Last year I bashed New Year Resolutions, because I just don’t make them. I see no reason why I should, or would, suddenly change my life just because the last digit or two of today’s date has changed. Yet, as I now find myself single in my mid-life, this seems like a somewhat natural point for making some life accomplishments/changes. So I am eying a making some “targets” for 2016. Now of course I have no plans eating my own words (at least not publically), but I am toying with some betterment… just a bit. So maybe they are more like "guidelines" than resolutions, right?
Also, as I have now entered the murky world of adult dating, which is only slightly better than entering the murky world of adult diapers, I have some new reasons for improvement; kind of hoping to GET rather than lose a girl this year. Still, life changing seldom ever work in one year, at least for the better. You have become whom you have become through years of effort... or lack thereof, as the case may be. So you are not going to flip a switch and change who you are. Becoming the better-you (don't become the better me; that's kind of creepy), will be done a step at a time.
But since a personal-evolution takes a longer time than a personal-revolution, how about focus on some attainable goals in many areas, rather than a few major changes in one or two? So how about I help with a few thematic suggestions of areas, and I'll even throw in a suggestion or two so you can be awesome like... someone awesome you admire? Here we go:
1. Physical Health - Now I love the goal of “not being fat.” It’s a pretty good goal. It is just as vague the ingredients list of that Twinkie you ate. My weight loss trek started being tired of just being fat… while still trying to be “phat," yet that was a mind set change, not a goal. So I recommend planning to do something that will require you to be fit. I have a plan to get my Spartan Trifecta and qualify to run Elite. This will get me running and will hopefully result in my gut not being there anymore. You can also choose a goal like to complete a workout program; I like P90X3. But chose the activity, not the result. If you build it, he will come.
2. Romantic - l am advising against setting a goal of "getting a boyfriend/girlfriend friend." Because such a goal usually opposite of actually getting a GOOD one of either of those. But perhaps a goal to get out where you might meet one might work. Get out of your comfort zone and go to a dance or a trip. Introduce yourself to someone. Put yourself out there. If you are are actually relationship, married even (what a novel concept), do some thing to better your relationship. Take your lover on a trip or regular dates. Read a relationship book together, find a way to be more open or more in control. If you are doing something that is repelling relationship, try stopping these things (addictions, habits, or just bring a jerk). Now don't forget, you can only change you, don't go any trying to change your significant other. It just doesn't work.
3. Spiritual - There are no more long term goal than spiritual ones. You just have to get things right as you kick the bucket, but since you never know when that might me, I suggest starting now. There are always some good goals of getting to church or reading you scriptures, but those are means to and end. So how about targeting the ends. These are hard to "do" as an event. So perhaps forgiving someone or doing something kind to someone who doesn't deserve it. You know, actually trying to be like Jesus and just studying him.
4. Talent Development - We all have a talent of some kind. Do something with it. Volunteer to sing in church. Submit something for publication (this is what I will be doing). Cook a gourmet meal for someone (me please). Get an idea out of your head and into the real world. So in short, share your talent to develop it; unless you have a talent for overthrowing third world countries, then I'd keep it under wraps.
5. Recreation - These are the best kind of goals. How often do we dream of going to places? How about go there this year? Choose the place, see how much it costs, set the date, save the money, and go! Maybe get a credit card with miles or look for ways to make the trip affordable. I always like signing up for conferences in places I want to go, that way work pays for part of the trip. But get the place and the date down, or it will never happen. Just get there and don't wait.
6. Educational - Learn something you don't know. Get a book on tape, take a class, ask a grandparent, or learn something from a YouTube video. Keep learning. You are much more interesting and make this world far less frustrating when you act smart. Your goal may be as easy as fixing something you don't know how to fix,t hen learn as you go. Though if you do choose to remain stupid, you will continue to entertain us by posting video of said stupidity on YouTube. So either way, I win.
All right, there are some theme suggestions. Pick at least three, write those "goal" down and more importantly, set out a plan to do it. Then once you do it, if you like what you have become; you will do more of it.
Happy New Year!
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