Goal Setting in 2017 - Free Download included

You've had a month to set, try, and break your resolutions. Ready for some real goal-setting now?

I used to set these too-vague, too-ambitious goals like "lose weight", "eat healthy", "blog more", blah, blah. In 2012 I even started blogging about my resolutions as a way to be more accountable. If I tell the world, I'll look stupid if I don't follow through, right? You can see it was easy to fudge the results (well, I didn't blog more, but I have plenty of drafts) or justify excuses (I didn't lose the weight, but I had a busy schedule & my back hurt, so really, how was I supposed to?).

For various reasons, 2012 was a pivotal year for me. I got fed up with the same old status quo lifestyle and motivated to improve, grow, learn, and develop myself. I'm no closer to perfection or anything. Instead, with each change over the past four years, I've noticed I feel more happy, satisfied, content, balanced, grounded ... aren't these the things we strive for in life?

2016 was a light bulb year. I scrapped making resolutions altogether. Resolutions are firm decisions and they sound like an ultimatum. They are too heavy with expectations and carry a tone of impending failure. My new strategy was to set up goals. Goals are things I can work towards. Goals are things I can break down into little steps and chip away at over the course of year. It's okay if I don't hit 100% on them, because any progress means I've achieved something more than what I started with.

With that in mind, I opened up Excel and got cracking in January 2016. Was I 100% successful on everything? Nope! Did I get closer than the three years prior? Abso-freaking-lutely! I felt so much better, more accomplished and satisfied, at the end of 2016 than I had in the years prior. I could chart my progress over the course of the year, adjust my expectations, and tweak my plans as I went along.

The spreadsheets were a good starting point, but I wanted to change the way I approached 2017. I did a lot of research, tapped into my business analysis and project management skills/tools, and customized some worksheets to create a package that works for me.

1. Reflect. I start with a sheet for reflection. Working on projects has taught me that it's important to look back and reflect on the things that did and didn't work. It's equally important to recognize the successes and learn a lesson from the failures or problems.

2. Dream Big. Then it's time to brainstorm/braindump. There's no right or wrong. There's no feasible or impossible. There's a just a blank page of space giving you permission to dream your biggest dreams, divulge your secret desires, and be as silly or serious as you want. If the dreams don't make you happy, are they worth pursuing?

3. Set Goals & Plan. Now it's time to start getting serious. I broke my life out into eight areas of focus: Personal, Finance, Professional, Health, Family, Friends/Social, Romantic/Relationship, and Spiritual. You can set one or more goals for each of these categories. Or you could skip some categories for now. Or you could replace them with other categories that are particular to you. The idea is to start organizing your long term big dreams into short term big goals. It's okay to keep it at "loose weight" or "read more" in this part of the planning.

4. Planning. Okay, now we start to hone in on the goals to make them manageable and achievable. I may have scoffed at the idea of SMART goals at one point (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound), but life just gets easier when you put your goals in SMART terms. If you're avoiding making a goal SMART, you're probably not committed to following through on that goal. Don't set yourself up for failure; come back to the goal when you are ready for it. The Business Analyst in me asserted itself by asking particular questions to help really sharpen my goals. The Project Manager in me was a tad gleeful over figuring out risks and resources. What can I say? I love my work!

If you follow me on social media, you know I like the reward system. It really works for me to celebrate small victories along the way to achieving my goal. So I built the proverbial carrots right into my planning worksheets.

5. Commit. I came across two lists of things to commit to in any given year: giving up, learning, seeing, etc. I liked the concept and thought it was a good brainstorming tool. Plus, I'm a sucker for lists. So I snagged the categories I liked from each version and compiled my own list.

As I tell all my project peeps - use what you like, scrap what you don't, and tweak it suit your needs. I hope the worksheets and my explanations help. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to see examples of my filled out worksheets.

Download Goal Setting Worksheets

UPDATE: I've tweaked the sheets a tiny bit (because there's always room for improvement) and added a bonus sheet.

6. Word of the Year. I discovered the concept as a trending new year thing in December 2015, liked it, and tried it out for 2016. I liked it so much, I took it to work and even had a word of the year for my professional life. These words (or phrases) worked like a mantra for me throughout the year, a touchstone that kept me in check and my efforts more focused. I really thing they helped me grow, be more intentional, and achieve more than if I'd been attempting my goals without them.

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FYI 1: The information used to create my custom sheets are combination of my brain's way of organizing information, my BA and PM knowledge, and free-to-use templates by other planning-inclined folks. To the best of my knowledge, I haven't taken anything that is copyrighted or plagiarized from other sources.

FYI 2: This post was much longer in coming because I've been completely consumed by the political scene in the US. My views are very obvious on other social media platforms, but I'll try my best to keep this space neutral. 

Karma in Practice

I'm taking "you get what you give" to heart this year. Having already resolved to "be more conscientious" in 2015, I'm adding some goals, admittedly stolen from inspired by Kelsey Gryniewicz's post "15 Ways to Start 2015 with Kindness".

I'm not going with all 15 ideas, because let's be honest, change takes time and that's just too much kindness in one shot ;). I whittled it down to nine that really spoke to me, two of which will look familiar (and I've kept up with!!!).

