I’m usually much more specific with goals, I know it’s good to set goals that you can chart and measure. And these certainly are not like that. Perhaps I will write down some concrete actions for myself. But for now I have three concepts or ideas for 2013 that I’d like to achieve. Or at the very least strive towards.

My father always says, “A goal not written is only a wish, if it’s to be it’s up to me!” So I’m writing them here for all to see.

1. Be gracious

At first this goal was “be nicer.” But as I thought about it, I think I’m OVERALL pretty nice. But what I need work on are the niceties. Things like being considerate of others, asking people questions about themselves, being more thoughtful about ways I can help friends and even acquaintances. This past year has been very busy and I didn’t have the time or make the time to call and check up on loved ones or send all the thank you notes I should have. So by gracious I mean considerate, thoughtful and warm.

I got to a place where I felt like I was giving more time and attention to business and online relationships than I was to relationships with my friends and family. And that’s a hard balance right? Especially when I work with a lot of my friends, and because I’m trying so hard to achieve certain goals–which is good, but also selfish. I think I can probably still accomplish what I want and still make a little more time to consider others.

2. Be clean

It’s no secret that I’m a hot mess. And I post countless pictures on Instagram of how that mess translates to my home. I’m not setting any unrealistic goals for myself…but I am going to try to calm the hell down, and put stuff away as I go.

I bought this book a while back called Organized Simplicity. I really liked it, and even though I didn’t follow through with any of the actual CLEANING and ORGANIZING…I did like one thought she presented, something along the lines of, “Never put off any chore that you can do in under 60 seconds.”

That has really stuck with me. Because so often what happens is I get SO wrapped up in what I’m working on that I storm through the house like a tornado. But taking the 60 seconds to hang up my clothes, put away the glitter, or unplug the glue gun…well those could make a real difference.

3. Bask in Simplicity

I tend to complicate things. Whether it’s a blog post, a party, a meal: I’m just a girl who can’t say no! I don’t think it’s in my nature to be a minimalist, and so I carefully worded this, “BASK in Simplicity.” I paired an indulgent and opulent verb with my humble noun. And THAT’s something I think I can do. I can still be me, but not overcommit, over plan, or in general go over board.

Especially with the new baby on the way, I know I need to keep it simple stupid. I want to buy less and do more with what I have. I’ve found wanting less makes me happier and more content. I really liked this post by Erin on Design for Mankind, this is exactly what I’m talking about. In short, I want to bask in the meaningful and blow off the rest.

So there you have it! My goals for 2013, do you make resolutions or goals? Notice how there is nothing to do with NOT eating donuts? I figure if I plan on eating more donuts this year I’ll either feel rebellious and eat less, or achieve my goal. Either way I win. I know, I’m a genius.

xo
Alison