Happy New Year Everyone! I suppose this should have been last weeks topic, but I had to finish up that series first. :)
I'm not big on New Years Resolutions. What I mean by that is I don't like waiting until the new year to resolve to get something done. If I resolve to change my life in March I start in March, not January of the following year. If I fail in February, I don't say "oh well, there's always next year".
I do believe in resolutions though. I also believe in "clean slates". If I fall short of my goals, I dust myself off and start again. Depending on the goal, that might be the next day, week or month. For example, my weight loss goals this past year were weekly and when I gained or lost little in a week, I just started fresh the following week and carried on. It sure helps prevent getting down on yourself (or at least keeps the mourning shorter).
So, if I'm opposed to "New Years" resolutions, why am I doing one now you ask? Well, it's only because my latest resolution happened to fall in January. :)
Ever since I did my budget (years ago) I've been staring at the big eating out number. I keep feeling like there isn't enough money to go around and it's really the only number I can play with at the moment. It doesn't feel like we're eating out that much, but every month we seem to spend about $300 on dining out.
I know what some of you are thinking right now! Before you freak out on me for that number, make sure you know what your number is first. I was very surprised when I found out mine!
So we resolved to cut this eating out number down. It's already been tough and tempting to break this resolution. Especially when we're both tired after work/school or when I wake up late and don't want to pack a lunch. What keeps me going is knowing how much we can save by eating at home and what we can do with that money.
I also just don't make it an option. When I sleep in (which is always by the way) I just tell myself that buying lunch is not an option. After all if I'm behind by a few minutes I still need to brush my teeth, get dressed, etc. I'd never cut those things out when I sleep in, so I just make packing a lunch one of those things.
I suppose I could have also resolved to pack my lunches at night and go to bed earlier, but one man can only do so much! ;)
Another resolution that I made, is to eat less processed foods. Why? Because it's generally cheaper and better tasting to make the food "from scratch". Less chemicals in the body probably won't hurt either.
While convenient, the processed foods don't really save all that much time.I already make my own pancakes from scratch and have often mocked the use of instant mix. Being the hypocrite that I am though, I buy pre-made patties, microwavable lunches, etc. Honestly I don't think the increase in time will be that significant, while the health and financal benefits will be.
Anyhow, wish me luck. What do you think? What resolutions did you make?
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Resolution is such a scary word to me! I'd rather "HOPE" that things will change for me! :) That sounds weak, doesn't it? *smile* Anyways, this year I'm going to Challenge myself more. Be a better mother & wife. Work out. Eat better. Read my Bible. I think these are things I strive to do every year, but maybe it will be different this year. Like you, starting fresh each week, breaking it down into manageable goals makes it easier.
ReplyDeletebest of luck to you! :)
Thanks for the support and good luck to you too!
ReplyDeleteMy only other piece of advice is to work on 1 or 2 issues at a time. I should work out more, read the bible more, study more, etc, etc. I find though that I get overwhelmed if I take on too much and I end up changing nothing.
Once something becomes habit than it's easier to add another resolution. So I just pick the most important thing to me at the time and work hard to make it a habit.