1. Year of Kindness Box - the idea is to fill up the box with things like thank you notes (Who writes those any more? Sadly, hardly anyone), compliments received (I can't believe I already have something for the box), moments of kindness witnessed or done, inspiring quotes, etc. Then I get to review at the end of the year or any time I'm having an off day. (side note: hello artsy-crafty project!)
2. Create a Gratitude Journal - well you've already seen this on my resolutions list. I'm glad I went with doing a weekly journal instead of a daily, because I've already failed on my other daily aspirations. Much easier to set aside 5-10 minutes once a week, instead of a few minutes every day. I know, lazy me.

   

   Simi's Weekly Gratitude Journal - 2015

3. Three Compliments - Compliment the first three people you talk to. If I stuck to the first three, it would always be my family. I think I do this any way, but it won't hurt to be more conscientious about it.
4. 52 Thank You Notes - Write a thank you note every week to a different person. I've "missed" the first two, but I'll definitely be doing this all year. And no email business. I picked up cute thank you cards from Target (a lot of them!) before I even read about or considered this "challenge." Thank you fate.
5. Daily Positivity - Every day, think of a random person. Send them a positive positive message (text, email, social media post, phone call, letter, etc.). This is another one of those I'm sure I do this every day without thinking about it, but, again, it'll be good to put some real thought into it on a daily basis. Putting positive energy in the world should only mean that positive energy comes back, if Newton was really, really right ;).
6. Volunteer - Another one that had already been on my list. Now to figure out how to accomplish this.
7. Smile - Smiling is all sorts of good for you: release of endorphins, boost your immune system, and more. Say cheese!
8. Self-Kindness - Do one kind thing every week for yourself - enjoy a treat you love, exercise, do something you love and rarely have time to do. For now, this is going to be my Art/Craft project of the week. If and when that becomes a part of my routine, I'll move on to something new. 

Now, to figure out what my bad habits are and which one to break. Introspection is hard! Who's going to help me with this one? ;)

2015 Resolutions

There’s something reassuring about having an outline of a plan for the coming year. Putting my resolutions on the web helps keep me more accountable (barring 2014) and gives me the satisfaction of checking things off into the “Done List”.

I've yo-yo'ed back into the double digits with my resolutions this year. I’m being a bit more diligent with the planning and success criteria with each. Hopefully that will result in more passes than fail whales. *fingers crossed*

2015 Resolutions

1.      Keep a closer eye and tighter fist on my finances. There may have been copious spending in 2014; some splurging, some necessities, and some way in advance, “just in case” purchases. Now that I’m a grown up with a career path and everything, I suppose it’s time to be a bit more fiscally responsible by

a.       Doing the 52 week money saving challenge.

b.      Limiting myself to 5 extras/splurges per month.

c.       Potentially getting a second source of income. Writing articles was fun for a bit. Or a personal shopper? There isn’t much of a market around here for that. I’ll figure it out.

2.      Do the PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge. If my math is right, that’s 52 books, so one book per week. And we’re already past week one. Oops! Better get on it. Any recommendations readers?

3.      Be creative

a.       Do one DIY or household project (digitizing all print photos) per month. This is more on the handy side.

b.      Do one craft project per week. This is more on the artsy side.

c.       Write a minimum of five lines per day. I’m definitely behind on this. Better start working on the 20 pending lines and work on today’s five as well.

4.      Break a bad habit.*

5.      Be more conscientious

a.       Maintain a weekly “Things I am Grateful For” journal. (First craft project of the year!). The original journal idea is a 365 

b.      Be more in touch with those who matter, especially my grandparents. The more advanced communication becomes, the harder it seems to get to be really in touch with those who matter.

c.       Do a good deed/get involved in social service or a volunteering effort. I used to do a lot of volunteering when I was in high school; while life wasn’t perfect, there was a sense of peace that I think volunteering gave me. I’m also a glutton for instant gratification, and nothing works better than giving back to the community.

6.      Learn a new skill. As usual. Poaching an egg is on my “bucket list” (see number 9).

7.      Vacation with Mishal. We haven’t hung out since Bermuda, which means it’s been too long. Time for another epic time together. What’s your favorite place to go for a relaxing time? I’m in the mood to just chill and take a breather from life.

8.      Visit a new place. This should, by default, be fulfilled by number 7.

9.      Revise bucket list and cross off one item. Poach an egg, make Crème Brule, try making a soufflé, visit a whole sub-bucket list of places, etc., etc... I’m still working on it.

10.  Take a risk* – huge maybe! In theory, it sounds good. I’ll let the year play itself out and see what opportunities come my way.

11.  Secret resolution – to be revealed if it’s a success. ;)

*Inspired by the 2014 resolutions on http://taytayhser.blogspot.com/

2014 in Reflection

2014 was a blur. I say this every year, but really 2014 flew by so fast 2013 memories blended in a bit. It's been a year of learning, growth, and good moments, very few of which had to do with my resolutions. I'm okay with that because I burst beyond my Jar 'o' Good Stuff and had to break out a Box 'o' Good Stuff (both of which are missing really safely packed up). Top moments of 2014 were definitely the new (bigger!) home we've recently moved into, getting a mini-promotion in my job, and our trip to India.

Right, onto the 2014 Resolutions.

