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There are two kinds of people in the world this time of year: those who love making New Year’s resolutions and those who don’t.  Wait, that’s a lie.  There are also people who hate people who love making New Year’s resolutions.  So three kinds of people.

I’m the former.  I love taking the time to reflect, dream, plan and scheme.  So crafting New Year’s resolutions are an annual event for me.  There is something inherently hopeful about drafting them; I’m putting my secret wishes out into the universe and hoping the universe will respond with kindness.  I also think dreams and goals have a better chance of succeeding if you write them down and give them shelf life.  All those SMART goal FFA workshops at work, I guess.

This year though, I decided to put a new spin on my old tradition.  Instead of writing New Year’s resolutions, I picked two or three things to focus on each month.  These mini-resolutions will change every month, giving me new and different ways to grow in 2019.  It’s also a lot less intimidating to commit to something for 30 days vs. an entire year.  And if you can stick with something for 30 days, it’s more likely to become a habit.

Want to join me in making your own mini-New Year’s resolutions?  Pick two or three goals, habits or behaviors you’d like to focus on.  Write them down and keep them in a place where you’ll review them daily.  Keep track of your progress in a journal or use a goal tracking app.  The in February review and evaluate your progress and set a few new resolutions if you like!

Your mini resolutions can focus on anything you want or need to change about your life.  They can focus on fun, health, relationships or travel.  You can resolve to stop doing something or start doing something.  I try to keep my personal resolutions separate from my business goals, but hey—your resolutions, your rules.

For a great comprehensive list of potential New Year’s resolution minis, visit It’s All You Boo (goofy name, great list).

My January Resolutions

  • Register for a spring pottery class. I’ve always wanted to learn how to throw pottery but never made the time to take a class.  This spring, I’m going to get creative with clay.  Ultimately, it might not be my thing.  Or I might love it and find a new obsession.  Either way, I’m trying something different!
  • Write in my gratitude journal every day. Weeks go by where I don’t pick up a pen just for pleasure.  I think a gratitude journal will help me think more creatively and stay grounded in what is wonderful and good about my life.
  • Explore one new place. January is downtime (or as close as we come to it) for me and Outdoor Guy. It’s the perfect time to go exploring in our area and enjoy a day date!
  • Drink more water. Scientists can’t seem to agree on how much we need, exactly, but I know I need more of it.  When the temperature drops, I don’t drink enough water and I have the dried and grumpy cuticles to prove it.

So there you have it, the start of my new year.  One resolution for my health, one for my mental health and two just for fun!

Which kind of person will you be in 2019?  Resolution writer?  Hater?  What do you want to accomplish in the coming months or year?  If one of your resolutions involves photography, like having update family pictures taken or learning your camera, reach out to me.  I’d love to help cross something off your list!  In the meantime, enjoy dreaming big and starting 2019 with a fresh slate!

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