Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The 12 months of X
So I now I have 10 things I want to really focus on in the new year. But trying to tackle 10 new habits, or having 10 different choices to always half to make all the time is just a recipe for failure! So to make sure I keep to my resolutions, I'm breaking down my 10 for X list; one topic for each month throughout the year. These monthly themes will inspire my efforts so I have one thing to deal with at a time. Brilliant.... I know.
By not overloading myself trying to accomplish everything all at once I'll be able to succeed with steady progression over time and not get frustrated or bored. It allows me the ability to make short term and achievable goals that will keep me motivated for 12 months. And each of the months lessons progressively build upon one another so that the improvements I gain in one month can be capitalized upon as I grow.
January = Routine
What's easy to overlook in any given day/week are those mundane tasks which I hate to do. By adhering to a more disciplined routine, I can maximize the efficiency of my day and have no excuse to avoid the unpleasant. It will be important to schedule in the tasks I don't like to do, like exercise and cleaning, then make certain those tasks are done at the appropriate times.
February = Fitness & Nutrition
I'm stepping up my game in February and fast-tracking my body image goals. A daily time for exercise will have already been put into my regular routine, but in February I want to really maximize my time in the gym. Pick a Beachbody program and really get into it. Also, eating right will be a major focus with a goal being to eliminate soda from my diet. "Fat boy's don't get laid"
March = Finances
It's tax season and I will spend the month dealing with my income-to-debt ratio, my budget, the mortgage, taxes and regular withholdings, while trying to increase my savings for future expenses and building an "oh-fuck!" account. This will also be a good time to figure out how to begin rebuilding my credit.
April = Career
Though I can not directly affect if I get hired or get a promotion, I can put in the effort to finding that great new job or showcasing my work and becoming invaluable wherever I'm at. It's time to figure out once-and-for all what I want to be when I grow up and get myself squarely on a growth path by demonstrating my core competencies. It will also be the time to network with friends and build contacts for new opportunities.
May = Me: Love
It's my birthday month and I can think of no better time to really love me! I'm going to take May and re-connect with all the great things that make's me who I am and love and cherish what I can do well. No negative thoughts for these spring flowers, May is just about Me, what I want, and what is important to me. Building confidence and respect for the great things I do well.
June = Health & Beauty
Now that I have turned 34, June is the time to really address some good anti-aging measures. A daily skin & hair retention routine will have been established and followed already. So this month will be spent on some deeper maintenance. Go in for a facial and skin consultation, get a few things waked, take a whole-foods cooking class, or enjoy a spa day. This month is about turning back the clock a little.
July = Pride
Summer is in full-swing and the gay boys are getting their pride on. I'm taking this month to celebrate being gay and having pride in myself. I'm going to celebrate what I've done in my life and accomplished in the first half of this year. I'm also going to look at how my life and my self-confidence touches and affects other people in my life. It's a chance to meditate and center myself then get out and meet new people.
August = Education/Learning
Part of The New Sam is finding out what other people know. Time to invest in a class on something new and interesting; do a writing workshop, group exercise, study poker or learn to cheat at blackjack. Take an in-depth meditation class, or really get into yoga. Get out and find a group and try something out of the comfort zone.
September = Style
Let's hope that by now all the hard-work I've been putting into the gym is paying off. I may be ready to show it off a little. September is the time to splurge a little and freshen up the wardrobe. Clothes do not make the man, but they do reflect his attitude.
October = Open
I'm giving myself a month here to play catch-up. Re-visit anything I want to do again or that needs more work. Maybe I've made great strides on something one month already and want one month to go even further! This month isn't being pre-planned, but it will have a focus.
November = Home
Take some time to get organized. Throw out any junk or clutter that's accumulated around the house. If you're not using it then you don't need it. And if there's extra cash around, maybe invest in some improvements like new windows (OK that would take a lot of cash), bathroom cabinets, closet doors, or a bar. If there's no extra cash then just scrub the place down and give it a good spit-n-polish along with throwing out the unneeded crap.