Success

1.      Strengthen myself educationally and career-wise. In an utterly non-humble admission, I’m doing quite well in the career department. In the hierarchy of the New York state hiring system, I don’t sit very high. But in the skills and knowledge department, I've learned and applied more in one year than some (many) people have in their entire civil service career. I got lucky, having Business Analysis fall in my lap and turn out to be a perfect career switch.

I can’t imagine what dead-beat, entry-level job I could be stuck at right now, if things hadn't worked out in my favor (because an English degree and partial medical school experience can only get you so far). To anyone who is confused about their career plans, give state service (or federal service) a serious consideration; the job security and perks (such as health insurance) alone are worth it.

3.      Tap into my creative side more: painting, writing, dancing, photography, and whatever else I can get into. I haven’t necessarily done more creative work, but I've kept at it and the tail end of 2014 saw a burst of productivity. Photographic proof to be found at my Instagram. Especially fun were the projects at the Pottery Place and the one with the chalkboard paint. (PS – Don’t judge the results. I haven’t done pottery glazing in well over a decade.)

4.      Learn a new skill - always, always, always! Does putting together four bar stools all on my own count as a new skill? A men’s valet stand? How about re-familiarizing myself with the dreadful Facebook? I did become a Certified Scrum Master in March of this year, and have since applied those skills to my job. 

5.      Go on a vacation. I'd originally wanted to go on 2-3, but for now I'll settle for one vacation. My proper and uber long vacation was a month in India, and even that wasn't a vacation so much as it was a trip. Twenty eight days, ten cities, seven trains, five planes, two day trips, one major festival, an army event, and roughly 150 kg (330 lbs.) worth of shopping constitute something closer to an expedition in my books.

Curbside Gods - Pray anytime, anywhere.

Fail Whale

2.      Cook more - there's Mom's collection of recipes to learn, plus so many recipe books that are just lying in the basement, collecting dust. The collection of cook books were dusted off, only to be boxed and moved to the new home (we have a new home). This was a washout resolution. I’ll considered it salvaged if I can poach an egg before the year’s end. That leaves me two days. Yikes! ETA: egg has not been poached.

  

6.      Read more! Good Reads tells me I didn't read much. I took in more profession-related articles and news pieces, which isn't the type of reading I’d meant when writing down that resolution, but at least it’s something.

7.      Blog more (haha, what an inspiring start!) Blogging was non-existent. Lots of good intentions, a fair few drafts, but nada on the actual blogging front. The good news is, this means I have plenty of drafts to polish up and present to you in the coming year.

8.      Cross off 1 item from my bucket list. I tend to avoid this as a resolution, but I think 2014 is the year to achieve something! I took a look at my resolutions list, and I believe it’s time to reconsider. The dreams of yesterday aren't necessarily the hopes for tomorrow.

2013 in Reflection

2013 in Reflection

2013 whizzed by so fast, I'm still dizzy! Overall, it was a good year. I participated in two research conferences, interned in a PR position (so that's one off my career experience "bucket list"), got a job, and graduated from UAlbany. If there were things that didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped, well these highlights have completely overshadowed them.

Successes
1. Keep up with blogging - I catapulted to 20 blogs in 2012. I squeaked in 21 in 2013. Thank God I worded my resolution as "keep up" not "blog very frequently" or "blog on a consistent/regular basis".

2. Keep up with reading - I'm not entirely sure how many books I read, but since I graduated with a degree in English, it was a fair number. (Irish literature ... not really my thing, as it happens).

4. Get a job - check!

5. Learn a new skill - again. Yeah, there's been plenty of on-the-job training and I've certainly picked up skills there. Plus the research conferences and the internship - lots of small and medium-sized skill picked up along the way from all of that.

9. Get back in touch with Caitlin - done. Now to make the effort to stay in touch. Something I'm not too brilliant at all the time. (speaking of which, excuse me while I go wish someone a quick happy birthday)

12. Get healthier - Am I at optimal health? No! Am I healthier? Yes. Lost some more weight. Hitting the gym more often. Eating better - no crash diets though. Those don't work. At all.

Fail-whale
3. Do 4+ photo challenges - why do I bother? Unless you count half-assedly doing some Instagram challenge of the month series, no, this definitely did not happen.

6. Stop enabling Person X - This was just such an unhealthy way to think and go about things. Moving on!

7. Vacation with Mishal! - Because it's high time we hung out and were crazy together! I have the best times with this girl!

8. Move to Atlanta - All part of moving on with life. Whichever direction things go in, I think it's time I became more independent.

11. Do at least 1 crafty project - see. Now I'm being super honest. I'm not counting the spray-painting I did, because really, even a five year old can do that. *hangs head in shame*

WIP

10. Help Mom out more - baby steps. I'm just used to doing things my way in my own time. Gets awkward not being the person in charge when you're back home.

13. Make myself Priority #1 - over the course of the year I've learned to moderate this and work on the little things that add up to making myself #1. I'm going to (try to) put that into practice in 2014. *fingers crossed*

Though the To-Do/Memory Board is roughly the same.

The Jar O' Good Stuff filled up quite a bit.

Maybe I can get crafty and put all of this in a scrap book. (Maybe!)

