Happy New Year, Friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday! I'm still in awe that it is 2012... It just doesn't seem possible sometimes!
I debated on resolutions this year...as I do every year. Most of the time I think resolutions are recipe for failure, but I do, however, enjoy goals and planning and working towards something. So rather than set extremely specific resolutions, like lose 30 lbs (don't I wish), I'm going to set some broader, more flexible goals in regards to the major areas of my life.
Graduate School:
This one's easy. I want to get better at doing work right away and not waiting until the last minute. I can be the world's worst procrastinator and even though the work is always good enough, it could be better if I had started it sooner. In my program we do quite a bit of research and although it's easy to earn an A, the work is really what you make of it. I actually enjoy research, so I really hope I can work on this one.
Fitness:
A couple months ago I toyed with the idea of a 12 in '12 goal and run 12 races in 2012. I want to run all timed races. I usually participate in races for the social aspect, and this year I want to focus on running faster and longer, and I can still focus on the social aspect that way too! You're supposed to be able to run and talk at the same time, right? This race goal will naturally involve more running and exercising, so it's not just me saying, "run ____ amount of miles each week.
I would also like to get better at scheduling my workouts. Towards the end of 2011 I got much better at this, but the weeks I was really busy were when I really failed. I would like to get up each morning and work out at home (probably the 30 minute shred) so that I at least have something to fall back on if I don't make it the gym that day. This next semester is going to be insanely busy - I have to have a plan!
Diet:
This ones tough. I have so much swirling around in my head lately in regards to diet. Lately something I eat regularly makes me feel sick, I'm not exactly sure what it is. I'm narrowing it down, but I have a sneaky suspicion that I will be experimenting with a more plant based diet this year to see how it makes me feel. I would like to work more towards cutting out processed foods and meats, so this means I will have to cook more. Which means, I will have to plan ahead, because again, my schedule is insane. Sometimes I just don't have time to cook! I'm going to try and work harder at making the time.
Blogging:
2011 was THE YEAR for blogging. In 2011 I blogged consistently for the first time ever. I never took more than a week or two off at most. In 2012 I want to take it further and develop quality relationships with readers. I want to respond to the posts that I read with thoughtful comments, and not just a "That's awesome!" comment. If I'm going to read someone's blog I want to make sure I leave a comment that is genuine and explains why I think something is awesome.
I also want to do better at responding to comments. I'm terrible at answering questions people ask in the comments of my own blog posts. Mainly because I think I get irritated with the "no-reply@blogger"... if you don't have your email set up on commenting, why?? I'd like to be able to respond to you!
Reading:
I have a secret. I love to read.
You already knew that? Oh.
I do have a secret though.
My days are numbered here at ALPITC. Sad, right? When I graduate in 2013 and get a permanent teaching position I will most likely retire this blog and only write a book blog. Professionally, I think I have to. There's just way too much on this blog that is personal and may not be appropriate if my students found it. This doesn't have much to do with reading. I realize that.
So, in 2012 I want to read more than I read in 2011. This may seem crazy, because I'm taking 18+ credits each semester (I know. I knoooow) but I read a TON of young adult and middle grades so it's easy to read a couple of those a week. In 2011 I read 57 books and in 2012 I set a goal for myself to read 60 books.
Here's how I will kick 2012's butt in just a few areas of my life! There are many more, but rather than bore you with all my goals for the new year, how about you just read this year and find out?!
Hope your New Year treated you well this year!
Did you set goals or resolutions this year?
