I’m not the type to make New Years Resolutions. Come New Years Eve, and the obligatory “So what’s your New Years Resolution?” I always respond with a basic “Oh you know, I don’t really make resolutions.”
But this year, after reading The Happiness Project, I felt inspired. There have to be a million little things I could do differently that would make me happier. Here’s what I’m thinking…
Wake up on time, and get to work on time
Seriously, I’m pretty bad about this. I love my sleep! But that’s no excuse. I shouldn’t be excited the few days that I am on time for work, I should be worried about the few days that I’m not on time. It’s become a habit that’s hard to break, but I always feel so much better when I’m on time.
Work harder
Okay, I’m sounding like the worst employee ever so far, haha. I mean, I do work hard and complete all of my assignments on time etc., but I know I can do more. I know I’m capable of more. I rarely “go the extra mile” so to speak, and it’s something I should do more frequently if this is the career path I want to stick with.
Volunteer
I’ve actually already taken steps to get this one done. Andrea and I joined the Young Leaders Circle through United Way of Rhode Island, which is essentially an organization that combines volunteering with professional development opportunities. I’ve already looked into some possible tutoring positions I could get involved with. I’m really excited about this one!
Plan and organize more
So I’m already a planner, I like routine and structure. But there are a few things I’d like to plan more, like for instance my work wardrobe. I became kind of obsessed with this idea since I read this post from The Saucy Apple. Taking time on Sunday night to plan what I want to wear each day that week will make my mornings much, much easier.
Do it now
This is an idea directly from The Happiness Project. I’ve already been incorporating it into my daily life a little, but not as much as I’d like to. This will mostly apply to nagging tasks and housework. When I see the kitchen trash is bulging, I need to take it out now and stop putting it off. When I notice that the counter could really use some wiping down, I need to do it now and not wait till later.
My problem with housework is that I tend to go into full-blown OCD mode with one little act like sweeping the floor. Then I’ll notice the oven’s dirty, so is the bathroom sink, and when was the last time I dusted? Next thing I know I’m on all fours scrubbing the baseboards and spot cleaning the walls. Yes, I’m crazy. My tendency to go into OCD mode makes me wary of doing any small task. But I need to get over this and set a time limit of 15 minutes for normal, maintenance cleaning.
Those are the resolutions at the front of my mind right now. You’ll notice that they’re all small, general things I want to work on. Not big time goals like running a Tough Mudder. Which may or may not be a 2013 goal of mine…
I think I’ll do a check-in a few months down the road to see how I’m doing with my resolutions to help hold myself accountable. And maybe add a few more.
Weekend Tidbits
Now that my resolutions are out of the way, here’s some random photos from my weekend which consisted mostly of snow, shopping, planning, and cleaning for our New Year’s Eve Party! I can’t freaking wait.
Snowed in on Saturday night…
I think we got a good 10 inches!
I sort of pride myself on the fact that I’m very independent and have never needed a man to do things for me. I know what a ratchet is, I take out the trash, and can put Ikea furniture together like it’s my job.
But man, I hate shoveling snow. I have a bad back from an old high school injury, and ugh. It just sucks. I spent a good hour shoveling on Sunday morning so the sidewalk, driveway, back deck, and porches would be party-ready. Thank goodness for hot coffee.
It looks like someone was enjoying the snow more than me today…
Logan absolutely loves the snow! So adorable.
After shoveling I showered then got ready to run some party related errands. I plan to do most of the cooking and setting up after work tomorrow, but I got the cookies baked tonight.
This is my go-to cookie recipe. They’re incredible.
Then I went OCD on the apartment and cleaned it from top to bottom. Can’t have 40-50 guests using a dirty bathroom!
Now it’s bedtime. I’ll leave you with some pretty flowers. Can’t wait to tell you all about the party later this week!
Questions: What’s one of your New Years Resolutions? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?