(Belated) Happy New Year! - 2014 Resolutions

This year is flying by even faster than the last. 2014 has been so cold, it's taken me a couple of months to thaw into things. It hasn't been quite the clean slate start that I like to have at the beginning of a year; the dust and faint marks of 2013 are still lingering in the air. I'm hoping the transition into Spring will blow out some of the stale remnants of 2013 and bring more focus to 2014.

My original list of resolutions disappeared on me. I think the piece of paper knew better and walked away in time for me to realize that 2014 isn't following any plans or intentions. January, February, and half of March have really given me a chance to reconsider, reevaluate, and revise my resolutions.

Hopefully this list is more comprehensive and realistic (in no order of priority):

1. Strengthen myself educationally and career-wise.
2. Cook more - there's Mom's collection of recipes to learn, plus so many recipe books that are just lying in the basement, collecting dust.
3. Tap into my creative side more: painting, writing, dancing, photography, and whatever else I can get into.
4. Learn a new skill - always, always, always!
5. Go on a vacation. I'd originally wanted to go on 2-3, but for now I'll settle for one vacation.
6. Read more!
7. Blog more (haha, what an inspiring start!)
8. Cross off 1 item from my bucket list. I tend to avoid this as a resolution, but I think 2014 is the year to achieve something!

2013's thirteen resolutions weren't 100% successful (2013 in Reflection), so hopefully eight is more realistic! 

2013 Check In #3

I have been wanting to update this blog for the longest time - hell, I've got 3-4 hauls I've been wanting to post about among other posts that are already drafted, but life has just been busy! Clearly, blogging took a back seat, despite the best of intentions.

A whopping 3 months later, I've got enough work accomplished to justify a break. Mind's still a bit preoccupied with everything else, so I'll just do a run through of my resolutions and general check in.

1. Blogging, as previously mentioned, took a hit post August. Reasons to follow.

2. Per force I've kept up with the reading - 4 English courses in one semester is no joke. Lots of diverse reading - from 20th century Irish literature to short stories by fellow classmates in a writing workshop class.

3. Four or more photo challenges!? Who was I kidding! What I have done, instead, is started an Instagram account. This is a much easier way of making sure I'm doing some photography throughout the year. I've also half-assed my way through 3 photo months, and there's still December to come, so I'll consider this fait accompli. Note to self: don't set yourself up for more photo challenges in 2014!

4. Get a job. Well, wouldn't you know it - I ended up with TWO jobs this year. AND two internships (not all simultaneously, though it was a close thing). Hurray! First job was the freelance writing, which I had to forego because my schedule got insane (full time student in my last semester, an internship and a job with the state didn't leave much room for homework and sleep, let alone interviewing and writing up articles).

5. Learn a new skill - I am a recent "graduate" of Project Management training. I'm also learning SO MANY new things on the job with Business Analysis.

7. Vacation with Mishal didn't happen this year - but plans for next year have started! Legit plans! March is happening!!! I could really use the time off.

8. Move to Atlanta - now did I really think I'd be moving to Atlanta? Move somewhere, someday, yes. Move to Atlanta in 2013, not so much. Silly me!

9. Mission get back in touch with Caitlin is a success - now to actually meet her in person again. I've got a giant hug lined up :)

10. Help Mom out more - was derailed because the focus was to finish strong in undergrad. December 10th evening onward, I'll be helping more around the house with everything.

11. Do at least one crafty project. Well, I spray painted a couple of things and did rice rangoli. Other than that, I've just pinned many, many more ideas to pursue "some" day.

12. Get healthier. yes. Lost some weight in the process. Certainly not "done" with this goal though.

13. For some reason, luck #13 - make myself priority 1 - always take a bit of a beating. Slow steps.

Having gone through the list, I'm surprised and pleased at how much more I have accomplished than I gave myself credit for. It's been a hectic year, but well spent.

One more month to go (okay, one and a half). I intend to get more blog posts up, so keep an eye out :)

10+ Blog Post Ideas for the Busy Bee

Can you believe half a year has finished? Where did 2013 go!? And what happened to summer? Thankfully I'm usually indoors courtesy internship, so I've missed most of the shit weather. But would it kill the weather gods to give us a sunny day or two?

Since I can't seen to find the time to finish a blog post (I've got 7 in various draft stages), I'll just give you a list of posts you can expect in the second half of 2013. You can let me know what you're really looking forward to reading about or suggest other post ideas.

1. Internship experience and Johari Window
2. Recommend people from _____? (insert category)
3. Clothes haul
4. Respond to madame noir article (first verify)
5. List 10 writing prompts
6. The benefits of workshopping
7. My writing "process"
8. Review an ipsy product
9. Finish "writer/label" post
10. Finish/post $ store decorating post
11. Finish/post "handy resources" post
12. My beauty/skin care routine
13. Bubble bath post
14. $ store craft ideas
15. My dream shoe at a dream cost
16. This to that

I do love my lists ;)

My Summer Days 2013

My holidays somehow end up being busier than regular "working" semesters. Go figure.

I had just about one free week, and then all this started:

1) Two online classes - both four weeks long, both reading intensive. Past experience with summer classes did not prepare me for this!

2) Summer internship - Unpaid summer internship. My last internship was more work oriented, but it was a paid internship. Since this is for college credit, so far it's been more classes and more READING!

This is not the sort of reading I had planned on doing this summer. At least I get college credit at the end of it all (hopefully) ...?

