"Commitment to Change": Keeping Our Resolutions by Making a Plan

In this next part of our series on “Commitment to Change: Keeping Your Resolutions,” let’s talk about making a plan to keep our resolutions. I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m struggling so far! Some goals and resolutions are going far better than others. Let’s first do an accountability check. Today, I’ll talk about the first five resolutions, and tomorrow I’ll tackle the second five. After we examine where I’m struggling, then we’ll make a plan of attack!

Here are my resolutions again:
1. Clean out and organize closet.
2. Get the Frugal Bookworm back up and running.
3. Start history blog this year.
4. Finish all craft projects in progress (30 projects for 2010).
5. Read 30 books in 2010.
6. Start exercising at least 30 minutes a week.
7. Lose 30 pounds in 2010.
8. Complete the couch potato to 5k program and run my first 5k.
9. Finish what you start!
10. Make your health a top priority!

1. Clean out and organize closet.

My first two resolutions are in maintenance mode. I cleaned out and organized my closet when I had my Christmas vacation extended due to snow. I’m trying to maintain the neater appearance of my closet by hanging up clothes when I put up laundry. I’m also very careful about what goes into my closet, which means I’m avoiding buying things I don’t need (more purses or shoes). Finally, I’m donating things I no longer use.

2. Get the Frugal Bookworm back up and running.

The Frugal Bookworm is back up and running. I’ve been working on some new ideas for upcoming entries and series. I’m in the middle of forensics season at school right now, so the busier I am at work, the more exhausted I am when I get home. I’m using Microsoft OneNote to keep a list of ideas for future blogs, and I’m taking advantage of my “Snowcation, Part 2” to write some blog entries.

3. Start history blog this year.
I’ll be frank…I’ve done nothing on this. I’m going to set two small goals to move me more in this direction in the coming month.

•  Develop a plan for the blog. What am I going to include? How many posts should I write a week? What resources do I have?
•  Get a blogger address and purchase domain.

4. Finish all craft projects in progress (30 projects in 2010).

Besides the first two resolutions, this is probably the resolution which has seen the most progress. I’ve already completed nine projects, and I have two more that I’m about to wrap up. Stay tuned for a future blog with pictures of all my hard work!

5. Read 30 books in 2010. 

I feel really bad when I’m confessing my progress on this resolution. I have not completed the first book! I have started Elizabeth I by Anne Somerset. The book is over 500 pages, with tiny font! It’s a fantastic book, however. When I pick it up, it is an hour or two before I can put it down! Once I finish this book, I will pick a couple of shorter works to pursue. I actually have two books that I never finished in progress, and both are biographies. We have a snow day today (and likely tomorrow), so I’m going to log in some reading time. Nothing better than laying in a chair or in bed with a good book!

Join me soon as I discussion my progress on the second half of my resolutions!