For the past few years, I haven’t bothered with New Year’s Resolutions. Usually by the second week of January, I’ve long forgotten them and sunken back into my usual routine of too much wine, not enough working out and don’t even get me started on the mountain of books I promised myself I would read.
That’s the problem with resolutions – I feel we set ourselves up to fail. Many of them are too grandiose, unrealistic and immeasurable. For instance, a person may want to start spinning classes at a rate of three times a week. She doesn’t consider the fact that she rarely exercises, has never tried spinning (ends up hating it) and the only spinning studio is too far from her home making keeping that promise near impossible.
If you want to set resolutions, why not set monthly goals instead? With those goals, think of a few steps to list out to help you crush them. Keep yourself accountable too by:
- Setting realistic goals!
- Writing them down and placing them somewhere you will see them daily.
- Telling your closest friends about them to keep you accountable.
To start of this knew decade, I sucked it up and picked three resolutions/goals that I’m determined to stick to. Sharing them with you all is a means to both inspire you to set meaningful goals for yourself and to keep me accountable. Read on and tell me what you think.
Resolution #1: Stop Being A Pack Mule
Those closest to me know that I cannot go anywhere, not even a quick trip to the grocery store without packing ALL. OF. MY. WORLDLY. BELONGINGS. I don’t know why I think it’s necessary to tote along 17 lip balms, two water bottles, dog treats, extra pair of fuzzy socks, 80 used kleenexes, etc., every single place I go…but I do.
Yesterday, I sat down in our living room, dumped my purse and cleaned it out. Bare necessities only. AND I vowed to start using a new stylish backpack I acquired for work and the gym. This will force me to be more mindful about what I stuff into it…giving my poor back and shoulders a break.
Same goes for travel. I would overstuff two giant suitcases along with carrying onto a plane whatever I could manage. I hated it and it stressed me out, but still did it. NO MORE.
How I Plan To Stick To It
- Be more mindful of what I throw into my purse. It’s not a garbage can!
- Cleaning out the purse daily.
- When packing for a trip, plan outfits and clothing carefully which can be mixed and matched easily.
Resolution #2: Prepping For The Day The Night Before
Look – I ain’t no planner. It’s terrible. Like any true Sagitarrius, I like to fly by the seat of my pants. Most of the time – it’s fun…but when you’re busy AF thanks to your two full-time jobs (who knew blogging would be this much work?), life gets unbearable when you don’t have some semblance of a plan.
My mornings were a mess with me waking up too late due to being beyond tired every day, rushing around like a mad woman, skipping a healthy breakfast because again – always late, misplacing my phone, keys, head…you name it.
Before Christmas, I started a little routine that I came to enjoy greatly. At about 9pm, I peel myself off the couch or detach from the computer, and start getting ready for the following day. Taking 30 minutes each night to make a lunch, get my stuff ready for work, picking out an outfit and even programming the coffee maker has made my mornings so much easier. This one is a huge game-changer for me. It has cut my stress levels in half.
How I Plan To Stick To It
- Start prepping as soon as I get home from work!
- Packaging up leftovers immediately after dinner for lunch the next day.
- Each Sunday, planning outfits for the week.
Resolution #3 – Drynuary
Ok – this is the most annoying and most failure-ridden of the New Year’s Resolutions, but I’m doing it. Not because I want to…because I have too.
Ever since I hit my 40s, I haven’t been handling alcohol well. One glass of wine is nice, two is a headache, and three spells massive trouble for me the following day.
Drinking also affects my sleep and as I’m already sleep-deprived, something’s gotta give.
I also hate the fact that I cannot have just one glass of wine. With alcoholism and all sorts of chronic diseases present on both sides of my family, alcohol consumption is something I greatly want to reduce. The fact that too much wine also makes me look like a gremlin the following day is extremely motivating.
Steps To Achieve Resolution #3
- Minimizing my own attendance at January events involving alcohol.
- Getting support from Ryan and my friends.
- Keeping busy in the evenings when cravings start.
- Getting my sip on with healthier alternatives.
Dress Details: On Trend Dress c/o Trendsavvy
Reaping The Rewards
Each of these New Year’s Goals I have written down and placed somewhere I can see them daily. I want to keep myself honest and create some new, positive habits. I don’t want to be sooo stressed to the point that my health starts to suffer. The idea of relaxing or destressing with wine has gotten old too.
In order to keep myself motivated, I will be rewarding myself with a little prize mainly for staying dry during January. If I go one week without drinking, I’ll be treating myself to a mani/pedi. Two weeks? Some new workout gear….so on and so forth.
I’ll be sure to keep you all updated on my progress too. Got any 2020 goals you want to share? Do so in the comments!
*Are you following me yet on Instagram? Check me out here @dominique.baker. Photography of me in brown coat: @skovro_visuals.
c’était vraiment inattendu et amusant à lire! Je n’ai jamais cru que ma modèle avait tellement des difficultés comme moi-même. Well, I admire your resolve. From time immemorial, I have ALWAYS been a scatter brain, and so pre-planning has been my weapon. Especially, with outfits, and trips. It does help. And if with all your struggles you manage to LOOK as hot and as beautiful as you are, well , know it that I am beyond motivated to keep improving on myself. May all your goals be accomplished this year, and in the years to come. ❤❤❤
These are really great pieces of advice dear. Wishing you a fruitful 2020!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Author
And wishing you a healthy and happy 2020! Much continued success to you! xo
Hello Dominique. Congratulations on resolving to minimize alcohol! Alcohol started to really affect my health once I turned 35 (migraines, week long hangovers, etc.) Since addiction is present on both sides of my family, I finally made the decision to become completely sober in May 2012 and it was the best decision of my life! Im proud of you for starting this journey! You can do this!!!
Author
UGH! I hear ya! I’m trying. Giving away all the wine in the house. LOL! Thanks so much for reading, Nyeema!