Six In Seoul
  • Our Life in Seoul Take 3
  • Our Life in Seoul, Take 2
  • 2015 Project 365
  • Project 365
  • Moving to Korea?
  • Six in the Hood
  • Seoul, 4/2008 - 4/2010
    • Flower Arrangements
    • Our second month here.....
    • Our first month here, 4/08
    • Flat Stanley
  • The Whole 30

New Year - Improving Me. 

1/12/2013

18 Comments

 
I wasn't sure I was going to share this but in the end I decided to publish it, if nothing else to help hold myself accountable.  So here goes, my new years goals for 2013.  Wish me luck.
Every year since I was 23 I have made New Year's Goals. 
Not resolutions. 
Goals.
Picture
Resolutions sound so formal.  I don't really care for formal in this instance.  
When I hear the word "resolution" I actually think 'failure' because so many people make New Year's resolutions and they 'fail'.  I've heard it my entire life: 
How are you doing on your resolution?  Not good.
Did you do it, did you complete your New Year's resolution...No. 
How is that resolution coming along....Well, the first week was good.
And then there is always the first 2 weeks of the New Year at the gym.  For the regulars we can't get into our normal class because it is full or there are no treadmills.  The gym is SO busy for the first 2 weeks of the year, but by the end of January it is back to the 'normal' gym rats. 

Over and OVER I hear how people fail at resolutions.  Why make them?  Why put yourself through that?  Why not make goals instead?  Is it really that easy - just changing the wording?  Well, that AND making it a goal that you REALLY want to work on and ones that you are committed to.  

Have I made goals and failed? Of course I have (I still haven't run that 10K!), but they don't feel so bad (most of the time) because I TRIED and maybe I fell short for one reason or another.  Or maybe I didn't try at all (that's when I feel bad...like the 10K..).  A few years back I made a goal to play ONE board game a week with my family.  I failed MISERABLY - and how simple does that sound?  It's just one board game a week.

However I have succeeded more times than not -the goal I am the most proud of I made when I was 23.  I used to be a NEGATIVE NELLY.  I talked about people all the time.  From what they wore to how they disciplined their kids to how they wore their make up, to how large or how small they were.  I felt everyone/everything was out to get me.  I was totally insecure about myself and I made myself feel better by putting down other people. 
But I was taking note, the people I admired the most never talked poorly about others, they didn't complain much and they didn't talk about people behind their backs. So that New Year's back in 91 I decided it was a time for a change.  I decided my goal would be to STOP talking about people.  To stop saying negative things out loud.  And I did.  Was it hard? Of course.  Did I slip up? Way too many times.  Did those things still go through my head?  Of course they did, but the first step was to stop saying them out loud.  Over the years and the more goals I have made those negative thought rarely surface (of course I still have them from time to time - we all have bad days and I am human after all!) But now I have more positive thoughts and I point those out to people instead of the negative.... I tell people all the time that I like their shoes, their tops or how well behaved their children are.  Positivity breeds positivity!  It's true! 
Today I don't stay things about people that I would not say to their face. (99% of the time anyway...unfortunatly I occasionally slip up.)
But that has come after years of practice.
"They"  (I'm not sure who they are) say it takes 30 days to create a new habit so I am hoping that by the end of January I have a few new habits created!
Typically I have one big goal that I like to accomplish each year.  This year I have been struggling with a few things.  The number one thing being time management.  I put too many eggs in one basket and then I start dropping eggs. Things start not getting done or they get done half ass.  I don't like half ass and I'm tired of living that way.  So, the number one thing I am working on this year is "Time Management". 

Here goes my list for 2013
Typically I don't share my goals...I keep them to myself, I can't stand to fail or disappoint people (maybe I should work on that!)....
SO, here goes.....

1.  In the mornings, I can only look at FB or write blog post until 6AM.  From 6AM-7:30ish NO COMPUTER - NO EXCEPTIONS. 

**I am a morning person, I get my best work done in the morning.  Morning time has always been just for me.  But lately (Since moving to Korea) I have been getting sucked into this 'me morning time'.  I don't want it to end - I want to extend it until I am done with what I am working on.  Which means I end up running around like a crazy woman in the mornings trying to get everyone out the door with lunches packed & coffee in hand all while trying to respond to FB messages, emails or write that one thing on the blog post that sounds so good in my head and if I don't write it down right now I will forget....  No more.  Nope, now I have a timer that goes off at 6AM.  If I'm not done, too bad.  I shut the computer down and can't get back on till AFTER the kids gone and the kitchen is clean.  (Silly, I know, but this is what I have to do to myself!  Creating a new habit is what it's all about....)

I've got to tell you, this is one I have stuck by (all 13 days of 2013 - OK, really only 9 days if you count the weekends ) and it is working like a charm.  (Despite the fact that I still have urges to get back on the computer when I hear my phone ding alerting me that I have message waiting for me!  Must turn off email & text dinger in the mornings!!)

