2010 Resolutions

Listen to the audio version of this blog. (sorry... I'm kinda sick right now, but I tried...)


Setting goals are important and all that jazz.

There are a couple things that I think are really important when you set goals. These are generally things I've picked up on while reading articles on how to achieve goals, so they may not be anything new to you either.

First, be specific about your goals. Simply saying "I want to lose weight" is not enough.
Second, figure out a way to measure your success. "I want to eat more vegetables" that's nice, but how much more?

I've decided on 3 goals. I don't want to commit to too much so that I actually have a chance at success.

1. Pay off Visa card.

I actually should focus on a different card with a higher rate of interest, but the balance due on that card is much higher and feels impossible for the moment. On top of that, I've been making little to no headway on all my cards for a long time... so paying off one will feel like a huge accomplishment. I know I can pay off my Visa with a current balance of $907.
Current Minimum Payment: $20 (11.7% APR)
Payment needed to pay off in less than one year: $81 per month
Credit Card Repayment Calculator
Spending on this card won't be a problem because the account is already closed. Which is a stupid story I won't bore you with, but bottom line is, Wells Fargo lost a loyal customer that day.

2. Eat more vegetables (and less meat)

It is really easy to make meal after meal with not a single vegetable! (At a Mexican restaurant the other day I had rice, beans and chicken in red sauce with a dab of guacamole and some shredded lettuce.) I want to eat a more balanced diet including a vegetable at every meal including breakfast, sometimes. I will log my food at SparkPeople.com (it's free, check it out)

3. Fit into a smaller bridesmaid dress than last time.

I've gained weight since Ashley's wedding September 2008. Now my sister Beth is getting married October 2010. And while I'd like to be at my goal weight by then, it's just not a realistic goal. I will need to lose a minimum of 35 pounds. Eating more vegetables will help me achieve this because my diet will probably get better over time altogether. Keeping a steady exercise routine at Project Fitness and home workouts. Once the weather warms up again biking to work and doing C25K training will help too. I will log my meals and exercise at SparkPeople.com.

I'm going to try to blog at least once a week here so I'll keep you updated on how I'm doing.