I've had this post floating around in my head for over two weeks, yet haven't had access to a computer to actually be able to type it out. Irritating. Especially when my blogging has become nonexistent recently.
Today is January First, and I had hoped to have this up before today, but better late than never. Great way to start the new year, huh?
Since the beginning of December I've been plagued with many friends' ideas for the new year. Not necessarily resolutions, since that seems to be a negative term anymore, but challenges and goals they have set for themselves and in some cases invited others to join them.
I am a strong believer in accountability and I'm excited to see these invitations because they come attached with a silent accountability backup. This allows for both success and failure to be shared and not hidden, so that encouragement can be given for both. It's wonderful to see how independent walls are breaking down and that we no longer have to feel and act like we're the perfect person we think others expect. We can actually be real, which then allows for our improvement in every area of life. I'm excited to see the growth in those friends in my life whom I strongly care about.
Now ask me how many I've signed up for, or how many goals I've set for myself for this new year, and you'll be disappointed in my answer, especially after praising it highly in the last paragraph.
Yep, the answer is ZERO.
I've never been a January 1st resolution maker. I think they are often pointless and I want to remember that I can set a challenge or goal anytime of the year, not just the first day of the new year. However, like I mentioned above, the idea of resolutions is changing from it's old ways, and becoming a jumping off place for more goals and challenges later throughout the year. Short term goals are wonderful because it allows for improvement that can be seen, and encourage the start of another short term goal, which continues the cycle of improvement. Much better than a full year goal that can be daunting to start which breeds contempt and failure with the first few weeks.
Last year was the first time I've set a yearly goal on January first, and it was to not shop at Gymboree at all for the entire year. Some of you are scoffing, but I had become addicted to Gymboree and the fact that I knew how to play their 'game' so to speak and was able to dress my kids cheaper than shopping at Walmart. I loved the fact that my intelligence outsmarted theirs and the prize was adorable outfits with a gazillion matching accessories for my kids, especially for Ruby. But with our financial situation getting worse instead of better, I set this goal as a 'small' way I could help reduce costs for us for the year. Despite all the coupons and opportunities I had, I was able to be successful at not purchasing one single item from them in 2011. In fact, the only thing I did purchase for the kids from anywhere the entire year were shoes for Ruby, and only after she had nothing left to wear but her brother's black dress shoes...
I'm sure you're wondering what's stopping me from setting any goals this year after coming off my success from the previous year... Well... you're going to have to keep wondering because I don't have an answer for you.
I have no desire to make any commitments of any kind right now, and it's been plaguing me since the first of my friends brought it up in early December. I have no desire at all... not for physical, spiritual, financial, family,... nothing.
It's not because I don't see a need for improvement. In fact the opposite is true... there is such a great need for improvement in every area of my life that it is overwhelming right now... Which is one reason I think short term goals are wonderful.
I also haven't actually sat down and thought about it. Ideas have floated through my head, but I haven't taken the time to write them down, or even stop and think on them for more than a few seconds. I'm sure if I at least did that, I could come up with one or two not so overwhelming short term goals for myself.
I need to have goals. We all do. Right now at this specific time in my life, I should have goals. I need them in order to do more than just survive.
Despite the depressed mood this post is displaying, I'm not trying to discourage anyone from setting goals. In fact, I am strongly encouraging you to do so! I have a few fellow bloggers who have posted challenges and asked for people to join them, and I encourage you to check them out and participate! Amy has a great Bible reading challenge on her blog here, and Miranda has three challenges on her blog here in the areas of finances, fitness and spiritual.
There are a few personal reasons to why I'm not feeling the desires to start a challenge, and perhaps when some of those are taken care of I can then set or join a challenge myself. It doesn't have to be January 1st. Any time is a good time to start a challenge and set a goal that allows for improvement in our lives.
I will update if or when I decide to jump in on a challenge to improve something in my life. I'd love to hear about your goals, long or short term! You can do it!
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