2. Get really organized. 

I feel like I am pretty organized, but if you ask Hubby I'm guessing he would say no, as he makes little comments here and there.  BUT I absolutely have room  for improvement.  Especially for after school.....signing papers, helping with homework, getting snack on the table, working on dinner....

3. Make sure Hubby and kids know that they are my 1st priority in life.

I have been volunteering too much in the past which takes up a ton of my time.  I love volunteering because I am a nurturer and I love to help,  but there comes a time when one realizes their family is missing out on some of that nurturing so one needs to refocus on the things that are most important - family.  I have cut back on volunteering since the move to Korea, but as soon as my current positions are up I am saying NO to volunteering for the remainder of the year with the exception of field trips and doing things DIRECTLY with my children.  (Wish me luck - I am going to need it.)

4. Let things and people go that bring me down and don't help me achieve the best me I can be. 

I don't have many people in my life that bring me down.  I select my friends wisely (for the most part).  I try to stay away from the negative nellies and don't get sucked into their drama.  (That doesn't mean that if a friend is having a bad day I won't be there for them because I will.  And I'll bring the wine.) If you are a chronic complainer on FB and you are my friend, guess what, I probably don't see your comments on a daily basis, I have your feeds hidden. It's not because I don't love you, but I just don't have time for all that negativity. Ever heard the saying negativity breeds negativity?  It is so true, but it is also true for the opposite - positivity breeds positivity. I'm not saying my life is all peaches and cream, but I choose to be happy and sometimes those choices mean letting go.....

5. Stay fit and healthy.  This year I totally want ROCKin' arms. (Like my friend Jenna) 

6. Be positive and cheerful, especially to children and Hubby. 
The people I love the most are the people that see my 'worst' side.  I need to work on this.

7. Learn Lightroom and how to REALLY use my super cool camera. 

8.  Start young girls club. (for my daughter & her friends - I know this sounds like volunteering, but it really isn't, it is connecting with my daughter in a positive way)

9.  Work on photo books.

10.  I have a couple of more, but they are more personal and I'm not going to share them with you.  :o)

What are your goals for 2013?
18 Comments
Amber
1/12/2013 05:21:41 pm

You rock. That is all.

Reply
Kelly Garcia
1/14/2013 09:36:16 pm

Word.

Reply
Jamie
1/12/2013 05:30:08 pm

Amazing as always! You are an inspiration!

Reply
MsCaroline link
1/13/2013 06:12:43 am

Trish, it was so much fun to finally meet you yesterday - as I said, it felt like I was meeting a celebrity! You are as lovely in person as you are on your blog pages it shines right through in your posts.
I'm with you on goal-setting: 'resolutions' can seem pretty vague. I like to be able to cross concrete things off a list so I can see visible progress. This year I've really gotten into the Day Zero Project website(recommended by another Korea blogger), which is a place for people to share their goals and their progress toward them. I didn't make my list public, but many people do, and it's very inspiring. I only put down measurable goals (eg,"try one new recipe a week for 8 straight weeks' - 'Send one snail mail letter per week for the rest of the year' 'Make an appointment with a personal trainer') even though some of my overarching goals are similar to yours (nurture relationships, get fit, etc.) I just get too much satisfaction from checking things off a list! I do love that they have a feature that is called, 'in progress' so when you take a step toward a goal, you can acknowledge that. Best wishes to you on your journey this year and I hope our paths cross again!

Reply
Trish
1/15/2013 07:59:22 am

MsCaroline I was on a high all day after meeting you! Thanks for all the kind words.
If you are member at the Point I use Susan as a personal trainer. Another trainer I would like to use is SIM - you and find him at Collier - he can only do afternoon/evening training sessions so it doesn't work for me but he is A M A Z I N G ! ! I have taken a few of his classes.
Good luck with your 2013 goals! I look forward to running into you again soon.

Reply
MsCaroline link
1/15/2013 08:20:37 am

You are most welcome- it made my day, too - and thanks for the tips! I am, indeed, a member at the Point, although I have only used it for lap swimming - mostly go to Collier since it's the closest to our apartment building. I think I have seen the guy you mention - there are a couple trainers there, but he seems to be the most popular. His hours would work for me since I work 3 days a week, too. Of course, now that I have this information, I'm going to be forced to act on it....*sigh* ; )

Sara
1/13/2013 06:42:29 am

Well said! Goals are great, and once one is accomplished then it's on to the next one (I generally try to set a more difficult one). Good luck on your list, and always remember to smile.

Reply
Lauren
1/13/2013 06:42:52 am

I took a volunteering step back since moving here and it's been much easier at home!!

Reply
Sara A
1/13/2013 06:49:44 am

Way to go! You are correct goals are better. Not volunteering is so hard. It is worth it to take a break and enjoy your family and have time to take better care of yourself (for your family). You can do it.

