I was going to write a post all about the highs and lows that made up 2012. (e.g., My father’s stroke, leaving private practice, my grandmother’s death, getting rid of my pesky gallbladder.) But I don’t really want to do a year-end wrap up. I’m ready to embrace 2013.
I’ve got three words for 2013.
Success.
It’s already tattooed to my foot, so it’s not just a word for my year. It’s a word that defines me. Success is all about creating favorable outcomes. I’m going to live my life in a way that creates favorable outcomes. If something is negative, I’m going to make it positive.
Joy.
2012 was all about embracing happiness. I’m continuing this year and I want to be full of joy.
Balance.
This is the hardest one for me. I spent a lot of time last year on business. This year, I want personal success, in addition to business success. That requires learning to balance those needs more. I am going to be organized and efficient so that I can work a little less. And, more importantly, to not be distracted when I am taking time for myself. I want to walk away from technology so that I can find joy in the little moments.
Every year comes with goals and 2013 is no different. But I find that my goals are more about the little things this year.
- Get better at using my camera. Yes, I am renowned in the world of sphynx portraiture, but I want to expand that. I bought some new photography equipment to help me on that goal.
- Read at least 75 books in 2013. I don’t mean heavy books or classics. Honestly, those aren’t what I like to read. I want to read because I love it, not because I feel obligated to. I’m on Goodreads if you want to hang out and see what I’m doing.
- I want to plant a garden. I realize that I am saying this while it is cool outside. My attitude could change drastically once the weather gets to blazing inferno levels. My goal is to start small and grow herbs, lettuce and tomatoes.
- Stay organized. I am extremely anti-clutter right now. I am going to keep the house and my office organized. When there is no clutter, there is no nagging sense that something constantly has to be cleaned.
- Create a fitness routine. I was getting into a routine at LifeTime and then I started getting really sick and having back problems. I understand now that it was all gallbladder related. Now that I am pretty well into recovery, I want to get back into a routine. I also got a FitBit to track my daily activity and sleep. I’m not putting a number on weight loss. I’m also not putting a specific goal in sight. I want to be strong and healthy. Everything that might come with it, like additional weight loss, is a bonus.
- Save more.
What are your goals for 2013? Any good books that you want me to read? I like chick lit/women’s literature, but not anything too racy. My favorites are Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella.
Those are 3 amazing words. Wishing you a wonderful 2013 and success with your goals.
Yum, garden-grown lettuce. You won’t be disappointed.
I’m also focusing on little things this year (posted on my blog this morning, if you’d like to check them out). I’m not feeling the need for drastic. Happy New Year, Danielle!
Great goals for the year. I am also ready to be done with 2012 & embrace this new year!
Have you ever read anything by Kristin Hannah? Her novels are mostly about friendships, and the relationships between mothers & daughters. I think I’ve read all of her books.
Last year I grew my first herb garden and I want to expand this year. Nothing like fresh herbs!
I’m going to start growing stuff too. Our friends in Tucson have a kick ass urban garden that is my inspiration. After eating a salad fresh picked from there it’s hard to go back.
Sara told me the easiest thing to grow are radishes followed by lettuce and onions. Since they are a similar climate and she’s done it I’m treating her advice as gold.
UNPLUGGING from the internet for 5 straight days (not even checking it on my phone) was one of the best things I did in 2012. I’m NOT kidding.
Balance is my word of the year. My life has so many facets that I need to find the happy medium to achieve happiness in all of them. I’m a little envious of your 75 books goal. One of my goals for 2012 was to read 12. I got 4, maybe? So this year, I’m settling for 6.
Best of luck to you in 2013!
I need less stress and more time not sitting at the computer. And a magic lamp.
I need more balance. Or boundaries. Or both. I’m really organized at home –hope I can keep it that way because it is such a nice feeling.
I am going to figure out Good Reads just so I can stalk you.
Great words to live by! And to get tattooed! On the cat!
I LOVE that you are focusing on personal success! I hate how sometimes it feels like in our society success is so based work, finance, or by how much you have on your plate, when it’s really the things like planting a garden that fulfill us. I feel like with those personal successes, the balance part will come.
Those are three great, strong words. Joy is something that I need to continue to embrace this year. I’m getting better at it but I want to be more carefree about the things in my life too. My word for the year is Intention and really making sure that my head and my heart are connected, that I’m doing things for the right reasons. And really? 75 books? Wow. I’m hoping for 5, maybe 6 books this year. Happy New Year!
You will love the FitBit. I find it is pretty accurate! I am commiting to eatting a clean diet and balance as well. Sometimes, technology needs to be put away to focus on the present – ok 99% of the time, lol and I really want to work on that as well. Not to mention my goal is 13 Half Marathons in 2013
Happy New Year Danielle!
I agree with you on the balance bit. I need to learn a work/life balance and prioritize myself a little more.
Great goals!
I recommend the Happiness Project – if you haven’t read it already. It’s GREAT!
Totally agree with you on the book authors you like! A few times I have veered off my favorite authors only to feel as if I were reading an erotic novel while chugging along on the elliptical. Lets just say it was slightly awkward to read these books as the characters were working up a sweat… While I was too, LOL!!!
Happy New Year Danielle!
If you like chick lit, try Marian Keyes. She’s my go-to when I need something breezy and fun.