It's that time... New Year's Resolutions are at the forefront of many people's minds, including mine. I love this process - thinking about the future, planning, getting excited about the projects and things I want to work on. It fills me with hope and vigor. And, now that we have a baby on the way... whoo hoo! This year will be even more exciting!
Every year, my husband and I stay "in" for New Year's Eve. We light candles, play fun music, turn on the Christmas lights and write our resolutions. I do it BIG style though. I take the opportunity of the new year and really take a look at my life and what I want to accomplish for the coming year. So, I take the practice of setting "resolutions" and kick it up a notch.
First, we get out last year's boards (I'll explain "boards" in a moment) and we go through everything we wrote about last year. We talk about how far or close we came with certain resolutions/goals, cross off the accomplishments, and use this info to help formulate plans for the following year.
We each get out a big piece of poster board (hence, the "board") and work on our resolutions for the coming year. I separate my life into facets such as: Health, Leisure, Relationships, Finance, Career, etc. Then, I write individual short term and long terms resolutions/goals in all of these categories. I make the whole process really fun and go all out! I use colored pens, stickers, glitter, and highlighters. I guess it's kind of like a vision board, but without pictures.
When I'm all done with it, I hang it on the wall by my desk so I can see it every day and be reminded of all the Big and Little Resolutions I set for myself. This REALLY helps me stay on track and MOTIVATED! And, it's fun building my New Year's Resolution Picture (i.e., the poster board). And, let me tell ya, it sure works for me! I get so much more accomplished this way.
Every year, my husband and I stay "in" for New Year's Eve. We light candles, play fun music, turn on the Christmas lights and write our resolutions. I do it BIG style though. I take the opportunity of the new year and really take a look at my life and what I want to accomplish for the coming year. So, I take the practice of setting "resolutions" and kick it up a notch.
First, we get out last year's boards (I'll explain "boards" in a moment) and we go through everything we wrote about last year. We talk about how far or close we came with certain resolutions/goals, cross off the accomplishments, and use this info to help formulate plans for the following year.
We each get out a big piece of poster board (hence, the "board") and work on our resolutions for the coming year. I separate my life into facets such as: Health, Leisure, Relationships, Finance, Career, etc. Then, I write individual short term and long terms resolutions/goals in all of these categories. I make the whole process really fun and go all out! I use colored pens, stickers, glitter, and highlighters. I guess it's kind of like a vision board, but without pictures.
When I'm all done with it, I hang it on the wall by my desk so I can see it every day and be reminded of all the Big and Little Resolutions I set for myself. This REALLY helps me stay on track and MOTIVATED! And, it's fun building my New Year's Resolution Picture (i.e., the poster board). And, let me tell ya, it sure works for me! I get so much more accomplished this way.
Here's a neat thought... The lady who does my prenatal massages told me the other day that her husband believes the way you spend your New Year's Eve says a lot about how the impending year could be for you. Hhmmm... interesting to think of it that way. We keep it nice, relaxed, and calm, and I definitely welcome a year like that. Bring it on!
Want to get started on planning goals yourself? Here's a popular site to help you - myGoals.com.
Want to get started on planning goals yourself? Here's a popular site to help you - myGoals.com.
What are your plans for New Year's Eve? Do you write New Year's Resolutions?
I really like the board idea. I am a big list person and I always find New Year's resolutions so fun! That's a very interesting thought, too, that how you spend your New Year's Eve foreshadows your year. Thanks for sharing, Kristen!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I just ordered 3 of your books (Kristen's Raw, the salads and dressings one, and the holidays one). Let me tell you, I am LOVING them!!! Especially the Kristen's Raw one. It is an awesome beginner's guide, so easy to read, and really practical. As some one who is new to raw you do an amazing job in making it accessible, fun, and easy for everyone. Thank you for writing!!!
My resolution = the be in the healthiest state of mind and body as possible.
ReplyDeleteLove the boards idea....we use what we call vision boards at our house - same idea really. for the first time in years, we are having a little gathering in our home on New Years and I'm asking peeps to bring a dish. I am, however, putting out Raw Food hor'derves for the curious!
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your feeback - I'm smiling from ear to ear. :)
Hi Slendarella,
Yay for the Raw food snacks you're going to have!
I don't typically make resolutions, but I have some small ones this year! Better budgeting skills, sprouting at home, more juicing in my kitchen, vs. liquiteria!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love staying in for New Year's Eve. Almost always do :-)
Well, last year we went to listen to Obama giving a speech, but usually my hubby and I stay in and have a nice meal, drink a little champagne, and fall asleep before "it" happens. And, I ALWAYS make a list of good resolutions. Sometimes, I don't even wait for December! I might do a "winter is over, let's take good summer resolutions", or "last week wasn't good, let's take a new week resolution". lol :) I do keep most of them, even.
ReplyDeleteLove the board idea am defo going to nick that one!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE it and I agree, agree, agree. It's one of my favorite experiences and definitely makes the new year exciting to anticipate, these plans that are made.
ReplyDeleteOHHH I love this! My hubs would so not participate though.
ReplyDeletewe keep it low key with a few friends, playing games and just laughing.
Your massage therapist may be right. There are many New Years traditions that exist to set the tone and intention of the New Year.
ReplyDelete* Walk into your house on New Years day with money in your pocket (for financial prosperity)
* Make sure the refrigerator and pantry are well stocked (for abundance)
* Eat healthy foods (for health)
Those are just the ones that come from my Irish and Polish heritage. I'm sure you can thnk of tons of ways to set intentions for the New Year!
I was just only mentioning your last years post regarding this, this week. Love ya. Happy New Year to you and your family :D
ReplyDeleteKristen! I wanna see your baby bump!!!!!!!! Post pics!
ReplyDeletelove and merry xmas
deb
Thanks for sharing, Kristen! We are planning something similar, so it was good to read your post to get motivated. 2009 was hard for me, so we have made a little slogan for next year which is, "The Year of the Zen, in 2010!" Then my husband modified it to be "The Year of the Jen." Kris Carr mentioned coming up with a list of 10 things, so now it is "Ten for Zen in 2010!" I was content with picking 4 things to work on... ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your wonderful New year Eve celebration. I hope that someday If I have my own partner every celebration we will be together. Celebrating the event with no stress and full of happy moments together.
ReplyDelete