3) Freelance writing job - (thank you craigslist.) I get to interview local business people and do write-ups. My first article just published ... SUPER excited to join a family history of published writing.

Life has a funny way of coming full circle. When I'd started majoring in English I'd been warned to avoid journalism because it was not lucrative or glamorous. Well, this isn't glamorous, but it's my only source of money for the time being.

There are other things that keep me busy. Searching for, applying for, and praying for another (unpaid!) internship for the fall. This will be a guaranteed 3 credits towards my major. All this unpaid business ... I'm consoling myself with a) I'll be learning new skills and exploring something new b) It'll be a good experience to put on the resume and c) The networking possibilities are fantastic. Somewhere between 8 hours of internship, 6 hours of class work, 6 hours of sleep, 2 hours of getting ready/eating/taking a breath, I'm squeezing in chores like sorting through years worth of memories and junk in order to clear up space in the house, contacting people for regular communications, showering, searching for a real paying job, reading for pleasure, blogging, establishing a professional net-presence, catching up on shows/youtube, learning new things, and spending quality time with the family. (If you do the math, the last litany of things is accomplished in a 2 hour window.)

Plans Are For Amateurs

What I'd intended to do this summer:

1) Get through my mom's recipe diary - it's got well over 100 recipes and I wanted to make as many as possible.

2) Try a new recipe a week from the myriad of cookbooks we've collected over the years, but never actually used.

3) Read. Specifically, FREE read things that have been sitting on my to-read and to-re-read list for ages!

4) Take up a photo-project.

5) Digitize all the old print photos.

6) Clean and organize various parts of the house because they need an overhaul.

7) Write! I really wanted to get into the habit of writing on a daily basis, but I'm lucky if I catch a proper sleep on a daily basis.

8) Pick up a new skill/learn something new. This will happen by the way at the internship, but I'd been thinking of something a little less work-oriented.

9) Paint ... I'd finally gotten some surge of inspiration. Now I have a muse running lose in my head and no time to let her express herself on canvas.

10) Travel. This would have been a great time to do a family trip, but now even the weekends are booked with papers for these stupid classes.

What's that saying? We plan and God laughs...

2013 Check In #2

*waves* Hi there!

You had a burst of updates from me in the beginning of April, so I don't feel too badly about having skived off since. Don't mind the slew of product reviews, but since Influenster did send them to me for free, because I'm socially active, it was my duty to oblige. I hope somebody out there read them and got something out of it. I'm still completely loving Olay's Fresh Effects system - wakes me up in the morning with a lovely massage.

Since I'm completing an English major, "keep up with reading" has been a cinch! I'm taking a sci-fi English class and just re-read Hunger Games. Re-loved it! I've self-imposed a library-ban so I don't get distracted by Catching Fire and Mockingjay. The next three weeks are going to be looooong!

Photo challenges are on hold. I was going to do a winter into spring into summer kind of thing, but the weather was crappy up until last week, then overnight we fell into spring. Go figure! I'm planning on doing a portrait series over the summer. My cousin's getting married, so maybe I'll do a "little moments" kind of challenge/series as well. Any other ideas?

"Get a job" is in progress. Anyone? Anything? I really want to get some experience in the PR/Publishing/Editing fields to see what's a good fit. Or get a state job, because I'm about age out of my mom's health insurance. Eeks!

Does rediscovering writing count? Or writing a sci-fi piece, because it'd be my first. We're done with 1/3 of the year (yes, gasp!), so I'm holding out hope for the remaining 2/3.

I'm getting better at dealing with PersonX, but it gets tricky every now and then. Relationships are complicated and messy. Pity complete avoidance isn't an option.

I don't see myself moving to Atlanta, since I'm working on graduating in December 2013, but hopefully a vacation with Mishal happens. It has to! The question is, when?

I'm being utter crap at getting back in touch with Caitlin. I've tried, but could have tried harder. Shame on me!

Helping Mom is happening, as is getting healthier and making myself priority. Now for that craft project...I first need to sort out my crafts boxes. Is a mess!

Meanwhile, the Jar O' Good Stuff and the To-Do/Memory Board have both filled up more since the first of the year:

In news that doesn't quite fit into resolutions update: I'm participating in TWO Research Conferences. It's the same sci-fi piece for both, but I haven't done something like this since 10th grade, so the experience and exposure will be great. Now, here's hoping my piece is substantial if not good (great might be asking for too much of a WIP). Squee/oh shit! 

2013 Resolutions

I strongly believe in change and always look forward to the new year for a fresh start. It's all about improving to be the best version of myself (cliche? Maybe. But still true.) and to move forward in life (blog post about this coming up sometime in the near future).

Some of these are brand spanking new. Some are recycles, things I want to give another go. And some are WIPs that I'm carrying on from my 2012 resolutions.

2013 Resolutions (in no particular order)

1. Keep up with blogging - I posted 20 blogs (I think...) in 2012. That's a huge improvement considering my past record, but I do want to post even more. If you have any suggestions for posts, let me know in the comments!!!

2. Keep up with reading - I didn't think I'd make it to 4 books, but I managed to read 14 books last year. Let's see if I can beat that record! Any recommendations?

