Update: 2012 Continuous Goals

Reference: Do I Dare Do Resolutions?

I am normally not one to do resolutions, but last year, I decided to do something different.  I decided to set what I called Continuous Goals for this year.  The link to it is up above.  This is going to serve as a progress report to see how I fared.

2012 Continuous Goals (Update)

1.       To meet some new people

This one I haven’t been too successful.  One person I tried multiple times to meet this year, but in one situation she forgot, and this past time, she got scheduled in to work but didn't let me know anything (link to Elusive).  The other two people, I admit, it was mainly on my end.  The time I thought I was going to be able to take off didn't come into fruition.

2.       To de-clutter my space

On this one, slow and steady wins the race.  I had to ask myself why I was holding on to certain things—was I really going to use it in the future?  Was it for nostalgia?  Or for certain memories I didn’t want to let go of?  I also had to remind myself that for every old thing I was holding on to, it was blocking space for anything new.  Putting it in that perspective made the letting go easier.

3.       Back to Basics: Organizing

The organizing is definitely getting better.  A lot of times, I don’t get a chance to go through all the mail which comes in, so I set it aside in a box.  Then, one day out of the week—lately it’s fallen on a Sunday, I take time to go through all of my old mail and decide what I want to keep and discard.  I have decided to keep some of my magazines, like the bridal ones, Oprah, and some of the InStyle ones I feel that have good information.  All of the rest I discard.  Also, there are some books I've discovered I have multiple copies of; some of those I've donated to the library for their book sales; others I have opted to save to give as gifts. 

4.       To incorporate healthier habits (focus—eating)

I have been doing things to live a healthier lifestyle.  Some of those things are, but aren't limited, to the following:

a.       Less of the following:

(1)    Soda

(2)    Gatorade (although it’s my usually go to in lieu of soda)

(3)    Pork (practically none)

(4)    Beef

(5)    White sugar

(6)    French fries

(7)    Fried foods

(8)    Chocolate (was never a big chocolate eater)

(9)    Coffee

b.      More of the following:

(1)    Water

(2)    Flavored Water

(3)    Chicken (try to opt for skinless, boneless)

(4)    Turkey

(5)    Honey  and agave as sugar substitutes

(6)    Brown rice (as opposed to white)

(7)    Sugar free items when possible

(8)    Low sodium items

(9)    Low fat items

(10)Salads

(11)Vegetables

(12)Seafood (which is no problem because I love seafood)

(13) Grilled/steamed foods

5.       More exercise

This is the goal I thought I would have the most trouble with, simply because in the past, I have gotten started with exercise only to stop.  This time around has been different.  I got tired of being in a slump as it pertained to my health.  I also know that with the inclusion of exercise, it would help my efforts more than with just eating healthier and being on point with my medication alone. 

When I heard that a gym was opening that was close by and was open 24 hours, a part of me felt like it was a sign.  Although I didn't get the perk that I wanted (due to my schedule and the trainer not providing his services on the weekends), I still gathered enough information from the trainer to perform my own regiment.  I've been sticking with it pretty regularly.

I can’t always squeeze in the three times a week.  Sometimes, it’s due to how they've scheduled me on the 2^nd job and other times, I want to give my body a chance to recover.  I admit I have been guilty of going in a bit too hard on the strength training, so if it’s spaced out beyond two days, then it throws me off from my third day. 

I want to say more, but I will save that for a 2^nd entry.  Just know that this is the goal I’m the most proud of maintaining.

6.       To take things one day at a time

This is another goal I struggle with, since I’m the type that likes to plan ahead and to be prepared for the future.  However, at times, no matter how much you prepare, something comes along to knock one off the game plan.  The car can break down.  You can’t get as much food as you anticipated because prices in the grocery store have increased.  One can get sick; someone can pass away.  You never know.  I don’t get caught up in the loss as much if there’s a situation I can’t do anything about.  I’m not saying I don’t mourn or get upset, but I can’t let myself stay in it or beat myself up about it.  I have to keep moving forward.  Adopting this way has helped me tremendously.