January is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts.
To determine what our goal is for the new year, we should look back and review the past year. What has 2013 brought? A year of joy or a year of regrets?
I’ve heard it said, “Don’t look back, just keep moving forward!” but I don’t think that applies in this case. It is essential that in order to go forward in triumph, that we look back from where we came. I often ask people, “Do you remember how difficult that was when you first tried it?” When they reflect back, they realize how far they’ve come, that their hard work is paying off, and then it’s easier to keep moving forward.
As I reflect on this past year, there are high spots and there are low spots. Some things were in my control, others were not, but in both instances I had the option to choose. I could choose how to respond when something went wrong and I could choose which way to go when at a crossroad. When I look back I noticed that where there was most success was when I had been prepared.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Last year I wanted to do a better job sticking to a budget, but I failed to plan a budget and did not reach that goal. Last year I also wanted to run a 5k faster, so I ran more and followed a training program to increase speed and I ran faster! There were other failures and success, but in every instance the deciding factor between success or failure was the PLAN.
So for 2014, I will set a few goals and make a plan. Here’s one of my health goals this year:
Goal: walk or run one mile everyday
Where: treadmill at home, running around in the gym or outside on the road or on a trail
When: anytime it works best, but plan a day ahead based on the schedule of the day
Who: recruit friends to join in the challenge and tell each other regularly how we are doing. (Maybe do the mile together when it works.)
Why: more movement, activity and fresh air
I will celebrate my successes as I watch myself reach my goals and I won’t quit if I fall off the plan. If I make a mistake, I’ll start again the very next minute.
So that’s the plan, now to reach that goal!
Happy 2014. The year without regrets!
Vicky Trill