advantage of every senior discount I can find. Ok. I can’t deny it. I qualify for senior citizen discounts. So far this year I asked for a senior discount at the local car wash. I saved $2, for an annual savings of $96, if I wash my car every week. That’s at least a dinner at Mastro’s. For one. I think I’ll put my senior discount savings in the bank instead of my mouth.
Shed 2 pounds a month. Losing weight can be accomplished by making small changes. For me, it’s the Friday night pizza, the fried foods and sumptuous appetizers at fundraising events, happy hours, food festivals and assorted gatherings with friends. This is when “I’ll just have a couple” starts to add up. 2 pounds a month is 24 pounds a year. That’s 2-3 sizes for me. Game changer.
Attend one yoga class a week. I attended my first yoga class of the year this past week. The class focused on breathing, mantra, mudra and static strengthening exercises for each part of the body. Because I had dislocated my shoulder in August of last year, Chris, the instructor, geared the class around my injury. And, I could do most of the exercises! I was so grateful that at the end of class, I started to cry tears of hope and joy. I had not been able to use my right shoulder. And I’m right-handed. I’ll be back for that class every Monday.
Walk 20 minutes every day. This one is a little aggressive. Any thing that requires me to do something every day sort of freaks me out. But I know now my long-term health depends on it. And there’s nothing more important than being healthy. I’m taking walks with my pup Zoey every day, but rather than waiting for her to take in the um, scent of other dogs, we are going to move our hineys. No more lollygagging, Ms. Zoey!
Be on time. My friends reading this will roll their eyes in disbelief. I will prove them wrong. Being on time is a sign of respect, interest and leads to success. Amen.
Have more “commitment” integrity. My friends are laughing out loud at this one. What I mean by integrity is doing what you say you’re going to do when you said you were going to do it. This is tough to own up to. And I feel horrible when I cancel plans at the last minute or don’t show up to an event. I’m going to focus on this one and clearly demonstrate respect to my friends, associates and myself.
Happy New Year! May yours be filled with laughter, good health, love and many small successes.