3. Do 4+ photo challenges - because doing the 365 day challenge was a super fail. I think I can keep up with mini-challenges though. If you know of any good ones, let me know! And I'll, of course, update with random pictures.

4. Get a job - because I'm back home for the next few months and going back to school to work on my undergrad degree (probably another post about that).

5. Learn a new skill - again. Yes. Because learning new things is exciting and fun to me. Any suggestions?

6. Stop enabling Person X - because it sucks the life out of me, is utterly unhealthy for everyone involved and I'm not interested in being dragged down in life by anyone. So there!

7. Vacation with Mishal! - Because it's high time we hung out and were crazy together! I have the best times with this girl!

8. Move to Atlanta - All part of moving on with life. Whichever direction things go in, I think it's time I became more independent.

9. Get back in touch with Caitlin - a bestie I haven't met or spoken to in way too long a time.

10. Help Mom out more - Sounds like I should already be doing that, but I think there's always more that I can do. Very unhelpful if/when I move out since it'll all be back on her again, but I'll do what I can while I can.

11. Do at least 1 crafty project - because I have so many planned and lined up and it's high time I finished some up. Painting doesn't count. But I do want to get more painting done. Even try oils, maybe. Eeps!

12. Get healthier - I'm not going to set a weight goal because that didn't work out. I'll keep working on healthier eating habits and just a healthier lifestyle overall.

13. Make myself Priority #1 - bit of a carryover from last year. I need to work harder on this - and figure out an answer for "what makes me happy". Anyone else have a problem answering that? Painting sounds like a silly answer to me.

Yes, 13 again. No silly ones like achieve all resolutions or cross off a bucket list item, because I realized that's just setting myself up for failure. I think these goals are a tad more realistic this time around.

Side note: I've used "high time" more than once through my resolutions. MUST. Learn. New. Phrase! 'Time' has, in general, been a big theme through my list ... hmmm.

2012 in Reflection

I survived 2012 and can't decide if it went by really slowly or flew by quite fast. Some of my 2012 resolutions have been an absolute success, some complete failures and some are still WIPs. Overall, I think I'm pretty satisfied with my year. I look forward to 2013 for another fresh start and more resolutions.

Success

• Read - completed this one early on in the year, which was about the only time I "had" to read. [8]
• Learn a new skill - don't judge: I've really gotten into beauty vlogs and updated/upgraded my make-up application skills. Not quite what I'd had in mind when I wrote my resolutions, but it's definitely something new for me. [9]
• Blog more often - though I didn't live up to the 2-3 times per month expectation, I've certainly blogged more often this year than in the past few. Overall it's a success in my book. [10]

Fail-whale

• Lose 30lbs - well between royally messing up my back (still no clue how) and not having any sort of steady schedule and lifestyle, that's been a flop. [3]
• Scrapbooking didn't happen. At all. But I have collected more things to go into another scrap book. Brilliant ;) [7]
• Let's be honest. The 365 day Photoblog challenge was a fail. I didn't succeed at all. Which means I didn't cross off anything from my bucket list either. Bugger! [11, 12]
• And obviously that means I didn't accomplish all of my resolutions. Not a good resolution to have really. I set myself up for that one. [13]

WIP

• Putting myself first has been a heck of a lot harder than I thought it would be. This will, in some way, be a part of my goals for 2013 as well. [1]
• Technically speaking the personal project is a WIP which makes clinicals and moving to a new city (let alone exploring it), in effect, WIPs as well. [2, 5, 6]

Going to India [4] is so off the books. Unless I absolutely have to. There's just no appeal to going to India. I can meet with my grandparents in the UK, so there are no incentives. My parents recent trip did nothing to encourage me to consider going any time soon.

I will only ever go to India for wedding shopping (whenever that happens ... Mr Right, where are you?) and to show my preteen/teen-aged kids "the motherland". Going to Nainital is also on my bucket list, so that will probably be a separate trip. But other than that, no thanks.

I'm taking time with my resolutions for 2013. I need time to think, reflect, make lists and decisions. There are some "surprises" to reveal as I blog on. 

Best wishes for a wonderful 2013 to everyone!

2012 Progress Report #4

*peeks out* Yes, I've failed quite miserably at many of my goals for 2012. But I've learned a lot along the way and grown a bit as well.

So let's see:

I've been pretty decent at putting myself first. I haven't turned into a selfish brat or anything, but I do remember to consider my own feelings more often and I've stopped holding myself responsible for things that really are not my problems at all. That's a big improvement for me. Yay :)

Personal goal + some medical set backs (back still hurts!) got in the way of Goal 3. The good thing is I've noticed a change in my eating habits that is more standard for me now. No, I haven't given up on rice & roti completely, but I watch the portion size very closely. I snack more healthily as well.

I'm not sure I really want to go to India any more. My grandparents are here, visiting, and they were the primary reason for going to India. Things are as bad or worse in India and it stresses me out just thinking of making a trip there. I'd much rather travel nearly anywhere else.

I think I'd much rather go to Atlanta for clinicals now. My bestie lives there and it'll be a new city to explore.

I still haven't gotten around to a Bermuda Cruise Scrapbook. But then, I've been busy. Maybe I'll get around to it now. Maybe.

Any book recommendations peeps? I want something light but juicy.

