New Year, New Resolutions

It’s that time of year again. Another year has come to a close and another is off to a fresh start. Of course this new beginning inherently implies another round of resolutions—some which will be kept and some which will fall to the wayside. According to a 2008 study, only 8% of people who make resolutions actually achieve them each year.*

As with all good intentions, the thought is nice but if they lack follow-through, they’re rather worthless. All of my New Year’s resolutions are fabulous—until reality hits. Ideas are great, action is better. (Ask me for an update in six months. I just might resolve to never commit to another New Year’s resolution!)

We each have our challenges and things we’d like to change. I’m hoping that by writing mine down this year, I’ll feel more obligated to keeping them.

My top five resolutions are:
5) Eating healthy & exercise, exercise, exercise!
This should be the easiest resolution to keep since it was last year’s number one resolution and one of the only ones I’ve ever kept. Every day from Thanksgiving through New Years brought with it a hectic schedule. Smart food habits flew out of the window in favor of convenience and comfort. The hard part is re-adjusting to healthy living again. But I know I can do it and I will.

4) Keeping up with my blog
Last August when I launched the blog, I felt exhilarated. I kept up with it as best I could until November. The holiday season threw a wrench into all of my best laid plans and intentions. I vow to have at least one new blog post each month.

3) Perspective
Clarity often occurs out of necessity, not rational thinking. Goal #3 is to organize my needs and wants and make sure all of my choices are for the betterment of my #1 priorities—my family. So, here’s to a year of no more wardrobe shopping (sad sigh) or trips to Hawaii (double sad sigh), and paying off my bills.

2) Finding an agent and/or publisher
I love writing. While I don’t expect them to change the world, my novels are a creative outlet for me and provide me with a sense of accomplishment. I’ve always wanted to write. Unfortunately, I never considered the uphill battle that goes hand-in-hand with it. The publishing world is driven by luck and circumstance. There are so many variables in finding an agent and publisher that it’s impossible to plan for it other than to research agencies, submit your best work, and pray for a miracle. The whole process is daunting and disheartening, but I’m wholeheartedly setting my sights on the publishing world this year. And if I don’t find an agent or publisher by the end of December, at least I won’t be able to say that it was due to my lack of effort.

1) Spend more time with my kids
Easy to say, hard to do. Life gets in the way. Now matter how much I plan our time together, other obligations always present obstacles—work, cooking, cleaning, paying bills, running errands, volunteering at school, writing my books. The list is endless. Sometimes it’s not even another responsibility; it’s just sheer exhaustion. As much as I want to read to the kids or watch a movie with them at night, my body wants to pass out under a cozy blanket. Whether imposed upon us or self-imposed, daily demands often take priority over the most important people in our lives. Even if I break the other four resolutions, this one is a keeper for 2010.

We’re halfway into January and I’ve got my work cut out for me. How are your resolutions holding up?

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010!

Source: * Stephen Shapiro's 24/7 Innovation
Baby New Year Image