Reply
Donna
1/13/2013 10:18:55 am

Awesome! Your goals are very close to mine. Except for the ENDING the computer at 6am. What? I don't function before 6am. I am a night owl. Mine is to not start until after the kids are off and morning chores are done. And not being negative is a big priority this year. I wasn't before and then life sucked and took a lot out of me but I'm done. I don't like being that way. Also, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lightroom. Check out lightroomkillertips.com. They have killer tips. Also, check out http://graphics.stanford.edu/courses/cs178-11/. This is from an actual digital photography class. It is pretty technical. Oh, and you really do rock. You are who I want to be.

Reply
Donna
1/13/2013 10:19:37 am

And I don't know the time difference so I'm just going to make your phone ping one more time to tempt you.

Reply
Tracy
1/13/2013 11:25:41 am

This is so Awesome Trish! And...one of the many reasons why I love you. One of my goals....(althought a small one) is to spend less time on the Computer and start reading books again. I spend way too much time on Pinterest! Also...taking up knitting. : )

Reply
Kristin
1/13/2013 11:51:07 am

Evidenced right here in this thread...... Positivity!!!!!

Reply
Laura
1/13/2013 11:51:30 am

love this post, trish!

Reply
LeAnn
1/13/2013 12:02:56 pm

Very nice Trish! I cut the volunteering out this year too. My jobs are, Alex's Taxi and Gary's Cook. At first look it was a depressingly short list, but I'm really liking it! It's the first time in many, many years where my family is my total focus. No outside deadlines or distractions. I spend at least 4 hours a day on the road for Alex and the only time I see Gary is at dinner, so those are my power times. I'm very proud of you and I really love your "goal" idea.

Reply
Kelly Garcia
1/14/2013 09:43:34 pm

I love this post so much. The focus on positivity. Yes!! I just want to hug you. (And you were a negative Nelly? What?!) I have many a New Years goal. But perhaps my most do-able is the one I decided upon this evening in the parking garage. This year I will learn how to park backwards in a parking spot as deftly and skillfully as any Korean driver. Daggumit.

Reply
Randy Veraguas link
1/15/2013 07:51:20 am

You are amazing, Trish. Yes, well said! Positivity breeds positivity! So true!!! I love the way you write, so easy and conversational. I can your voice as I read it and you make me laugh out loud! I hope my FB posts aren't hidden....;)
You are one of my role models!
Love always, Randy

Reply
Trish
1/15/2013 07:55:35 am

Awe thanks Randy! I've come a long way since 'back in the day'! :o)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you 
    did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”   
    ―     Maya Angelou
    Picture

    Author

    Hi, I'm Trish, the writer, creator and photographer of this blog.  I started this blog for 2 reasons, 1 - When I found out we were moving to Korea back in 2008 I was a little freaked out and started scouring the internet for information on Korea. At that time there wasn't much out there so I am doing my part in helping families across the world not be so freaked out when it comes time to move to Korea.  The 2nd reason I started this blog was to help stay connected to family members back in the states.  Today it is so much more that.
    I hope you enjoy our journey.

    Are you moving to Korea?  Do you have questions, concerns?  Are you freaking out?   Freak out no further -  click the button to ask a question.  I'll do my best to answer open and honestly.
    Moving to Korea?

    Blogs I Follow:

    Archives

    October 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    Categories

    All
    After School Snack
    Bali
    Birthdays
    Bread
    Breakfast
    Cakes
    Cambodia
    Cat Cafe
    Chicken
    Chocolate
    City Hall Area
    Cocktails
    Coffee
    Cookies/bars
    Crockpot Meals
    Crockpot Meals
    Daily Life
    Date Night
    Day Trips
    Desserts
    Dog Cafe
    Dongdaemn
    Dr. Fish
    Family Favorite Foods
    French District
    Fun With Kids
    Gangnam
    Gluten Free
    Hannamdong
    Hannam Dong
    Hawaii
    Hiking In Seoul
    Holdiays
    Hondage
    Indian Food
    Itaewon Restaurants
    Itaewon Restaurants
    Italian/Pizza
    Italian/Pizza
    Jimjilbang
    Korean Food
    Korean Food
    Korean Holiday
    Lunch Box Menus
    Malaysia
    Memories
    Mexican Food
    Modeling
    Moving To Yongsan
    Moving To Yongsan
    Muffins
    Museums
    Myeongdong
    Not Quite Right
    Not Quite Right
    Our House
    Paleo
    Parties
    Pce
    Philippines
    Pies
    Pork
    Red Meat
    Red Meat
    Restaurants
    Right On The Rok
    Salad Dressing
    Salads
    Seafood
    Seorae Village
    Sheep Cafe
    Shellfish
    Shopping
    Side Dishes
    Sightseeing
    Singapore
    Sinsa Area
    Sinsa Area
    Soup
    Sporting Events
    Street Food
    Street Food
    Thai Food
    Theaters
    Tuesdays With Trish
    Vacations
    Vegetarian
    Weekend Getaways
    Where Is Trish43cc997645
    Whole30

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.