Got Resolutions?

Posted On December 30, 2008

As I sit typing (while two of my three boys run like wild men around the house in their skivvies), I come to the realization that we only have 28 short hours left before we have to say good-bye to 2008 and break in a brand-new year.

This is a *bittersweet* time for me. (Husband: I used the word “bittersweet” just for you. Sorry, Internets, inside joke that involves Husband, a former teaching job, and a clueless administrator…) I love (no—luuuv) the idea of cleaning the slate, opening a brand-spanking new calendar, starting fresh on January 1. However, I don’t like the fact that my good intentions and much-needed resolutions only seem to remain in the foreground for about one week before they start fading into the background of the chaos and daily drudgery of real life. And then it’s another tardy slip for the kids, frozen pizza for supper, and morning waking up and realizing that I’m still wearing my jeans and sweater from the day before…

So maybe this year my resolution should be to actually stick to a resolution—any resolution.

In the hopes of some resolution revelations, I thought I’d take a stroll around the Web to see what tools, tips, or tales I can find. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration as well!

1. Our first stop is Lists for Life, a blog I enjoy reading because I’m an organized wannabe, and I love the action of actually hand-writing lists (although I rarely get to actually cross anything off). This list involves tips for creating successful New Year’s resolutions. My favorite tip is actually the first one: Strike the word “more” from resolutions — goals should be quantifiable. I fall into the “more” trap quite often. I need to read more. I want to exercise more. I will make more money in 2009. For me, I think using the word “more” is almost a sabotaging effort. When you create a vague goal and don’t make it measurable, it’s impossible to really follow through with it. And then you can’t really say you did or didn’t keep the resolution, because how can you tell for sure? Man, you didn’t think you were going to get to sit in on one of my psychiatric sessions with this post, did you? (wink, wink)
2. Download FREE goals sheets at momAgenda.com to record and keep track of those resolutions! And while you’re there, why not order a new planner for the new year? I LOVE my momAgenda Mini-Daily Planner. It’s perfect for any busy mom! And to make it even more cost-effective for you to get organized this year, momAgenda is now offering 20% off everything!
3. Wow, who knew the government had so much time on its hands that it could give us all New Year’s Resolution advice? I mean, it’s not like we’re in the middle of a historical recession, controversial international conflict, or war on terror or anything… But, you know, if you’d like to lean on the government to help you solve your personal issues, well, good luck with that!
4. And I know you’ve all been DYING to know what Britney’s New Year’s Resolution is for 2009. I mean, I’ve been losing sleep over it. What will it be… Let’s see… To be a better parent? To remember to wear underwear every day? No, good guesses, but Britney and I actually have something in common (Well, besides our hot bods and kickin’ dance moves)… Yes, Britney’s resolution for 2009 is…to stop biting her nails! Man, Britney, you sure know how to prioritize!
5. I subscribe to the About.com: Christianity newsletter, and today I discovered Mary Fairchild’s post about Bible Verses for the New Year. For me, there seems to better way to ring in the New Year than with Jesus by my side! My favorite verse is:

   Philippians 3:13-14 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

   Find Bible reading plans along with other resources for sharpening your spiritual tools this year at About.com: Christianity.

6. K-Mom, one of my favoritest bloggers at The Mommy Diaries, writes about her resolutions for 2009 (which, she informed me, is “The Year of the Ox”). She even breaks down her resolutions into categories. You’re sure to be inspired, as well as entertained, by seeing what K-Mom has to say about changing your ways for the New Year.
7. I just stumbled across the Monitor Mix blog on NPR and found this post about Carrie Brownstein’s New Year’s Resolutions quite amusing. (Maybe it’s just because I finally caved in and joined Facebook, which is honestly becoming quite surreal and frankly a bit scary. It’s spreading through my family and friend circles faster than the smallpox epidemic of 1837.)
8. If you’re like me and the thought of declaring and commiting to a New Year’s Resolution, well—freaks you out, then this article could help you generate some success. Written a few years ago, this article from PsychCentral takes a different approach to New Year’s goals. Instead of deciding on a big change you’re going to make this year, think about something you can do differently today. This takes a bit of the pressure off yourself and allows you to concentrate on baby-stepping toward self-improvement. Read the 10 Things You Can Do Differently Today, and then check out some of the other resources at the New Year’s Guide.
9. I think I have just found my motivation for making and keeping a New Year’s Resolution. One word: Etsy. What? You haven’t been on Etsy? You have GOT to get on Etsy and go exploring! Handmade deliciousness—anything you can imagine. (Fair warning, though—it can be a bit addictive!) I think all I need to keep a resolution this year is this bracelet with “365” engraved on it. Perfect reminder! Want a more specific reminder? Engrave a key word—such as “RUN” if your resolution is to start jogging, or a phrase, such as “No likey the belly jelly” if you want to firm those abs—on this bracelet. Or you may want to try this “Get Out of Debt” dishcloth. Nothing like scrub-scrub-scrubbing that debt away!
10. And finally, if you really want a New Year’s Resolution but can’t for the life of you think of anything you really need to start doing or stop doing, head on over to The Network Geek’s Amazing New Year’s Resolution Generator! It’s quick; it’s easy…It’s random! I tell you, I feel so much better now that my resolution has been chosen for me. No agonizing; no fretting. The generator did all the weighing and measuring, all the hemming and hawing. And I really think it’s going to be the best year yet.

    Wanna know what my resolution for 2009 is?

    I will start petting the cat again.

    (Um…Did I mention that I don’t have a cat…and that Husband is allergic to cats…and for that reason we never will have a cat…OKAY, PEOPLE, DO NOT LET YOUR MIND WANDER TO THE GUTTER! There’s got to be some metaphorical meaning to it or something…Aw, screw it. Let me just do it again.)

    Wanna know what my (revised) resolution for 2009 is?

    I will start levitating less often.

    Yes, much more practical. Whew!

So tell me—Will you have a New Year’s Resolution? How will you stay motivated to keep it?