Shifting Gears

I originally started this blog with three goals in mind: to talk about the great places I've visited; to encourage other older, single women to be bold about traveling; and, to inspire people to learn about the history of the US. I explained how life circumstances first led me to discover my love for travel. Now, life circumstances have conspired to limit my ability to do so, at least for a while. But, it's all OK! I still refuse to live a fuddy-duddy life. And, I still want to inspire other baby boomers to continue in the movement we all started as teenagers, that of never growing too old to challenge ourselves!

So, I'm shifting gears and have decided to dedicate this blog to sharing ideas and inspiration for changing the perception of post-productive years from winding-down to awe-inspiring. I hope you'll share your experiences, as well. And, with 2012 only hours away, it's the perfect time to reflect on the theme of "out with the old, in with the new."

Do you fall into the trap of making the same New Year's resolutions, year after year, but never really achieving those goals? I know I used to. But, I think I know why, at least for me, I was never able to reach my intended goal... I made my resolutuions too vague and unmeasurable. I found myself saying, "This year I'm going to lose weight, work out more, spend more time with friends and family, blah, blah, blah." The key to that is, I never said how much weight I was going to lose, how many times a week I was going to work out, how much time I was going to visit or communicate with friends and family. So, it was a glass half-full/half empty concept of success, with success depending solely on perception. One pound would be weight loss, but hardly worth counting as an achievement.

But, in 2011, I did something different. I became specific in my goals. For instance I promised myself I would read at least 30 minutes a day. I read 12 books last year, a new record for me. (By the way, Goodreads is a great online resource for reading.) I also shared my resolutions in writing... on Facebook... with everyone I knew... and that brought in the element of accountability. So, after having some, albeit nominal, success in meeting my goals last year, here are my resolutions for 2012. I hope you'll feel comfortable in sharing yours, as well. But, if not, I challenge you to, at least, make one measurable promise to yourself, write it down and save it for future inspiration.

I do hereby resolve that, in the year 2012, I will (in no particular order of importance):

1.  Work out and/or exercise at least five hours a week.
2.  Spend 30 minutes a day in leisure reading.
3.  Achieve my goal weight of 150 pounds.
4.  Once a month, eat at a restaurant I've never visited before.
5.  Attend four cultural events.
6.  Attend four knowledge-building events.
7.  Volunteer 25 hours.
8.  Put $1,000 in savings.
9.  Give to three charities.
10. Post to this blog once a month.
11. Make my spare room habitable for overnight guests.
12. Spend one evening per month with friends and/or family.

It seems like a lot, but there's a method to my madness. You'll notice a lot of these are strictly for fun and entertainment, easy to keep. It helps with motivation on achieving the harder ones, such as volunteering, saving and losing weight. OK, now it's your turn... 

Oh, and before I forget, my best wishes for all of you to have a great New Year's Eve, with happiness and prosperity in 2012!! Cheers!!