Does painting count as learning a new skill. Granted I haven't learned much, other than self-teaching. Well I've got a few things in mind, so we'll see how all of that comes out.

I clearly dropped the ball on blogging more often. I blame it all on Goal 2. It really took all my attention and energy. So, again, maybe now I'll be able to refocus on the goal. The photoblog challenge was an even bigger fail. I've taken pictures over the past few months, though not daily and definitely haven't posted them. I guess you all can expect a mega post for that as well.

*scratches head* I don't really remember what's on my bucket list. Oops! I'll have to go back to my diary to see if I accomplished anything.

Does making an attempt at accomplishing all goals on my resolutions list count as a success? I have a feeling that's a big NO! Darn!

In other news, I have extra wisdom teeth. I got the one that was bothering me removed today. Does that mean I have less wisdom, or more? ;)

Too many resolutions! And how I handle them...

In a fit of enthusiasm and optimism I created a list of 13 resolutions for 2012. Once Jan 1st rolled around I realized just how daunting it all seemed. Now that April 1st is approaching (T-5ish minutes), I'm starting to sweat a little at just how many expectations I've set up for myself. But I'm determined to get through it all because I really want to achieve Resolution #13 in particular!

Making so many changes and achieving everything I have set myself up for will take a lot of effort. To keep myself from floundering through the year and allowing room for failure I've resorted to tried, tested & true  strategies

Lists
-My first list is the 2012 Making a Change Resolutions list - my "master list" so to speak
-Some of the resolutions require sub-lists as they aren't a one step process
-On days that are super busy I have a checklist so that I can  prioritize my work and get through the important stuff

Mini Goals
-These are basically the broken down versions of my main Resolutions. Setting up mini goals goes hand in hand with creating sub-lists for the resolutions list.
-Bite sized steps allow me to stay on track, get things accomplished in a timely manner and feel motivated towards the ultimate resolutions. It's more manageable to say I want to establish healthy eating habits in January than to continually remind myself that I have/want to lose 30lbs by Dec 31, 2012.

Timelines/Deadlines
-If I don't set up a deadline for myself, things seem to go on forever. I come to a deadline by estimating how much time the process will take. This helps make my expectations more realistic. While I prefer that the deadlines be pretty firm, the first three months of 2012 have taught me to be lenient and flexible as needed. This does not mean that I keep pushing things off to a future "some day" because we all know that day doesn't really come around very often.
-Google Calendar is amazing!!! No seriously. I've got 5 calendars for various activities/occasions/deadlines. Everything is color-coded. I have several email reminders that keep me on track. It syncs to my Droid and my chrome extension button does a little dance when deadlines/events are approaching. I have never been late in paying a bill or missed a birthday thanks to my Google Calendar.

Accountability
-This really varies person to person. I've realized I can't just promise myself that I'll accomplish GoalX or TaskY. I chose to turn to my blog in order to fulfill this strategy point. I've been so gung-ho about accomplishing all my resolutions and have given an accurate update of progress over the past three months now, that it would be really embarrassing for me to have nothing to show for it all on Dec 31, 2012.
-If you're not the public-humiliation sort, you could always just turn to your friends, family, colleagues, etc. Once you put it out there, you kinda have to live up to it. If you don't, you're axing your own feet!

Cheerleaders
-My accountability system also provides me with a fantastic network of supporters and encouragers. When I start hitting a slump it's really nice to turn around and find that my family, friends and www-network is cheering me on. When my own faith and resolve starts dissolving, their smiles and 'you can do its' keep me going.

Carrots
-When I reach a certain deadline or achieve a mini-goal I reward myself with something relevant and good for me. (ie: a leisure read book after a particularly strenuous session of preparing for Resolution 2, not a donut after a good workout)
-Whether it's material or otherwise, a little incentive keeps me motivated to reach my goal and is extra-sweet to revel in when I have achieved something.
-For those wondering where the stick went, kindly look above at the Cheerleader section. Not all of the cheering is entirely, erm, positive. Some of it comes in the form of "well you wanted to accomplish this, now get your behind in gear!" That's enough of a stick for me!

I really love my lists. BIG list fan. So I take some time at the beginning of each month to create a goals list for the next 4 weeks and to review my accomplishments from the past month. Such a satisfying feeling checking off every item and realizing you got everything done! (Maybe it's just me...)

What's your favorite strategy? Do you have any add-ons?

Say cheese!

If you take a peek at my photoblog, you'll notice I favor a certain style of photography. It's called macrophotography. Basically I like taking closeups of inanimate objects.

After a month and a half of nearly nothing but macros, I can see I'm becoming stagnant. I took up the 365-day photo-challenge for a few reasons, mainly because I like taking pictures. But I also took it up to challenge myself in various ways, and today I've realized that I have to shake up my photo-style as well.

It's definitely time to branch out into other styles such as landscapes, portraits, fashion, etc. But I'm nervous...new things always make me nervous. I have grown so comfortable in this one form that I'm reluctant to move on to something new. But new habits are only formed by repetition, so I'm setting a new goal for myself. I must take at least one non-macro photo per week. This way, I'll get more experience in other forms. But since I'm still an all-around amateur, so bear with me through the experimenting.

Any of you lovely readers into photography? Do share links to your work if you post online. Or leave a thought about my work so far or any ideas you have of what else I can take pictures of.

