Ahhh… New Year’s Resolutions. Last year I made some lofty goals and posted them here on Running in a Skirt.
They included things like Run Faster, Build a Strong Core, Use Coupons, Organize & De-clutter and Plan and Prepare Healthy Weekday Meals.
So, Rhett spilled the beans but I didn’t accomplish all of my goals last year. I made progress on a lot of them, especially in preparing healthy weekday meals, but I can’t really check anything completely off the list.
In January I started the Crock Pot Challenge to help build my recipe repertoire and I signed up for the Frostbite 10K to hit my running goal times. Specific goals… with specific plans to accomplish them.
And then In February I got sick. All my plans changed and all my efforts focused on getting help for my voice and health problems and eventually recovering from surgery.
So basically the plan didn’t go as planned. But, that ok. As difficult as it is for me, I know that sometimes you just have to be flexible.
So this year, I am trying something different. I’m going to skip making New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t need a list of things to put anymore pressure on myself. I’m just going to do the best I can each day. Instead of taking on more, I’m going to try to DO less this year. Since I started feeling better, the hubs and I seemed to pack an entire year worth of stuff to do into four months. My schedule has been more than a little crazy lately and we have been running on fumes. Don’t get me wrong, I like to have plans and be scheduled… but not as much as I have been. It’s time to dial it down. I’m going to try to leave at least one weekend a month completely empty in the planner to catch up and recoup. I’m going to try to say “no.”
Yes, I’m PLANNING to NOT PLAN. And yes, I realize that sounds a little ridiculous. I must be the ultimate Type A! haha.
We’ll see how long I can keep up.
But even though I’m not really making new years resolutions this year, I am still standing by new running goals I made after the Chicago Marathon. They may or may not happen this year (So they are therefore NOT TECHNICALY New Year’s Resolutions,) but I’m ok with that. I know I have it in me, I just haven’t stayed healthy for long enough to make it happen.
Running Goals --->
*Run a sub 27 5K
*Run a sub hour 10K
Oh and I’ve made a new ultimate running challenge goal… One day I really want to run the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge (Disney Princess Half Marathon AND the Enchanted 10K in the same weekend) PLUS in the same year run a Disneyland race in California to get the Coast to Coast Challenge medal. *boh-yaaaaaa*
But I digress…
So here is to year of less planning, more relaxing, appreciating the moment and hopefully less stress.
Of possible interest…
5 New Year’s Resolutions That Might Actually Work
10 Most Popular New Year’s Resolutions with Apps to Help You Achieve Them
Questions….
What are your New Year’s Resolutions this year?
Have you ever been successful at scaling back your schedule?
Annie says
So, preface: I was sent your blog by a friend after I lamented that I would not find places to run in Orlando when we visit in two weeks, as I am preparing for the Frostbite 5k (where I too had half-hazardly planned a 27 minute PR). No information on running in Orlando, but your blog and my interests coincided so well that he sent me a link. I've been reading it steadily for a few hours now...
So, to your post, I feel it all too well. I frequently come up with a rather detailed list of resolutions, only to feel the sting around March when none of them have been realized or even begun. The past year was pretty awful in terms of health and family issues, and I felt a little lost after I ran the City Half Marathon and had nothing left to do. So this year my only resolution is to enjoy running and enjoy what life brings me. To that end I've joined a running group, and we plan excellent trips for our long runs with the only stress being whether we want to walk up the hill or if we should wear an extra shirt.
JulieWunder says
I am so glad you found my blog! Thank you for reading!
I think you have some excellent plan this year. I hope you have a healthier 2014!
Shirley Deters says
I like the idea of no resolutions - I seldom manage to keep them anyway. However, I have scaled back my schedule considerably (due to Age 78 & health)- but it is still a happy & productive & enjoyable schedule. I espeially enjoy seeing U on Morning Show and other times on Ch 13. I find you to be inspirational - forging ahead thru health issues & a not always easy schedule in life, with a positive attitude. When I first moved to this area U were a Shy young lady. U R now a lovely, confident young woman. Keep up the good work & keep giving out those beautiful smiles.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Shirley. That is so kind of you!
Nick says
The plan to do less is exactly what you need. This may be the hardest goal you've ever tried to achieve.
Dad
JulieWunder says
Thanks Dad 🙂