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 3^rd. 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