Goals and Resolutions

I realize I'm probably the five hundred ninety-nine bazillionth blogger to write about resolutions at this time of year. So be it. I'm doin' it anyway. Generally I don't do resolutions - they're just something else for me to not follow through on. But this year will be different.

I have already started on my resolutions...sort of. I started running a few weeks ago to train for a half marathon, something I've wanted to do for a couple of years. So I'm going to follow through on that commitment and some others.

Why? And why now? Well, for years I've kind of just been a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl. I over commit myself often (most days I think it's physiologically impossible for me to say "no") and frequently feel burned out and frustrated, and like I haven't actually accomplished a single thing no matter how much running around I've done. I will freely admit that this is due largely in part to poor time management. It's not that I don't have the skills, I just haven't really cared that much I guess. I've been lazy.

Now that I'm a parent (btw, that still feels weird to say) I want to be a good example for my son. I want to show him that it's fun to be healthy. That there are more important things in life than money and...things. That it's important to follow through when you commit to do something. And a lot of other things too, but those in particular.

I've started reading many blogs in the past year and a couple of them in particular have gotten me thinking over the last couple of days (you can see those posts here and here). So, I'm setting some goals for myself. I won't be sharing all of them right now (or maybe ever). One of them is obviously to finish a half marathon. I also intend, along with my friend AM, to memorize 24 scriptures this year (see the link to the Beth Moore blog above).

And here's where the link to the Ali Edwards blog comes in.

I have chosen a word for 2011. My word is purpose. From dictionary.com:

pur·pose

 [pur-puhs] noun, verb, -posed, -pos·ing.

–noun

1.

the reason for which something exists or is done, made,used, etc.

2.

an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

3.

determination; resoluteness.

4.

the subject in hand; the point at issue.

5.

practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.

–verb (used with object)

6.

to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.

7.

to intend; design.

8.

to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.

The blue text is my "highlighting". I want to live my life with purpose. I'm not just here. I mean, big (BIG) picture, my end purpose is Heaven. And to take as many people as I can with me. Flying by the seat of my pants may not be the most efficient way to do that. I intend to live with purpose. I am designing a plan to help me do this - less time on the computer, more time moving, exercising, cleaning the house, playing with the little man. Less time worrying about what's going to happen tomorrow and more time enjoying what's happening right now. And I'm going to do it all, on PURPOSE.

Now that I've rambled on for EVER, some questions for you. Do you have any goals for the new year? What are they? How did you choose them? Have you written them down? Do you have an accountability partner to help you?