Resolutions—Pixelation—Get the Picture?

No, I don't do New Year resolutions.

I make year long goals.

I've never succeeded with a resolution. A resolution is simply a statement of what one wants. A goal is something that is planned out and mapped out and acted upon. I try to make reasonable, reachable goals with a bit of an added challenge. I'm starting something new this year, also, so we'll see how this goes.

For January, I made a goal of getting more organized. My house has been much cleaner than it ever has, and I've done pretty darn good at keeping up on it, despite the effort it takes to get the boys to help. For those of you with young children, start giving them "responsibilities" (I don't like the word chores, it makes the work feel like a burden) around the house. Little things like putting away their own clothes or rinsing their dishes make great starting responsibilities. I know I have a teenager, but if that gets used as an excuse as to why he neglects his duties, I call bull. It's my own fault for not setting an example sooner.

Now, mind you, I'm still learning how to do all this on my own too. I definitely followed in my parents footsteps more than I would have liked. But I really want my kids to succeed at this when they get out on their own, so it's time for me to stop using that as a crutch and really step up to get this curbed now. THAT is goal number one. Cleaning schedule, list of responsibilities, and office supplies organized and readily available for use on school work.

The remainder of the year is a work in progress. I did make a few larger goals, such as finishing my schooling, but for the most part, I'm breaking things down into little, bite-sized pieces that are manageable and less daunting than a resolution would be.

Overall, the things I'd like to accomplish in 2012 are finishing school, making my finances stretch out like they should instead of sweating that last month between the end of the funds and the arrival of the next disbursement check, and maintaining a healthy and happy household.

I need to buy a twin mattress, decorate the apartment so that it feels more like home than a place with bare walls, and keep my boys on track with their homework. I need to make sure the boys have quality time with their friends, both here and at the friends' houses, and I need to have a family game night with them once a week. I also need to bring the boys a little happiness with actually planning and following through on birthday parties for the two of them. I feel like this is something I am capable of doing now, even with my anxiety issues, and I'm going to. All these things are little things that are spread out throughout the year with set deadlines to meet.


And it's for that reason that resolutions don't work. It's one thing to say, "I'd like to lose weight" and something entirely different to say, "I will start by making a menu plan and sticking to it. After that I'll start walking 20 minutes daily. Once I make that a habit, I will go three times a week to the gym to do strength training. And these are the dates I plan to accomplish each."

Yep. Which of those methods sounds more manageable and attainable to you?

So, this year, my resolution is to make goals.

Take that you silly diaper baby! I've already got it covered!