Thank you!

2012 Progress Report #2

One down, 11 more to go. January has been an interesting month, to say the least. Lots of moving ahead in life kind of decisions made. Discovered several very helpful resources (keep an eye out for a blog post about that). And I've made progress on many of my resolutions.

Quick update:

Most significantly, I have been diligent about maintaining my photoblog. I haven't missed a day yet and I don't intend to let that record slip. Finding and/or taking interesting, unique, fun shots has been the biggest challenge. On some days it feels like there's nothing left to take a picture of. It doesn't help that I take multiple pictures every day before deciding on whatever I like the best. But at this rate, this is going to be the most photographed house in the world! ;)

I was running through my bucket list to check out what I might do this year. Turns out, the 365 Photo challenge is also on my list. But I want to push myself to cross off something different as well. Might as well, yeah ;)

I did well with blogging last month, though perhaps I should have spaced them out more. What do you think? And any suggestions for future blog posts? Want to hear my opinion on anything in particular?

I read a book! It's been years since I read a proper, just for fun book. It was nice to have something relaxing to turn to when studying, chores, etc. became too boring.

In the lose weight depart things are going slow. I've made some changes to my eating habits, but more needs to be done. And I definitely need to make a more concentrated effort to go to the gym more often.

The rest of the resolutions are all on track; they are either in the WIP category or shelved for later category.

With goals and progress, maintaining a positive outlook has been much easier so far. Fingers crossed for the rest of the year!

Birthday wishes & 2012 Resolutions

Today I became a year older. I can honestly say that I am a year wiser as well.

It's been a year of introspection, self-discovery, and better understanding of who I have been, who I am and who I want to become. There's been a lot of emotional maturity, intellectual development and mental readjustment. All this change is just the beginning though. My birthday wish this year is that I can push myself a bit harder to move ahead quite a bit further. I'm hoping for good health, lots of wealth and a little bit of lady luck in all endeavors.

I'm using this last month of 2011 to wrap up loose ends so that I can start fresh in 2012. And to go with that fresh start is an ever-evolving list of Resolutions.

Making the Most of 2012
1. Put myself first. I have a hard time with this. Turns out I put everyone else ahead of me. Something I never consciously realized earlier. It's time to stop that and start paying attention to ME!


2. Personal goal. This one's very important, just not something I care to discuss on a public forum. I'm already working hard at it, and hopefully I'll be able to report my success sometime early next year (April-ish).


3. Lose 30lbs over the year. I've blogged before about this. It's partially a vanity thing. Mostly a health thing. It's time I got really serious about it. Pity this doesn't involve having my cake and eating it as well.


4. Go to India. This is as a reward for achieving success with Resolution #2. Since I haven't been to India since 2004, I can assure you, I am working especially hard on #2.


5. Clinical Rotations. Preferably in Chicago. It's the city I love. Clinicals are the best way for me to learn. So it'll be a win-win.


6. Explore my new city. Explore it thoroughly & exhaustively. I want to enjoy everything any city has to offer. There's a lot of history and culture in every place you go and I intend to make the most of my time wherever I end up.


7. Scrapbooking. I've got more WIP ideas than actual scrapbooks. Those ideas need to be translated into physical scrapbooks pronto!


8. Read. At least 4 books over the year (a book a season?) If I can push myself, 12 books. And by books I mean pleasure reads. Just for me, no expectations attached kind of reading.


9. Learn a new skill. Anything! No limitations. Just expand on my capabilities by learning something new.


10. Blog more often. At least 2-3 times a month.


11. 365 photo challenge. A photo a day - clicked, post-processed & posted. The posting might not happen on a daily basis, but I shall try.


12. Cross off 1 item from Bucket List. At least one. If I can accomplish more from my bucket list, that's even better. Additions to the Bucket List are also welcome.


13. Accomplish all goals on Resolutions List. That'll be a first!


Resolutions 6-12 are in no particular order of priority. I won't be dropping a single resolution from the list. The challenge is to accomplish them all. I may add. I may tweak. I don't intend to remove any.

Resolution #10 should work out just fine as I intend to update on the progress of my resolutions throughout the year. Resolutions #1, 2 & 3 are going to be the hardest.

Wish me luck! I'd love company through this process. If you're blogging about your resolutions for 2012, or would like to provide feedback and encouragement through comments, I'd love it!

*fingers crossed* Let's do this 2012!

Oops... I did it again

Or rather I didn't do it again. These past four days have been very bad P90X days. After Thursday of last week, I've been out of the P90X mode. It's much easier to stop after a lax day, than to pick up and get right back at it.

Friday was my birthday - the 2nd most boring, sad birthday I've had in all of my 21+ years.

Saturday was rest day and I took it as that. And once I got into the (2-day) habit of not doing P90X I couldn't muster up the energy or care to start week 3 on Sunday and do jump into Plyometrics today. Horrible! I feel very guilty. It's much harder to pick up the self-created slack when there's no one doing it with you and encouraging you along. Blast!

But I'm motivating myself to get back into it tomorrow. I have to. It's my parents Silver Anniversary in a month and a weeks time. I am pushing myself to look my best for this big event. So, back to P90X it is. I'm going straight into the scheduled exercise of week three, despite having had a horrible start to it.