Goals, not resolutions.

Happy New Year, everyone!

I have decided, after years of forgetting to make New Years' resolutions, that goal-setting might be a better idea than just generally trying to be a better person. Defined, instead of vague, goals make it easier to mark progress and to take steps toward positive and long-lasting change.

I am approaching it this way: first, I'll go over how my life stands as a whole right now. Some areas are doing well, and some are not so great. Regardless, I'm going to set goals to improve all of them.

DIET AND NUTRITION

My life right now in 2010: I am following the SCD religiously. I have been doing really well in sticking to the diet in the face of temptation. I am working hard to balance my meals so I'm not overconsuming anything. I am keeping track of what I eat, my B.M.s, my exercise and stress levels

My goal for 2011: Continue following the SCD and keeping track of my progress in my food log (make sure to continue logging stress levels and exercise in there as well). Test SCD results by spacing out my Remicade infusions based on symptoms leading up to infusions. Make sure to keep everything in moderation, especially sweets and nuts - eat more veggies instead. Eat at least one serving each of broth/soup and yogurt every day.

EXERCISE

My life right now in 2010: Walking 30-40 minutes 5-7 days a week. A pole dance class once weekly.

My goal for 2011: Continue with the above, but add in workouts to tone and build strength. Strengthen my core through pushups. By the end of the year, I should be bale to do 100 pushups every day. If I can afford it, try a class at circus school (possibly with my husband?).

STRESS MANAGEMENT

My life right now in 2010: I work at a job with very tight deadlines and lots of multitasking. It can be very stressful, especially for someone like me who is high-strung already. Right now, I don't do very much to help manage my stress, though I have noticed that my stress in general is lower since starting the SCD.

My goal for 2011: Try out yoga and/or meditation (possibly on lunch breaks?). Be stricter with to-do lists and procrastination.

SHOPPING AND STYLE

My life right now in 2010: I own too many clothes. Since the 30 for 30, I've bought a fair amount of new items. I'm always looking for my next new purchase.

My goal for 2011: This might be the toughest of all: a shopping ban. These are the rules: NO new items, except for undergarments, hosiery, and workout gear. I will have three other exceptions: I will continue searching for the ruffled Joe Fresh cardigan and the perfect yellow cardigan and a winter wool Duffel coat to replace my old one (it's older than I am! Seriously. It's at least 25 years old), if I can find one on sale. I'll be allowed to go thrift-shopping 12 times in the year (presumably once a month, but if I miss a month I can use it later). I can accept new clothing or gift cards to spend at clothing stores as presents. I am also allowed to make my own clothing or have it tailored. At the end of the year, I will have a massive closet clean-out and keep only those pieces I really love. I also plan to continue blogging my outfits and updating on my progress. Wish me luck!

MARRIAGE

My life right now in 2010: I'm not going to be talking much about my personal life here. My husband and I have a good relationship, but we've fallen into a bit of a rut. It's really important to both of us to have a date night every week, but we usually don't.

My goal for 2011: Date night once a week, EVERY week (we'll take turns planning). Also, more workouts together.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

My life right now in 2010: I have a lot of thinking to do about this one. I've been meaning to do research and reading, but I keep putting it off.

My goal for 2011: Stop putting it off: research, reading, long walks, quiet contemplation. This fits in well with my stress reduction goal: yoga and meditation might become part of my spiritual practise. Try that church I keep meaning to visit. Attend church with my husband at least once a month. Sing more often.

MONEY

My life right now in 2010: I keep trying to track my spending, but all I have is a mostly-neglected computer file and a huge pile of receipts. I have things to save up for!

My goal for 2011: Discuss budgeting with my husband. Figure out a strategy to monitor spending. Figure out how we're going to save up (and what we're saving up for - prioritise the list!). We want to go on a trip to celebrate successful completion of the SCD, so we should start saving now. We should also put aside some money for emergencies.

This is a lot of stuff. I know that by the end of next year, I won't be a perfect veggie-munching, 100-daily-pushup-doing, meditating, shopping-free, date-nighting, spiritually fulfilled, money-saving maven. I'm only human. That said, I do hope I'll still be following the SCD with a will of iron, that my body will be stronger, that my stress levels will be lower, that I'll be a more conscious clothing consumer, that my marriage will be even better, that I'll have a richer spiritual life, and that there'll be some extra moolah in my bank accounts. In 2011, I want to be stronger. What will YOU do next year?

Kisses,

Meg