Reflect. Resolve. Move Forward. - Setting Goals for the New Year

Like most of you, I've spent a lot of time over the last several days and even weeks resolving to make some resolutions. And, as I suppose you've likely done, I've made a list. If you've been a follower of my blog for a while, you will know that I am a list-maker. And, if I'm being honest here, I probably should preface list-maker with something like "obsessive" or "master,"... or if you ask my husband, "ridiculous."  For the sake of this post - and for no other reason than I'm really into all things British right now - I'd like to use the adjective "brilliant." Are you good with that? Lovely.

I've been on a quest for the last handful of years to try to simplify my life. Two years ago I made a "little" (haha!) list about my resolution to do just that. (I've Never Attained a Goal I Didn't First Write Down). 2013 was the year I actually followed through and cleared my plate of many projects, activities, and service opportunities that I dearly love. Ironically enough, the more I try to simplify, the more complex things seem to get... So, here I am, simplifying yet again!

I've decided to preface my goal list with this thought from Thomas S. Monson:

"Our task is to become our best selves. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need to be final." 

So now the big question: Where to start?

1. Reflect - How do I become my best self? What are my weak spots? 
2. Resolve - Commit to make a change... Here's an idea: I'll make a plan. 
3. Move forward  - Take ACTION! Make it happen! 

And on that note, here it is, my SHORT list for the year (just 5 things, believe it or not!). Keepin' it simple and shooting for awesome. I'm going to call it:

Reflect. Resolve. Move Forward. 

1. Physical - Yeah, this is where you'll find the "I need to lose x amount of pounds" jibber-jabber. But, it's more than that. This is not a goal to find the skinny girl I must've eaten, (though that'd be a nice side-benefit) but to find the healthy, strong, energetic girl I know I can be.  - My plan: going sugar-free and eating clean again. Also getting back in to the habit of daily exercise. And this time I'm dragging the husband along with me. Why? Because its a lot easier to make healthy choices when you've got a partner in crime.

2. Spiritual - LDS Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley once mentioned that, even after 90+ years on this earth, he still learned something new every day. Like him, I want to be a seeker of knowledge of all types. This year, I particularly want to strengthen my spiritual knowledge.  - My plan: to finish reading the New Testament by early spring, then to do some indepth study on a few subjects such as the Second Coming of our Savior, the Three Nephites, and the apostle John.

3. Professional - Not so much, where do I want to go with my writing this year? But more like, where am I going to take my writing this year?  - My plan: I'm ready to assert a more aggressive approach to all things writing/publishing related. More specifically: I plan to complete 4 books by years end, including at least 2 that will be released before Christmas.

4. Financial - I like money. I like things. But more importantly, I like security. Which means, I think it's time to tighten up the budget, cut the slack, and do some better planning for my future. - My plan: Be more responsible. Cut the frivolous spending. Rethink my budget and stick to it. Easy enough, right?

5. Personal/Family - This really should be at the top of my list. My kids are growing up so fast and with one 5,000 miles from home and another who will be leaving the nest before I know it, I've realized how quickly my time with them is speeding by. By the end of the year I may be the shortest person in our house (I already have the smallest feet!) and I just can't afford to miss out on my children's lives.  - My plan: Be a more involved mother. Laugh more. Play more. Live in the moment.


And that's it. No big projects. No unattainable milestones. No ridiculous expectations. Just me, simply trying to be the best me that I can be.

Best wishes in your journeys this year. I hope you attain the goals you've set, but more so, I hope that you appreciate the moments that make up each day. Cherish the people who love you, be thankful for the opportunities you have to grow, and always... always... strive to be the best you that you can be - not just to fulfill a New Year's resolution, but as a life goal. Remember, you don't have to wait for the new year to hit reset.