Have you set any New Year’s resolutions? According to www.usa.gov, some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions include losing weight/exercising more, managing debt/saving money, quitting smoking, and reducing stress. Several experts think new year’s “resolutions” may be a bad idea… especially if you set an unrealistic goal or you fail to plan out how to reach your goal.
For example, deciding you want to exercise more is a start… but how do you plan on achieving that goal? When will you exercise… mornings, afternoons? What type of exercising… walking, jogging, weight training, yoga? How often… everyday, every other day, two days a week? How long will you exercise… 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 1 hour? If you are currently not exercising at all, it is unrealistic to think you will work out every single day starting January 1st. If you set the bar too high, you are setting yourself up for failure. Instead, start with working out 2-3 times per week and build up from there.
Of course, there will be setbacks along the way. Don’t sweat it and get back on track; persistence is the key.
With 2010 less than 24 hours away, here are my personal goals for the upcoming year:
1. Practice yoga at least 3 times a week- Over the last couple of months, I have increased my yoga to 1-2 times per week. I feel so much better and de-stressed after a yoga session.
2. Learn Spanish- On May 29, 2010 I will become Mrs. Lopez. With a last name like Lopez, people may be disappointed to find out I do not speak Spanish. Plus, I want to be able to talk to Cory’s grandmother (who only speaks Spanish). My plan is to start at the library and check out a book that teaches the language. Once I pick up some basics, I plan to invest in some type of DVD/CD… maybe Rosseta Stone?
3. Save more money. Cory and I have already drastically cut down our dining away from home this year. A year ago, we would eat out 2-3 times per week; now, we eat out maybe 2-3 times each month. Also, this year we started an online high interest savings account. Starting in January, I plan to increase my automatic savings deposits by 25%.
What are your “resolutions” or “goals” for 2010?
Tonight, Cory and I are attending a party at our friends Christi and Sean’s house. Happy New Year’s Eve!!!
Kasey
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man”. ~Benjamin Franklin
I can help you with Spanish if you want … I speak pretty fluently. Happy 2010!
Those are some great goals! I’d like to learn Spanish too. That rosetta stone is so pricey, but I’ve heard it’s really good. I need to start saving more and I’d like to train for a sprint tri
Have a fun New Year’s Eve!
great resolutions! i WISH i was better at spanish!!
Those are great resolutions. Have fun tonight and happy new year!!! My new years resolution is to manage the finances better and be on top of things. Happy New Year’s to everyone:)!!!
love your goal of taking up yoga
I find yoga so relaxing!!
I like your goals.
Some of my goals are hiking once per month (I love hiking but haven’t done it much since the toddler was born) and trying out some exercise classes to “mix things up” a bit.
Happy 2010!
Your goals are pretty similar to my own! I want to do more yoga (2 times per week is my goal) and I want to save more money. Nick and I have a lot to save for, including a new house and a trip sometime next year. I think realistic goals are important. Yoga and saving money is something I know I can do if I put my mind to it.
Happy new year to you