A New Leaf Named 2008 - Personal Thoughts
December 29, 2007 | In Making A Diff. Lifestyle |
Table of contents for Resolutions
- A New Leaf Named 2008 - Ripples Thoughts
- A New Leaf Named 2008 - Personal Thoughts
Yesterday, I wrote about my goals for Ripples of Improvement in 2008. But, since this blog is supposed to be my story - I figured I better set some personal goals as well, right?
Photo by extranoise
Although there are lots of personal goals I could set: pay off debt, get a new computer, be better with regular chores - these don’t have anything to do with this blog. However, there are several personal goals I have that do contribute to the prospering of the blog, as well as the betterment of me.
First Goal - Fitness
I am not as fit as I would like to be. This is a combination of inconsistent exercise and not the best food choices. Last year I set the goal of getting fit. This year, I’m setting the same goal. However, this year, I’ve got an added incentive - getting fit will be better for the environment as well. Here’s how:
1. I will eat more vegetables. I will look for local and organic when available. I also plan to grow some veggies in pots on my small apartment balcony. I don’t know how this will work given the space. However, I know I have enough space for fresh herbs so I’ll start with them. This helps me save money, use less gas because I won’t need to go to the store as often, and I’m adding growing things to help suck up the CO2. They won’t suck up a lot of CO2, but every little bit helps.
2. I will do more hiking. As I wrote about previously in Trash Ticks Me Off, there is a a state park near me. Hiking will get me out in nature and picking up trash. Sometimes I’ll take my niece with me, which encourages the next generation. Sometimes, I may take my camera with me, to share photos with the blog. Every time I go hiking, I think about getting together a bunch of folks for a clean up day. This year, I’ll have to see how I can get that rolling.
3. I’ll do more typing on the laptop while walking on the treadmill. I saw an article on this recently, and within a few days I figured out a way to get this to work at my house too. True, the treadmill uses electricity, which isn’t as good as walking outside. However, by combining blogging with exercise, I free up time to get out of the house and do other things - like tend to the veggies, clean up the park, or hang out with friends. I’ll be happier, less stressed, and better able to devote myself to the goals of the blog, while encouraging others around me to give back as well. And all from multi-tasking my exercise.
Second Goal - De-clutter My Apartment
I am very organized, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t still have a lot of “stuff” around my house. By streamlining, I’m clearing my surroundings, and helping out others. Here’s how:
1. I have a lot of books I don’t want. By donating them to my local library to sell, they get a few dollars and someone gets to read a great book. Alternatively, I can donate them to the Goodwill.
2. I will step out of the consumerism mindset. When I look around at all the stuff I have, I wonder what I purchased it all for. Taking the time to clean out gives me a great perspective on just how distanced I am from where it all starts. I can see how much I have and know I don’t need any more. Less stuff bought means less resources used, and less trash generated from packaging.
3. Preparing for a move. My husband and I may move in the coming year. Or, it may be a few years from now. Either way, by getting rid of excess stuff now, we eliminate the need for the super big truck when we do move. And, as you know, whenever you move, there is always some stuff that doesn’t get loaded onto the truck. I remember the last time we moved there was several car loads of stuff that didn’t get loaded onto the truck. By getting rid of stuff now, we also eliminate the need for some of those separate car trips when we do move.
Third Goal - Find A New Job
Whether I stay as an insurance agent or take a slightly different career track, I will be moving into a new position in the new year. As I get up to speed at a new company, here’s what I vow to do:
1. Recycle everything I can. If the organization doesn’t have recycle bins available, I vow to take it upon myself to figure out how we can get them installed.
2. Provide the best customer support I can. Of course I always do my best on this front; however, I want to continue this practice. Interacting with customers is actually the most fun I have at my job, and I want to make sure that I keep it fun. I vow not to spread a bad mood (no matter how grumpy I am) and to my best to provide outstanding service, not just good service. Spreading a little cheer and being helpful always helps make a difference.
3. Reduce my driving time. This one is going to be the hardest because until I know where I will be working, I don’t have any control over this. I may end up with a position that is far away, or one that is very close. However, wherever I end up, I will do my best to reduce my driving. If I get close, I’ll look into walking or more likely, riding a bike. If I end up far away, I’ll see if carpooling is available. Even if I must drive my car back and forth to work every day, then I will do everything I can to minimize the amount of extra driving I do - no trips to the mall on lunch break, packing my own lunch so I don’t have to drive out for lunch, and combining any after work errands so I don’t have to use too much gas. There is always room for improvement.
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This is a lot of goals. I hope you aren’t too driven.
I’m a bit of a sceptic about goals in any case - especially any that required discipline.
I think they are all great goals - I just hope you aren’t burdening yourself.
Hope you had a great Christmas and wishing you a delight filled new year.
I realize I set a lot of goals; however, some of them are more action steps to achieve the goal, rather than an end point.
I’ve never been that great at the day to day steps to reach my goals. However, looking back over my life, I can see there were several goals I set that I did in fact meet. Therefore, I’m glad I took the time to set them in the first place.
Of course, reaching the goals is part of the learning process as well. I will do my best to report back regularly on my progress and will readily admit when I fall short.