January 2018 Streak Goals Set

A TED talk came up in my Facebook feed this morning.  It was a man talking about how New Year's Resolutions don't work, and that a more effective and productive approach towards self-improvement is to set 30 day goals.  The idea is that if you can maintain a habit for 30 days, it will stick if it works for you and if it doesn't stick at least you know you tried it.  Small changes, 30 days at a time, can become a foundation for a new you, a new life if not certainly a new lifestyle. 

This concept resonated with me because 1) I have found the idea of streaking, or setting small daily habits, to be successful for me in various areas, although I have done it more haphazardly.  For instance, my tracking food in Lose IT, I find the act of keeping up a streak as gratifying as the actual results and this has replaced the stepping on the scale daily habit.  I find it much more forgiving to track the action item rather than just the result, particularly when my weight is concerned.  There are many variables (hormones, sluggish metabolism) that I simply cannot decide to change.  However, I can focus on eating within my calorie budget and tracking what I eat.  2) I like this concept because at the end of the day I don't feel that I need to make any drastic changes.  I am happy with who I am, where I'm at, and the direction I’m pointed in (who knows, really, where they are headed).  However, I do believe that setting goals, and striving to be your best self are important parts of life and that reaching these goals in the end is what brings happiness. 

So, I am going to set out this year to try out some new habits every 30 days.  I have, perhaps, bitten off more than I should chew this month, but then what else is January for if it isn't for repenting December's sins.  These are the goals that I am going to try and streak on in January:

1. Journal daily, even if just for 5-10 minutes.  Doesn't matter the topic, or the audience, no audience at all.  I love to write, and this will bring this back to my daily life. 
2. Drink 64 ounces of water each day - I'm feeling rather bloated and I know this is why.  Just need to get back on track
3. Track my food in Lose It daily.  I don't care if I eat 10,000 calories.  The key is to be conscious of what I'm eating so that if I eat 10,000 calories I know that I did and I enjoyed the indulgence.  Of course, I'll try to stick to the calorie goals set in the app 95% of the time :)
4. Read 10 minutes each day.  Last year I exceeded my reading goal by 5 books, which was awesome!! I increased that goal to 23 for this year, which will be a steep goal to achieve.  10 minutes a day, and more when I can, should get me there.
5. Exercise - this one I need to get on track with.  Especially for Tulum in February!!  I am going to supplement my paddle with Body Boss, and will start off doing 3-4 days a week…that will bring me to 6 days a week including my paddle days.  
6. This one probably should not be last, but it's the least fun.  For the month of January I will only spend money on things that I need.  Food, gas, basic personal care (mani's and waxing are allowed).  Really I just need to reign in the excesses like clothes purchases and dining out and Starbucks, etc.  I can pack my lunches at home and bring a homemade latte to work.  This will help us save up $$ for the kitchen.

We shall see where this journey takes me.  It will be an adventure that's for certain!!