Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year’s Resolutions vs. New Year’s Goals

Happy New Year! Do you have a New Year's resolution? I instead have a goal for 2011.

Although similar, I believe there is a difference between a New Year’s resolution and a New Year’s goal. As defined by Microsoft Works Dictionary, a resolution is a decision or a “determination; a firmness of mind or purpose”. In my experience, “determination” flops quickly without a plan. A goal is an “aim, something that somebody wants to achieve”. Putting it in terms of a goal makes it more achievable. It needs to be made into a plan, set out in bite size segments throughout the year - weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Write it down and refer to it frequently.

This particular challenge I am setting for myself for 2011 is daily!  I am going to rid my home of clutter. Because I want my life and my home streamlined, I plan to give away, throw away, donate, or sell at least one item a day each day for an entire year. That’s 365 extraneous items GONE from my life forever! By this time next year I may not be free of ALL clutter, but I will have taken a giant step toward that freedom and developed a very good habit. This can only be viewed (in my opinion) as a success. I may, on the other hand, surprise myself and find that I have surpassed my wildest dreams. Either way, it’s gotta be good, right? Thank heaven for 2011! It's gonna to be a great year!