My main goal is to deal with problems and tasks as they appear. If something comes up that will take 5-10 minutes or so to finish, My goal is to just do it right then and there. No use pushing off a small job because I know from experience that when I push something off often I'll keep pushing it off knowing that its so small I'll be able to get it done whenever. Then, well it never gets done...so in an effort to be a better me I'll try to tackle the little jobs right away, saving me headaches and stress down the road.
Planning is another area where I have fallen short many times, I wish I could say I have never procrastinated but like many, I'll often push things aside to go out and do something else. So what I've done is set out a plan for any of the important things (for me this includes writing posts and creating/updating webpages ). I wrote this all into a calendar and by following this day by day to do list, I can ensure I stay on track finishing everything long before it's deadline. I plan to do this each month, sitting down at the beginning of each to plan out my main goals and then fill in anything else as it comes up. Following this plan will ensure I do not forget anything and it will allow for time to reflect on what has gone well and what still needs improvement. In this way, I will also create a sort of New Years day feel to every month when I sit down and plan in the calendar which will help with motivation and ensure I truly am always working to improve.
Now...I'm not sure we can talk about resolutions without mentioning exercise as it is most likely the most popular resolution which people make around this time in hopes of becoming more active. My goal for 2014 is to begin running once again. Not too long ago. I ran daily and unfortunately the onset of winter caused me to abandon this routine. I do realize that this is one resolution which many struggle with and so I've tried to make it fairly easy to continue by sparing just 10 mins each day for a run. My goal is to run 2 kilometers in January and add an extra half of a kilometer to my run each month so I'll end the year running just above my usual 7 kilometers.
Another popular resolution is the hope to eat healthier. I realize that for myself this will be difficult seeing as I am in college and will most likely fall into the typical college diet as I did last year. However, I have been making sure my fridge remains stocked full of vegetables and fruits and as a gardener I'm not too worried about having to make the proper choice between these and some less healthier food as I have always held an appreciation for fruits and vegetables (especially those that are fresh and locally grown). In the summer this will become a very easy goal to fulfill since my garden will provide more than enough healthy food. For now though, I will continue to plan out what I will plant where to ensure a continuous supply in summer and focus on eating meals which, last semester, I would occasionally skip.
Another goal of mine for 2014 is to read more. I find that as the previous year went on I began reading less and less to find time for other things. I've got hundreds of unread books (many of which are gardening books though I do plan to mix it up and add in some other topics as well) waiting for me and friends are always recommending a few more to add to my list. Recently I received Margaret Roach's book And I Shall Have Some Peace There as a holiday gift and I have certainly enjoyed the experience thus far so I am quite excited to continue along with this particular improvement to my life.
One can not simply set resolutions and ignore the obvious one to spend more time outside enjoying nature and the fresh air. I have many goals for 2014 that have to do simply with my gardening and implementing those will get me outside plenty however, during my studies I find that I spend more time at this desk than I do outside. Therefore I plan to do something outside each day. Of course, this ties into many other goals such as increased activity and my resolution to begin running again so for me it is not a problem however I challenge you to get outside at least once a day no matter the weather and do something, even if it's only for a few short minutes as you walk around the block.
Productivity, health, enjoyment and now attitude. I spent much of 2013 doing volunteer work and was delighted when I received an award for these efforts. This year, I plan to do even more for those around me though I am not yet sure what I will do. So far, thoughts have turned towards schools in my region as without the support of teachers and staff at these schools, I would not be where I am today and I strongly believe in helping other students receive similar opportunities to those which were offered to me.
My final goal for 2014 is to put others before myself. I have always tried to do my part and help out whenever I've had the chance and will always stop what I'm doing to talk to anyone who needs someone to hear them out. This year however, I am hoping I'll get the opportunity to do even more. Who knows what will rear its head in the coming months (I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the year has to offer) but in the end I'm sure that 2014 will be a great year and hopefully, by the end of it, we can all be happy whether we achieved our resolutions or not!
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