New Years Resolutions

Are you a New Years Resolutions-kind-of-person? Or do you believe that resolutions, while filled with good plans and intentions, are a waste of time? I straddle the fence on this issue, because for the most part my resolutions are the same every year! However, it doesn't stop me from making a list of what I'd like to accomplish in the New Year. Without further ado, my list for 2012. 


1) Lose weight. Finally (and I do mean finally) I need to lose the weight that is, literally, weighing me down. I have struggled with my weight since junior high school. As I've gotten older (and hopefully, wiser) I have started to see this struggle is physical, yes - but emotional too. Let's face it - eating is enjoyable. Good food is everywhere, and it can be difficult to make healthy choices. I live in the South - life and gatherings are centered around food. This year, I will try to remember that "food is fuel" and treat my body a little better. If I can lose (1) pound every week, I'll be at my goal weight before the end of 2012. My goal is to lose (50) total pounds in 2012. 


2) Exercise consistently. I made big strides in this area during 2011, and plan to continue in 2012. However, during November & December of 2011, I really fell off the wagon in a big way. I'm probably one of the only nuts around who started exercising again during the week of Christmas, but I managed to do it. Not only does exercise fuel weight loss, but it makes me feel so much better - emotionally, mentally, and physically. I sleep so much better, and am not nearly as cranky. It's easier to get up in the morning (huge now that I have to get up at 5:15AM and commute to Pensacola every day). When exercising 4-5 days a week, I stand a little taller - am more confident in general - and feel stronger. My goal is to exercise 4 days a week in 2012. 


3) Spend less money on stuff I don't need anyway. OK, y'all can stop laughing now. Let's just say this: I took a good, hard look at the 2011 spending in my Paypal account. I almost had a heart attack, and am fairly certain the DH would have a heart attack if he saw it. There is no way I would ever admit that $$$ amount online, but I will tell you - it's scary. I'm actually embarrassed by it. Seriously, how many NWT dresses does one actually need in their closet? Now I have to consider things like "Can I wear this to work" when making buying decisions. Hopefully that will help me in my goal, as this will certainly be the area that I will struggle with the most. My goal is to spend 50% less in 2012. Heaven help me. 


4) Save more money. Of course this is somewhat related to resolution #3, but will actually be much easier than it sounds. With my new job, I have a new 401K with an automatic employer match of 6%. I've already signed up to contribute 6% of my base pay (as well as any additional earnings), and with the employer match = cha-ching! Note: if you have a 401K at work and are not participating, make this your year to do so. Especially for those of you still in your 20's, you won't believe how that $$ will stack up when you're barely trying. My goal for 2012 is to work my 401K contribution up to 10% of my earnings. I plan to do this in 1% increments at the start of each new calendar quarter. 


Normally, my list of resolutions is much longer than just four items. But in 2012, I plan to be realistic and make smaller, attainable goals. Please wish me luck, I'm going to need all the help I can get. 


What are your New Years Resolutions?