~2012 Goals~

So I wouldn't be following American tradition if I didn't post about my resolutions for this new year. However, I don't like the word "resolutions". It's quite an ugly word if you ask me because it has such a negative stigma to it. Most "resolutions" are not kept and are often forgotten by Valentine's Day. So I've decided to use a different word for myself; Goals.

Definitions according to Dictionary.com:
Resolution-the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
Goal-the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

 For me "resolution" is a course of action. Well, any action can be thwarted and therefore change at any moment. Once the action has changed it's course I find it rather difficult to "get back on the horse" as they say and redirect the course once again. All of the effort to bring about this change requires energy (scientifically, physically, and most importantly emotionally). I quite frankly do not have the stamina for such endeavors. I have two children! So the whole concept to me seems a bit ambiguous and leaves no clear definition of success.

A goal is not a course of action at all, it is an aim that will provide clear and measurable results. The word alone leaves all ambiguity behind and classifies a distinct direction in which to aspire to. By using the word goal I will be able to focus more specifically on what I want to achieve. A goal is a push rather than a complete change. This will require some energy, but it will be in the same direction that I am already headed, so it will require less effort.  (Which is sort of like cheating, but in a good way.) I mean...let's be honest with ourselves; change is scary. Change is hard, and at times quite unnatural. I don't really desire to CHANGE myself, but rather improve upon what's already there.

So this year I'm using the word GOAL and I'm going to push myself in ways I never thought to before. The great thing about setting a goal is that if I don't attain it, I've still pushed myself more than I thought possible. That in itself will be an achievement!

So without further delay...

 *My 2012 Goals*

~ Blog at least 3x's a week. I think it's a good uneven start. I hate even numbers except 18, 24, &   
   28. I know it's weird, but heck...it's just another part of me that secures my originality.

~ Practice my guitar for at least 30 minutes a day during the week. This will be a big one for me
   since I just started playing. My fingers are a bit sore, but accomplishing this goal will be worth it.

~ Go to the gym at least 4 times a week. I've had a tough time getting into a workout routine that 
   works for me and my family. There has either been a problem with the schedule, 5am is just too     
   early, or the cost, $200 a month is bordering on insane!, so I want to stick with the new plan we've
   started and make it work for us.

~Try something new every 3 months. Now this one is a bit nerve wrecking to me, but I think it's
  going to help me grow in more ways than I ever imagined. For instance, I've joined a group through
  the organization Not For Sale at my church. Human Trafficking should not be tolerated and I want
  to do my part to end it. This is a project very close to heart and I'm unsure if I have the strength to
  do this, but I am guaranteeing my commitment for 3 months. At that time I will take personal
  inventory and determine if I am emotionally capable of continuing. I have a few other ideas for 
  this 3 month challenge that I will update you on as the year progresses. :)

I plan on adding a few more to this list in my goal diary that I've established for myself. By writing down my goals I can easily refer back to them throughout the year and in the future to see where I've been and how far I've come.