I Resolve...

They say that people shouldn't make New Year's Resolutions because they tend to not be kept and just lead to discouragement at the end of the year over all the things we promised to do and didn't.  I don't know who "they" are, but I think "they" are right.  I can't count the number of years I have gone into the new year all gung ho, full of lofty aspirations and fabulous ideas to turn myself into the perfect person by December 31st only to realize right after Christmas that I have done none of the things I set out to do. And then I pummel myself with all sorts of guilt.  So this year I am done with resolutions and I am moving on to GOALS.
So what is the difference between goals and resolutions?  Resolutions are too general....blanket statements about how we are going to change ourselves with no planning, no steps to be taken, no end in mind.  Goals are the opposite....they can be measured, they have a beginning and an end, and we have to PLAN to succeed at them. So, while my goals might sound the same as a resolution, they really aren't because I have specific steps planned for me to actually achieve them.
"They" also say that if you write your goals down there is a better chance that you will accomplish them.  So here goes, a record of what I plan to do this year:
LOSE 50 POUNDS.  Wow.  That sounds like a lot, but if I break it down into 2 pounds a week I can be done in 6 months.  I have just gotten done creating an exercise chart to monitor my workouts, and I've signed up for caloriecount.com to track my food intake (and activity levels).  I've also arranged with a good friend who is also trying to be more consistent with her workouts to keep track of each other.  It's always easier to keep going when you know someone is watching...
ORGANIZE MY HOUSE I know this is a biggy for a lot of people...and if you need evidence of that, just check out all the organizing materials on sale everywhere you turn: totes, boxes, bins, drawers, etc.  I just checked some great organizing books out of the library and I am going to begin with my laundry room--probably the most unorganized room in my whole house.  It is the dumping ground for all things homeless.  From there I plan to move from cupboard to cupboard, closet to closet, one step at a time sorting, purging, and organizing until the whole house is done.
FINISH MY BASEMENT This has been my goal for 5 years now, but the difference this time is that the end is actually in sight.  I am allotting two hours a day to my mudding task, which is almost done, actually.  Then it's time to hang the doors, paint, get the electrician back for finish up work and CARPET.  The bathroom also needs tile, a cupboard/counter/sink and surround around the bathtub.  My goal date is March 1st.
There are other goals I want to set too, but I figured I would start with three so I don't everwhelm myself.  Post a comment and let me know what your goals are...I get so much inspiration from hearing what others are doing!