When I said today’s date aloud, I chuckled at how regimented it sounded: 1, 2, 1, 2, time to get in step. I love the motivation and optimism for change I feel in early January. Two years ago, I reorganized the kids’ playroom and vowed to document their milestones and witty comments in individual journals. The playroom just got another massive revamp and the journals are practically empty. 
But last year I focused on physical challenges. I accomplished two for myself–my first triathlon and the Warrior Dash–as well as running with my son for his first 5K, an amazing experience.
So why do some resolutions remain mere wishes and others become reality? For me, it comes down to priorities and a level of commitment. I’m a big believer in setting only a few resolutions, writing them down, and having a means to assess whether you’ve accomplished them or not. Once I signed up for the races, there was no way I was backing down. Seeing it written on the calendar helped motivate me every day. Along the way, I’ve benefitted in many ways from basic better health. The satisfaction of completing the goals was the cherry on top.
So what’s on the list this year? I’m hoping blogging about them will make them more likely to become reality:
- Make social media a more regular part of my routine. I plan to make blogging, Tweeting, and Facebook updates a more regular component of my business. And this year, I’m putting Mark Schaefer’s three keys to success for social media on my computer so that I see them everyday: targeted connections, meaningful content, and authentic helpfulness.
- Continue my exercise routine. Complete the Tridelthalon again with faster times in all three categories. I may also sign up for this Women’s Only Wild Rose triathlon in Oak Ridge June 3. I’ll also track my daily activity by wearing my new pedometer.
- Run more races with my son. We now have a family membership to the Knoxville Track Club, giving us discounts on some local race entry fees. Bobby and I entered the New Years Day race yesterday, but he hurt his knee. Though we walked most of the race, we still finished and I was proud of his perseverance. He’s very excited about the 5K on the day of the Knoxville Marathon, where he’ll finish crossing the 50 yard line of Neyland Stadium, and his face will be on the jumbotron. We might also give this event a try, an adult/kid version of the Amazing Race in Nashville February 12. Sounds so cool!
- Make my own bread. For quite some time, I’ve been saying I should make my own bread (in a bread machine, that is). My husband had one before we met and it has sat idle for 15 years. After my neighbor showed me how easy it is and how she grinds her own flour, I decided this was the year for fresh bread. I’ll probably order my supplies through Breadbeckers. If you have tips, please share.
- Make the journals a priority again. I still think it would be an amazing gift for them one day. A few sentences a day doesn’t seem too tough, does it?
What are your resolutions and how do you plan to turn them from just wishes to reality?
