2013 Goals

Even though the hype of New Year’s sometimes annoys me, I also kind of love how it acts as a reset button for your life. Just like a new morning, a Monday, or the first day of the month gives you a chance to refocus and regroup, so does the new year.  I’m not a big believer in resolutions, since I feel like there’s no way to stick to something so rigid for so long, but I do believe in reevaluating, and that’s what I’m doing today.

I think it’s important to be able to look back on what you’ve learned and turn those lessons into goals for what you want to do in the future, and that’s what I’m hoping to do this year.  I’ve been through a lot and learned so much over the past twelve months, and I hope to continue to do so.  With that said, here are some of the things I’m hoping to strive for in 2013:

• Put myself first – I’m always so concerned about other people that I sometimes forget that my own happiness is important too.  It’s truly the only thing that I can control, and from now on, I’m going to start worrying more about myself for once.  If people don’t like me, don’t like the things I like, or don’t want the best for themselves or others, I’m going to let that be their problem.
• Don’t fear being alone – I’ve always been an independent person, but I sometimes feel pressure to try and fit in or be part of the group.  I’m learning, however, that I don’t always have to have someone with me to enjoy life, and I’m going to make it a point to be comfortable and content doing things on my own.  I don’t need to seek out others as companions; I can be alone and still be very happy doing the things I love to do.

• Don’t hang on – There’s a quote out there that says “The biggest mistake I have made is letting people stay in my life far longer than they deserve,” and I am very much guilty of that.  I hang on to people that don’t deserve to be in my life because I think I can change them, when in reality, the only people who you should allow in your life are those who actively want to be there.  So this year, I’m going to love the people who want to be in my life and let go of those who don’t.
• Stop overthinking things – I’m a worrier.  I overthink and overanalyze every single situation I am ever in, wondering and worrying about how people perceive me, trying to figure out what other people are thinking and feeling, and attempting to figure out what’s going to happen next.  But the thing is: it doesn’t get me anywhere.  So this year I’m going to continue making a huge effort to not worry or even think about things that don’t matter, or things that I can’t change.
• Pursue my dreams – In the last few months, I’ve taken the first baby steps to achieving the things I want in life, and I’m going to actively continue to do so.  I don’t ever want to get stuck in a rut and be unhappy, and I’m going to continue to fight to reach my goals.  This year, that’s going to include taking (and passing) the CPT exam, gaining more professional more experience, brainstorming what my dream job actually entails, and further positioning myself to achieve it.

• Make the most of every day – I often find myself rushing through life just to get to the next big thing, but this year I’m going to make a bigger effort not to wish the days away.  I used to always make excuses not to go out and do things – too tired, too busy, can’t afford it, don’t feel like it, no one to do it with – but not anymore.  This year, I’m going to find something special about every single day, no matter how big or small, and live each one to the fullest.
• Do things I want to do – Sometimes I find that I like doing things that the people around me don’t necessarily like as much.  I love being outside, I love working out, I love reading, and learning, and fueling my body the right way… And even though sometimes I feel “different,” this year, I’m not going to worry about that.  As the saying goes, I’m not going to “feel stupid if you don’t like what everyone else pretends to love.”  If I want to ski, hike, bike, lift weights, and eat green beans all day, every day, I’m going to do it… even if I have to do it alone. 
• See the country – Even though I’ve been lucky enough in both my personal and professional lives to see quite a few places, there is still so much more that I want to see.  In the past, I’ve let certain things hold me back, but I won’t anymore.  I want to hike in Alaska; I want to ski in Utah; I want to swim in the Colorado River and sweat in the Grand Canyon.  This February, I’m going to get to see Mayan ruins in Mexico, and I don’t want it to stop there.  If I’m lucky enough to get the chance to see other places this year, I’m not going to let anything stand in my way. 

• Continue bettering myself for the future – Along with all of these larger, broader things, I also want to continue with the little things that are important to me in life.  I want to save more money, eat better, remain committed to my health, make new friends, always remember the importance of family and friends, read, learn, grow, reflect, and overall, just be a good person. 

I’ve been committed to health and fitness for quite a while now, so I don’t plan on changing anything in my life too drastically, but I am grateful to be able to move forward.  With nothing holding me back this year, I’m going to make it mine.  I’m going to dive head first into the things I love to do, and I’m not going to let anything slow me down or distract me.  Life is here and now, and if we don’t live it to the fullest, we’ll miss out. 

I hope you all had a fabulous New Year’s Eve, and I’m looking forward to sharing 2013 with you!

Questions:

What are your goals for the new year? 

Did you make any 2013 resolutions?