The How...

I've taken a few days to consider the goals laid out in my last post:

•          Read more books, at least one per month
•          Exercise at least 4 times per week
•          Lose weight
•          Begin writing again, at least once per week
•          Participate in some creative endeavor at least once per week
•          Actively engage in the community

I've realized a couple of things though.

1. These are NOT resolutions
2. Setting a goal means nothing without making a plan
3. I need the support of others
4. I really hate the timing of my start

Thanks to The Google, I know that a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. The only problem with a decision is that it doesn't contain the actions needed to achieve it. You have to take action based on that decision or it doesn't work. And to take action, a plan is necessary. So. I've made a plan. My plan will evolve as progress happens and my needs change.

The colors of this calendar attracted me.

To help with my planning, I found a 2019 calendar that I found visually appealing. I like both a weekly and a monthly view. I also like that this one has a hard-ish plastic cover to protect it throughout the year.

Record keeping is key for me.

Because I am prioritizing weight loss and exercise, this is where my tracking has begun. I weigh myself each morning and I record it. That measure is private...but progress will be shared. I write down when I will exercise and what I will do. 

I use the weekly view to track all the normal things, like my To Do list, but also what I eat, my weight, and the type/amount of exercise I do for the day. The format and layout may change if I find something that works better for me. This tracking all will help me see progress, but I can also look back and see the work it took to achieve that progress. There are no simple solutions, I need to be able to look back and see the work.

My goals of reading and writing are moving forward. This post is proof of writing. And I've been purposely reading before bed each night, even if it's only for 15 minutes. I try to set aside at least 30 though. Right now, I'm working towards finishing a book that I started ages ago. While it's not planned out yet, I will make time for something creative this weekend...most likely on Sunday. 

Last for tonight, my goal of actively engaging in the community. I attended a local women's group this week and in November I was elected Secretary of the Mohave County Democratic Central Committee. Keeping up with those responsibilities will take time and planning. I look forward to becoming more actively involved in the Party and my community.