2013 Resolutions

Some people don’t like the word resolution (a formal expression of opinion or intention made; a resolve or determination). Maybe because they never stick to theirs, who knows? Whatever word you use when thinking about what you hope to do in the year to come: goal (the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end), or intention (an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result; the end or object intended; purpose) — they all basically mean the same thing.

I’ve said before that I didn’t want to look back at 2012 with regret about what I was able to accomplish — and while I have a very hard time trying to please myself, I know I worked really hard, and to have worked any harder would have probably made me sick. So basically, I generally accomplished my main goal — establish my business and make it consistent. I made other goals too, many of which were about half-accomplished. This year I feel more determined to accomplish the resolutions/goals/intentions I am going to set so without further ado:

MY 2013 RESOLUTIONS

1. Be more thoughtful. Ever since I moved to DC I feel like I’ve been selfish. I rarely think about anyone else on their special day. I forget to send birthday cards, gifts for occasions, etc. It’s ridiculous. There are no excuses for my unthoughtfulness.

2. Regularly attend yoga & use our rowing machine. For the holidays, the Mr. and I decided that our “gift” to each other would be to buy a Concept 2 Indoor Rowing Machine (a used one). It’s hard to make up an excuse when you have a workout machine in your home and you work from home. Sometimes I shy away from going to yoga regularly because it’s so darn expensive and somewhat of a pain to get to, but I enjoy it so much that I’m not going to let that stop me this year.

3. Go on vacations that aren’t business related. Oh yes, I sad vacations, meaning multiple. Since I travel a lot for my work, and I like what I do, my business trips tend to be the only “vacations” I go on. But they aren’t really vacations (a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday). This year I turn 30 (I know!). And my birthday is on a Friday — so I decided I’m going to be on vacation for my birthday weekend. I don’t know where I’m going yet, but it will be warm and probably involve a beach, spa services and fruity drinks. I’m going to kick my 30s off right.

4. Finish projects around my house that have gone on for way to long. Giant magazine stack — go through them. Ridiculous amount of tear sheets — pitch them. Box of photos and empty albums — put photos in albums. Digital photos that never see the light of day — make them into books. Clothing I don’t wear but am holding on to — get rid of. You get the idea.

5. Be adventurous in cooking. Just this year I ate brussels sprouts for the first time (love them!) and decided that I like mustard. I’ve always been really picky and am almost positive I’m a supertaster. However I find that my taste buds have evolved and I need to put more effort into cooking (even though I’m not a fan). I keep telling myself that if I try to enjoy cooking maybe someday I will.

6. Reading & movie-watching. I know this sounds funny but my Mr. is not a big movie guy so I tend to never go to the movies. Our blu-ray player isn’t even hooked up to our TV — hasn’t been since we moved to the east coast. There are so many movies that I want to see (hello To Rome With Love). I love reading so this isn’t a hard one, but I tend to get into cycles where I will read for 3 months and then not read for 3 months. Reading at night helps me wind down and fall asleep more easily (I’ve always had trouble falling asleep), so if I just stick to reading before bed, I won’t get out of the cycle an maybe this year I’ll get better sleep. (Currently I’m reading Silent Tears: A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage).

7. Go out and do things. I go to a lot of “events” but I want to more non-event related things. Whether it’s trying new restaurants or taking advantage of all DC has to offer, I didn’t do enough of this last year. So many art museums I need to visit! I also want to take some quick weekend trips. I guess that can go under my vacation resolution, but even if it’s just one night, me and the Mr. need to travel around the east coast, take a hike, ride a bike, whatever!

8. Continue evolving my business. I got all the way to #8 without a business goal — bit of a shocker! I am launching 2 new projects/businesses this year (soon!) and continuing the things I started in 2012. I need to take on an intern or two (will be doing a call for that soon). Not to get all businessey on you but my plan is to create more passive revenue streams that don’t require my absolute full attention so I can put more time into my blog and creative projects.

9. Add a give-back element to my events/projects. I love the idea of giving back to the community in a way that is also in line with my business. For the INTERMIX holiday party I hosted in December, we teamed up with Suited for Change and donated accessories and jewelry items for the women that go through their program. Such a great way to give local women the tools they need to be successful. I’ll be partnering with them throughout the year.

10. Make my condo my home. Let’s just say I still have the same couch I bought at age 23. 23-year-olds rarely make enough money to buy the couch they actually want, and in the past 7 years my taste has definitely evolved. This year, as a 30-year-old, I need a new couch. Plain and simple. Last year I started investing in furniture, decor and art that I really wanted. I’m continuing to do that so I can finally reveal my place — hopefully before summer!

I’d love to know what your resolutions/goals/intentions are for this year? What word do you use to describe them? Please tell me in the comments, or leave a link to your own resolution post.

Definitions via Dictionary.com