What are your new years resolutions?

Each new year we have a tradition in our family that has carried over from when I was a child, making and checking off our new years resolutions. What my family has done since I was little, and what we now do, is write some goals we would like to accomplish that year and then we write a goal or two for what we think our family members should work on. Growing up I remember some of the goals my siblings wrote for me were not very nice and something I wasn't even going to consider working on. But it was interesting to see what each family member thought we should work on. We also write down the weight of each person, the height and the age. Last year some of the goals Danielle had for herself was to keep her room clean, wake up earlier for school, listen in class more and practice soccer more each day. Ashley's goals included, working on A,B,C's, learn to read, help Danielle clean their room and try not to whine. Some of the goals we had for Kaman were to scribble more but not on the walls (Ashley's suggestion), play with me (Danielle's suggestion), learn more words (Mom's suggestion). I had a few goals for myself as well, wash dishes after every meal, finish laundry in one day, and have a mommy/daughter day set aside. Duane's goals included, go to bed earlier, read more, and learn something new. For the most part we did a good job this last year. We'll have to see how we do for 2009.

One of my top goals this year is to lose those last 10-15 pounds. I've made a goal to work out 6 days a week, & I'm hoping some of those days to squeeze in a second workout. I've lost weight before and know I can do it. But the first step for me is mentally preparing myself. As soon as I know I can do it then it will happen. Then I focus on the exercise and as soon as I am in my routine I work on the eating part. Eating, for me, is the hardest because I am a picky eater and I love to eat what I want. It takes a lot of focus at first, but then I just get into the groove and it works. It's always that first month that takes the most work, but sticking to it is how I reach my goal.

One of my favorite quotes that helps me get mentally charged is...

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't!
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost;
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind!

If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
Before you'll ever win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the person who thinks he can!


I honestly believe that if I know I can accomplish something, and I truly believe it, it will happen.