NYE Resolutions

I absolutely love New Years! Everything is new and fresh and there is endless possibility. That being said, I am not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. Probably because I don't think I've actually known anyone to stick to it. Maybe for a few months, sure, maybe even the entire year, but I can't think of anyone that I've ever seen make a lifestyle change from what started as a New Year's resolution. I could just be projecting :o)

Year after year, I have many resolutions but I couldn't even tell you what last year's resolutions were. Many would agree that most resolutions fail because our goals are not realistic or planned, the novelty wears off, we forget, or simply because guilt doesn't motivate long term change. Instead, I think that we'd be more successful if we would challenge ourselves to short term, well-defined, and achievable goals. And by "challenge," I mean, "trick" myself with easy behavior changes that stick.

For example, I wanted to start drinking more water a few months ago. I realized that I would go an entire day with only drinking a cup of coffee or a diet coke. At the end of the day I would feel dehydrated and have a headache. I realized that I wasn't thinking of my need to drink water during the day. The problem being, we don't have a water fountain at work and I don't want to spend $1.50 on bottled water, so I'd reach for the nearest thing and end up drinking three plus cups of coffee a day! So I "tricked" myself into drinking more water by always carrying a Tervis tumbler to work with me in the morning full of cold water and filling it with (free) ice from the cafeteria throughout the day that will melt and become more water. It has worked so well! I drink much more water than before and can really tell a difference the days I do drink water vs. the days I don't.

When it comes to change (for me), I don't think that it can be a huge life change all at once. Instead, I think you have to have a loose vision of what you want to be and gravitate towards the things that interest you and coincide with your vision. I wanted to start cooking more last year so I started watching the cooking network to find what style of cooking I enjoyed the most. I really enjoyed Ina Garten's cooking style and recipes.  Now, I absolutely adore her. Being a vegetarian, it is difficult to get excited about cooking, especially when everyone you would cook for (besides my sister) is not a vegetarian. Ina has so many recipes that don't have meat and they are so satisfying.

The one thing I would really enjoy doing more of this year is reading. For motivation, I've borrowed a book from a friend. We plan to go see the movie in February. I have to be done before we see it. I have motivation because we're really excited to see the movie. Plus she is looking forward to seeing what I thought of the book. We'll see how that works.

Other resolutions that I'm considering how to "trick" myself into doing are:
1. Read the bible more consistently
2. Wake up early
3. Be more organized
4. Be on time
5. Be thankful and verbalize appreciation