There’s a trend of choosing a word, instead of a goal, as a sort of new years resolution*. Originally I wasn’t planning to do anything, because I have my 101 list going. As I have a tendency to overcommit, it didn’t seem wise to add more goals. But then I kept thinking about it.
The first thing I thought of was “stop slacking”. I feel like I’m spending way too much time reading blogs but not posting, watching television, hanging out and then wondering why I’m not accomplishing anything. Long time readers will be quick to note that this feeling isn’t a new theme in my life. I wrote about it before school started (though my follow through hasn’t been great), last March (thankfully many of those strategies are still in use) and in August 2011 when I reviewed 168 Hours.
This year I’m going to work on being intentional.
What does that look like? I’m thinking about things like…
- making dedicated, non-distracted time to study the bible and pray
- ending the cycle of “we should get together sometime” and putting dates on the calendar
- buying products because I agree with them, not because they’re convenient
- being active by going to the gym, doing yoga, walking or something else on a daily basis
- putting things away when I’m done using them and keeping my home clean
- setting aside time at the end of the day to read
- using the short in-between times of day (5-15 minutes) to accomplish things that need to be done
- making careful choices regarding the home we’re hopefully going to buy this year
- taking the time to write quality posts and experiment in the kitchen
- sitting down for real conversations with my husband
- doing all I can to make my blog represent me
In the few days since I’ve made this decision, I’ve used the word intentional about a million times. It’s even crept into Brian’s sentences. I’m sure it will come back to haunt me, “Hey Emily…are you being intentional with your time by watching a third episode of Freaks and Geeks?”, but that’s probably for the best.
*This post is largely inspired by Rachel Wilkerson. Sorry I’m not sorry.
Being intentional about watching Freaks and Geeks is the best kind of intentionality. Tell me what you think of it – have you seen it before?
Great list – I hope you have success! I’m not choosing a word for the year, but I’m trying to increase my mindfulness (inspired by Beth M’s post on making good and healthy choices here). Especially as I’m in the process of combining two adult households into one shared space, the point about maintaining tidiness and thoughtfulness when it comes to living spaces resonates with me.
Lucy´s last post …Two Blue Socks!
Wow, great list… and your goals sound so much like mine. I think I may have to adopt your word! Even when I wasn’t working that much I found I really didn’t have enough time to do the things I wanted. Maybe my word should be focus… right now I think my word is ADD because my goodness! Good luck with your goals!
Whitney´s last post …Wheat Free