January 5, 2011

Starting Off 2011 the Right Way

Like clockwork, New Year's Eve is usually a bad night for us. We don't usually have any plans and so I imagine this great night at home, ringing in the New Year with my husband. I create this whole fantastic night in my head that looks like a soap opera. We toast with champagne; my hair is teased high and I'm wearing some ridiculous dress and too much eyeliner. My husband looks dapper and whenever he makes eye contact with me, it's that sly "come hither" look that makes girls swoon. You know, kind of similar to how Vanilla Ice used to address the ladies. Like that. . .

Or not.

Instead, we usually listen to depressing music, courtesy of the IPod "Genius" which I swear is intent on making people need Prozac. We start off with Taio Cruz and the next thing you know, Mazzy Star is playing and you want to either fall immediately asleep or cry until you have nothing left but toilet paper to wipe your eyes with. Then, we get in a stupid argument and one of us storms off to bed to watch the ball drop solo. It's been the status quo for a couple years now, so much so that we actually joke about it.

This year started off differently.

First, we had many invitations to be elsewhere, which is kind of ironic because we ended up staying at home. We had four friends over (one set of friends was a blind date hook-up) and we spent the night eating, having some drinks and playing games. I knew I invited the right people when all of them were willing to get up and play "Dance Dance Revolution" for the Wii. "We" all had a blast and the girls even had a good time too. They raided their dress-up boxes and decorated our guests with feather boas and fun. It was definitely a good way to start off the New Year.

Another reason the year started off right is because I started my "resolutions" a couple weeks ago. Waiting until the New Year sets me up for failure. I put too much pressure on myself and I end up falling off the resolution wagon quickly. Plus, I don't like the word "resolution." This year, I'm making personal goals and "suggestions." Less pressure means less of that falling off the wagon business. So here they are:

1. A couple weeks ago, I started working out with my trainer. He has been motivating me and inspiring me to take my fitness more seriously. He's helped me with some great tools too. I've started using protein shakes instead of eating a bag of potato chips when the mid-afternoon hungries set in. They are giving me a lot more energy and they make me feel better about myself with each one I drink. I also bought a workout journal and that is also going to help me with goal setting and accomplishing. My trainer knows how to kick my butt; but he is also really good at inspiring me to keep it going.

Goal #1: Maintain a fitness routine, get toned, look hot, and own it. Oh yeah.

2. I made a decision a couple months ago that my volunteer responsibilities were no longer going to trump my family. I put that one into action and it has made a world of difference in my life. Sometimes taking a step back and away is the best way to go. I'm still doing what I need to do, but I'm no longer living and breathing my volunteer responsibilities. I've found that I care much less now about what people say about me and it's given an opportunity for other people to put up or shut up. I'm especially enjoying that part of it.

Goal #2: Keep everything in balance and remember that family comes first!

3. I started a new business in November and it's been going really well. I'm selling Miche bags and I'm having a lot of fun with it. I made a decision to invest a little more in my business and am going to become an inventory representative which basically means I'll be like a mini distributor. I have been busy coming up with marketing ideas and strategies and it's fun watching them actually work! I am concentrating on growing my business and am hoping to bank the cash I make so that we can finish our basement and go on some trips. (And yes, I'll ship anywhere!)

Goal #3: Build my business to help my family financially (i.e. Jamaica-here we come!)

These three goals are specific and manageable and I'm sure this is going to be a fantastic year for me. What are your goals and "personal suggestions" for the new year? What are you doing to make them happen?

For additional ideas on ways to make your new year productive, visit my "Better for You" review on The BBM Review.