New Year's Resolutions.

Happy New Year, 2011.

It's that time again. Have you made a New Year's resolution? I asked a few people and their responses varied. One friend said he never really attains the goals, so why bother? Another friend said she wasn't going to list "exercise" again because she never is able to follow through.

Why is it so hard for some of us to accomplish our new year goals? Are they too lofty? Are we so used to not obtaining them, that we automatically give up before we even dare to make new ones. Do you even remember what your resolutions were for 2010? I'm sad to say, I can't, although I could probably find some notes in one of my journals... somewhere.

2010-2011 journal from Adivasi
a pretty place for writing important things
 like resolutions.

This year, I am going to be more careful about my resolutions. I already spend lots of time on intentions, which are really the same as resolutions. But this year, I'm writing them down in a safe spot & I'm making them a bit smarter.

Here's my plan to make attainable goals:

1. Although I could list 10 things I'd like to see happen in 2011, I'm going to limit it to 3. As my brillant career counselor at SIT, Mary Hayward would say, "take the workshop on focusing."   FOCUS. FOCUS. FOCUS.

2. Second, I'm going to put at least one thing that I probably had on my 2010 list, and really try to get it done this time around.

3. Third, I'm going to list a couple of things that I think I can really achieve, and maybe just one that will be more of a challenge.

4. When this time comes around next year, I'll go back and reflect on these words, and hope to check them off my list~ if it turns out that in 2015, 16, 17... that I have the same dull resolutions- well, then I either need some professional help or I need to forget the whole thing, have a chocolate martini and be done with it.

And without further adieu....
Here are my 3 resolutions for 2011:

inspiring quote in my journal

1. I produce 12 entertaining shows this year which will hopefully lead to more creative and lucrative projects. (This is a totally new endeavour for me and very exciting. Risky, but fun.)

2. I exercise once a week. (Don't laugh, last yr. I did not put this on my list and guess what? I didn't exercise, okay, maybe once... but I think it's time. Don't you? And you have to start somewhere.  Geez.)

3.  My savings goes up, my debt goes down. Visa card is paid off by 2011. Now, I'm sure I said this in 2010, and probably 2009, 08, 07... the problem is international travel is quite an expensive hobby and I'm not one to deny myself little luxuries- When my mom sent a cash Christmas gift, she said "Now, Desha, make SURE and spend this on something beautiful for yourself".

pretty pictures in my journal,
so i'll look at it again

And unfortunately, this is NOT a problem, Mom. No worries there. So, if this means I can't go to Mexico this winter, so be it- but that damn Visa will be paid off this year, si Dios quiere.

So again, I ask you, what are your New Year's Resolutions? What are your strategies? Have they worked in the past? Do tell.