Savor the Success

Thanks to Karen Renzi, fellow STS blogger, for encouraging me to think about resolutions. I've been procrastinating this task. Today is New Year's Eve.
What will I resolve to do in the next year?


That question leads me to ask another question, "Is a resolution different from a goal?" For instance, I already have about 378 goals for next year:

• Write two guest blogs a month (more on this in another blog)

• Break down my memoir into a book proposal, get over my fear of rejection, and send it out to publishers.

• Get my local lifestyle magazine to profile me and my blog.

• Hold a contest to drive up my blog subscriptions

I could go on and on, but I'm pretty sure you don't have the time or inclination to read all of my business goals. Still, I think a goal is a little different than a resolution. A goal is a task, something that goes on the to-do list.


A resolution, in my mind, is a life shift-something that lasts forever. For instance, the common "lose weight and get fit" resolution lasts forever. Once you get fit, you stay fit (presumably). You don't one day go out to the gym, run on the treadmill, and say, "Did it. Time for the next thing on the list." On the other hand, sending my book out to publishers happens at a finite time, and then I'm done. It's a goal.


After putting much thought into it, I've decided to resolve not to lose my mind as I accomplish my 378 goals. Not losing my mind means:

• I will not lose touch with my husband and daughter

• I will not skimp on sleep, healthy eating, and fitness-among many other healthy habits. In other words, I will take care of me-always.

• I will not allow my goals to rule my life. I will change my goals and alter my path toward them as needed.

• I will remember to have fun every once in a while.

• I will pay attention to those tell tale signs that I might be losing my mind-resentfulness, exhaustion, anxiety, stress-and will ease up.

By the close of 2009, I hope to be able to come here and tell you that I not only achieved my dreams-but I also had fun chasing them down.


What do you resolve to do in 2009?

Alisa Bowman writes about the ups and downs of marriage--and life in general--at www.projecthappilyeverafter.com. There you can learn about her marriage resolutions for 2009. Follow her on twitter @alisabow.