New Year's Resolutions. The phrase sounds so intense, so serious, and with an implied sense of grandeur reserved for only the loftiest of self improvement goals. Because of this intensity, I rarely make New Year's resolutions. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have my share of character flaws that could stand a resolution or two. I just prefer the success of several smaller goals over a year of chasing after an impressive, but unrealistic, New Year's resolution.
Last year, in lieu of making resolutions, my husband and I made a list of goals and plans for the upcoming year. It was sort of a giant to-do list to tackle over the next 12 months. The items on the list were straightforward, and for the most part, reasonably acheivable. We wrote the goals on paper and kept it in a safe spot.
The list ended up being 26 items long. Some of the goals were joint projects - buy a "family" vehicle; some were individual - make baby's first year photobook; some were work related - earn 10 ultrasound continuing education credits. Some of the items on the list were as simple planting a hydrangea bush, while others were more complicated, involving painting, organizing, and reconfiguring the basement.
Brainstorming last year's list of resolutions was a fun activity for the pair of us. I know, I know. You probably did a double take after reading the words "fun" and "resolutions" in the same sentence, but really, it was a fun activity. And the satisfaction of checking off the completed objectives was even more fun. Keeping the goals realistic made it possible to complete the majority of the items on the list. Only seven of the goals remained unchecked, two of which will be moved over onto next year's list.
Now it's time to go make 2012's yearly list!
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