December = Reflection & Planning
With 12 months down let's see how I did. Who am I today and what's different from a year ago? What did I learn about myself and get accomplished in only 12 months of focussed effort? What did you not do as well or totally screwup... anything? How will this year be remembered? And, most importantly, what's next?
By not overloading myself trying to accomplish everything all at once I'll be able to succeed with steady progression over time and not get frustrated or bored. It allows me the ability to make short term and achievable goals that will keep me motivated for 12 months. And each of the months lessons progressively build upon one another so that the improvements I gain in one month can be capitalized upon as I grow.
January = Routine
What's easy to overlook in any given day/week are those mundane tasks which I hate to do. By adhering to a more disciplined routine, I can maximize the efficiency of my day and have no excuse to avoid the unpleasant. It will be important to schedule in the tasks I don't like to do, like exercise and cleaning, then make certain those tasks are done at the appropriate times.
February = Fitness & Nutrition
I'm stepping up my game in February and fast-tracking my body image goals. A daily time for exercise will have already been put into my regular routine, but in February I want to really maximize my time in the gym. Pick a Beachbody program and really get into it. Also, eating right will be a major focus with a goal being to eliminate soda from my diet. "Fat boy's don't get laid"
March = Finances
It's tax season and I will spend the month dealing with my income-to-debt ratio, my budget, the mortgage, taxes and regular withholdings, while trying to increase my savings for future expenses and building an "oh-fuck!" account. This will also be a good time to figure out how to begin rebuilding my credit.
April = Career
Though I can not directly affect if I get hired or get a promotion, I can put in the effort to finding that great new job or showcasing my work and becoming invaluable wherever I'm at. It's time to figure out once-and-for all what I want to be when I grow up and get myself squarely on a growth path by demonstrating my core competencies. It will also be the time to network with friends and build contacts for new opportunities.
May = Me: Love
It's my birthday month and I can think of no better time to really love me! I'm going to take May and re-connect with all the great things that make's me who I am and love and cherish what I can do well. No negative thoughts for these spring flowers, May is just about Me, what I want, and what is important to me. Building confidence and respect for the great things I do well.
June = Health & Beauty
Now that I have turned 34, June is the time to really address some good anti-aging measures. A daily skin & hair retention routine will have been established and followed already. So this month will be spent on some deeper maintenance. Go in for a facial and skin consultation, get a few things waked, take a whole-foods cooking class, or enjoy a spa day. This month is about turning back the clock a little.
July = Pride
Summer is in full-swing and the gay boys are getting their pride on. I'm taking this month to celebrate being gay and having pride in myself. I'm going to celebrate what I've done in my life and accomplished in the first half of this year. I'm also going to look at how my life and my self-confidence touches and affects other people in my life. It's a chance to meditate and center myself then get out and meet new people.
August = Education/Learning
Part of The New Sam is finding out what other people know. Time to invest in a class on something new and interesting; do a writing workshop, group exercise, study poker or learn to cheat at blackjack. Take an in-depth meditation class, or really get into yoga. Get out and find a group and try something out of the comfort zone.
September = Style
Let's hope that by now all the hard-work I've been putting into the gym is paying off. I may be ready to show it off a little. September is the time to splurge a little and freshen up the wardrobe. Clothes do not make the man, but they do reflect his attitude.
October = Open
I'm giving myself a month here to play catch-up. Re-visit anything I want to do again or that needs more work. Maybe I've made great strides on something one month already and want one month to go even further! This month isn't being pre-planned, but it will have a focus.
November = Home
Take some time to get organized. Throw out any junk or clutter that's accumulated around the house. If you're not using it then you don't need it. And if there's extra cash around, maybe invest in some improvements like new windows (OK that would take a lot of cash), bathroom cabinets, closet doors, or a bar. If there's no extra cash then just scrub the place down and give it a good spit-n-polish along with throwing out the unneeded crap.
December = Reflection & Planning
With 12 months down let's see how I did. Who am I today and what's different from a year ago? What did I learn about myself and get accomplished in only 12 months of focussed effort? What did you not do as well or totally screwup... anything? How will this year be remembered? And, most importantly, what's next?
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