Goals > Resolutions

I’ve never been much for New Year’s Resolutions. Mostly because they are usually about trying to stop doing something.

And when I tell myself to stop doing something, I just want to do that thing. A lot. All the time. It’s all I can think about.

So a few years ago, I started setting New Year’s Goals instead. Unlike a resolution, a goal is something positive to work towards.

Goals > Resolutions | InspiredRD.com

So with my new commitment to giving myself grace in all things, here are five goals I’m working for 2015.

1. Pare down my wardrobe. Whether that means trying out a true capsule wardrobe, or just finally letting go of the pieces I never wear, I want to be excited to walk into my closet, not overwhelmed. I think I’ll start by doing a quick pass and getting rid of some things, then do the backwards hanger trick to see what I actually wear.

2. Read at least 50 books. When I’m not constantly giving into distractions (ahem, my phone), I’m actually a great reader. I love having a number to shoot for this year, because there is so much I want to read, and having a tangible goal will help me stick with it. I’m starting with a thrifted copy of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

3. Find a weekly cleaning schedule and follow it. (I’ll probably need the most grace here.) I keep a tidy house, but I’m no Monica Geller. I forget about things like baseboards and grout and air vents. I would love to find a weekly cleaning schedule that would remind me these things (a) exist and (b) get dirty. If you have a cleaning schedule you love, please share!

4. Workout 5 days/week. Before Christmas I joined an online fitness accountability group on Facebook. It was just a small group of women cheering each other on and checking in each day, but it totally turned me around. I had been in a rut, and all of a sudden I couldn’t wait to exercise every day and check in with the group. The flu has kept me from workout out for over a week, and I can’t wait to get back to it.

5. Fill a blank journal. I picked up a copy of Writing Down the Bones last summer in Missoula, and I finally started reading it last week. One of the author’s suggestions is to fill a journal each year. Not a fancy journal (because you might feel pressured to write fancy things), but just a simple spiral bound notebook. Maybe even one with cats on it. This way you feel free to write about everything and nothing, and maybe it’s all crap, but at least you’re writing.

I’m sure I’ll add to this list and tweak it as I go, but this is a good place to start.

Do you set goals or resolutions? What are some of them for this year?  

  • Ulysses Maccaud January 6, 2015 at 1:09 am

    I don’t like to set goal neither because, like resolution, they are oft meant
    to fail or limiting yourself… Instead, this year I choose to write down
    wishes, here are some of them:

    I wish to keep develop myself
    I wish to have a lot of quality time with my wife and daughter
    I wish to keep write, reading and meditating everyday
    I wish to be healthy
    And most of all, I wish to be able to let go and simply be, be in the moment and enjoy what I do!

    • InspiredRD January 12, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      Those are great wishes!

  • Rebecca P. January 6, 2015 at 9:47 am

    I always set intentions and goals as well…no resolutions!
    I love the idea of filling a blank journal! That could lead to so many wonderful things!

  • Robin January 6, 2015 at 10:42 am

    I think this is great! It’s really important to know yourself and to not set too ‘lofty’ of goals. For me, just finishing 2 books last year was a big deal- ha! And to have a cleaning schedule? I think my husband would wonder where his clutter-prone wife of almost 15 years went. (He makes fun of me for suddenly deciding to clean the bathroom airvent and other ‘obscure’ things, while huge stacks of papers, toys, etc. surround me!)

    • InspiredRD January 12, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      Hmm, sounds familiar (I am really good at making piles) 🙂

  • Laura Lindeman January 6, 2015 at 11:08 am

    I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who can be intimidated by a fancy journal! I hadn’t set a goal to fill it, but I’m definitely trying to write on paper more, and I’m doing it in a simple composition notebook. Well, actually, a DeComposition Notebook: http://amzn.com/1592540198

    Have you read the book When Women Were Birds? I didn’t love it overall, but it definitely makes you think about journaling.

    • InspiredRD January 12, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      I haven’t heard of that book…checking out now…Thanks!

  • Christa January 6, 2015 at 11:56 am

    I love your goals! I just joined a book club this week so I know I will read 12 books this year which is up from 6 books last year:) I am in grad school, which means I read alot but I don’t count text book as part of my fun books.
    I found this mom planner online that you may be interested in. It has a cleaning schedule for all 52 weeks in the year!
    http://moneysavingmom.com/2014/12/download-2015-confident-mom-planner-free.html

    • InspiredRD January 12, 2015 at 4:21 pm

      Thank you for the link, this looks amazing!

  • Susan Wainscott Miller January 6, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    Is this a local fitness group? I would love to find something like that. I always work out by myself but would love to find a workout partner. 🙂

    • InspiredRD January 12, 2015 at 4:12 pm

      It’s not local, but it was started by a friend who is local. If you’re interested I can always connect you!

      • Susan Wainscott Miller January 13, 2015 at 2:46 pm

        Yes, I would love to find out more. I work out alone but sometimes get very bored and want to switch things up without paying the high price of a personal trainer. Thank you Alysa.

  • Stephanie Sheaffer January 7, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Are you on goodreads? I have found it to be a wonderful place to keep track of the books that I read.

    I’m journaling more these days too. Hoping to pass down my words to my kids (and grandkids) someday!

    • InspiredRD January 12, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      I haven’t really taken advantage of Goodreads. I’m planning to buy a journal for each of the kids to keep track of the chapter books they read. I wish I had done that when I was younger!

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