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.

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?