A Bold Step . . .

One of my recent chuckles came from reading Marian's Question post. Her comment that we give up on goals for the New Year if too much time has elapsed really made me laugh! :-)

Actually, in the last year or so I've become fond of setting goals and trying to achieve them, with both success and failure in those efforts. Recently I read a statement that gave me something to think about.

"Those who set resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain a goal vs. those who don't." And the statistics go up if you actually write them down! I find I'm somewhat private about goals. If no one knows about them, they also won't know if I fail. A little cowardly, actually. :-)

So . . . I've decided to take a bold step and not only set a few goals but write them down. And since I've chosen this forum . . . to also make it public. (SCARY!)

PERSONAL: Learn to play the piano
Last summer I took on this goal and hired Tammy as my teacher, swearing her to secrecy. We managed a few lessons and I've made a little progress but it's easy to put off practicing and I slacked off the last few months. Time to recommit! And the secret is out! :-) (Are you still available, Tammy?)

HOME: Systematically go through my storage stuff
This one is a bit of a cop-out because this has been an ongoing goal for some time and I've gotten rid of quite a bit. Not enough, though, if you have more storage containers than basement in a house this size! So, time to be brave!

HEALTH: Exercise 3-4x every week
This is another one that has actually been ongoing since last Fall (this time Kevin was sworn to secrecy!) Right now it involves my stationery bike. I've been able to increase both time and resistance but am a long way from where I want to be. I want to add some strength training as well but haven't decided on anything definite yet. I'm trying hard, too, not to make this about weight but about health.

FAMILY: Complete my own history
Recently I've lost more than one close friend. It makes you think about your own mortality. I know we all sometimes feel that its a little arrogant to think our own history is of any value to anyone, but after my experiences with my Mother on histories, I have a testimony of family history and KNOW they are valuable, if only to bridge the connection between generations.

SPIRITUAL: I'm afraid this area is still just a little too personal to share my deepest goals. However, I'll share two of my simpler ones. (1) Read the conference Ensigns and (2) Make a REAL effort to read the Old Testament in 2010.

I'm determined to read the conference issues again. (Thanks for your example on this one, Mom!) And since I've never actually read the entire Old Testament (this year's Sunday School study), I'd like to make a real effort to do so. I'm going to be realistic and admit it seems rather daunting so I'll take any encouragement anyone has to offer! :-)

Not wanting to end on such a serious note, I'm sharing a favorite cartoon. Have a great day!