Resolutions,
Schmesolutions
I have never been a big believer in New Year’s
resolutions. To be honest, I never have been able to stick with them. For years
my No.1 New Year’s resolution was to quit smoking cigarettes and, like
clockwork, I would always buy another pack by January 3rd. While I
don’t believe in making resolutions, I do believe in setting goals. Some may
not see a difference between goals and resolutions, but I do. A resolution is
an answer to a problem. A goal is the object of a person’s ambition, something
that you try to achieve. To me resolutions have a negative connotation, because
as an answer to a problem, you are stating that there is something wrong. Goals
are aspirations that you can work toward attaining. Setting goals doesn’t mean
that there is something wrong with you or in your life; it can be just a way to
change certain aspects of your life that you want to. I think setting goals is
a better way to start of the year than to make resolutions. I have made a list of goals that I have for
the near future. It is actually a coincidence that it happens to be a brand new
year. My life is kind of at a crossroads right now and that is why I have made
said list of goals. Let me give a brief of explanation of why I feel like I’m
kinda in limbo. I graduated in December from UCF. My plan was to start grad
school in August of this year, but I really wasn’t ready for the application
process (applications were mostly due in December for fall 2015 semester, and
there are steps involved). Since my original plan to start grad school in
August has changed, I have a few avenues that I need to explore and some
decisions to make. Setting goals for myself, for certain things I have to do on
my path towards grad school, is one way to help keep myself in check. Another
thing that I like about setting goals is that they can be fluid, not set in
stone. If certain aspirations change, or don’t pan out, goals can be amended.
So here it is, my goals for 2015.
1.
Walk my dog every day
2.
Stick with an AM fitness routine
3.
Take the GRE
4.
Volunteer
5.
Contact professors at grad schools that
I am interested in and start professional relationships
6.
Find a part-time job and earn some extra
cash
7.
Step outside of my culinary comfort zone
and try some new recipes
8.
Travel more, even if it is only within
the state I live
9.
Perfect a handstand without the support
of a wall
10. Set
a monthly budget
11. Shop
my closet
12. Cut
back on processed foods
13. Intern
on a dig this summer.
These are all of the things that I hope accomplish
within the next year. Taking Kiwi for a walk every day is something that I
should already be doing, but I have been slacking at that and the poor thing
has been miserable. Don’t get me wrong, she is active and plays in the yard,
but Kiwi loves her walks. I am up early (like 5:30 -6:00 AM) every day. Instead
of watching having coffee while YouTube videos when I wake up, I can use that
time to jumpstart my day with some cardio or yoga, and perfecting a handstand
goes along with a morning fitness routine. I used to do a morning yoga routine,
but got out of the habit. I felt more energized and productive when I was
working out in the morning. Taking the GRE, volunteering, and contacting
professors is something that I have to do in order to get into grad school, and
since I have the time, there is no excuse not to do it. Finding a part-time job
is would not only be good for my wallet, but also good for my sanity. I have
been working as my grandfather’s caretaker for the past two years and while it
has been beneficial to my academics, it has also been a little draining on me. My spending habits are not ridiculous, but I
do tend to spend impulsively when I’m shopping. And, if I’m being completely
honest, I do not need another black and white striped shirt (I have a lot).
Shopping from my own closet kind of fits in with the whole budget thing. I
cook, a lot. I have my staple recipes that I rotate throughout the month, but I
would like to try different recipes that require ingredients that I have never
used before. As for cutting back on processed foods, that is probably going to
be most difficult thing for me to do. I love Pirate’s Booty puffs and Veggie
Straws. I love snacks in general. Finding healthier options like actual veggies
and homemade healthy goods will not only be good for my wallet, but also my
waist line. I love to travel, but never make the time to do it. My best friend
lives in North Carolina, and I haven’t seen her in 6 months. I always seemed to have reasons not visit, and they were valid (exams, projects, papers), but now that I have a little more free time I think it would be good for me. And that is pretty
much it. Hopefully I stick with some of the changes I want to make and
accomplish the tasks that I put in front of myself. Good luck to all who have set goals (or made
resolutions) for 2015.
-Em
