I understand the concept of New Year’s Resolutions. It’s an opportunity at a fresh start, and conversations about resolutions are ubiquitous. Everyone wants to know what everyone else is resolving. The whole thing rubs the wrong way to a certain extent, sort of the same way Valentine’s day does. Why do we only strive to better ourselves (or our relationships) on this one day of the year, out of 365? Utter nonsense.

On the other hand, goals are important. I’ve spent most of my adult life until now just sort of sailing along, to a certain extent. I’m okay admitting that, because for the most part I’ve had fun, been successful, and been pretty damn happy. I focus on the things that interest me and thrive, but the less-fun aspects get – you guessed it – less attention. But there comes a time when that doesn’t cut it anymore. Life is getting more complicated. I’m 27 years old, and now I have to exert an effort to remain in good shape; physically, emotionally, financially, professionally, you name it. So for the first time, I’m giving myself a list of goals – not necessarily things to accomplish by the end of 2011, but things to take very seriously, and put some real work in on. So here they are:

• Get back to my healthy weight of 165. Stay there, more or less.
• Subgoal: Do this while continuing to enjoy life, avoid guilt, but be smart and honest with myself.
• Meditate. Make it part of my life and attend a retreat.
• Go to yoga a lot. At least once a week, as a general rule.
• Work on my anxiety – dig deeper to find the root(s) and trigger(s). Invoke help when needed, but take responsibility for my own limitations.
• Dote on the people I love. Spend time with them, and dole out many favors and gifts.
• Grow a large chunk of my own vegetables, and all my own herbs.
• Cut my spending by 30% (this one freaks me out and I’m giving myself two years).
• Actually use mint.com. Pay attention to it.
• Run a half marathon.
• Go on more bike rides.
• Stop driving to work so much. Ride the bus or do bike + Caltrain.
• Make lots of sausage, pates, pickled, cured and smoked items and my own cheese. Take classes as necessary.
• Get more sleep.
• Learn more about photography and go on a couple shooting trips.
• Improve my professional situation (details redacted).
• Blog more. Duh. Yay!

There’s a lot more, but I think this is a good starting point. I’ll try to note progress along the way, but hopefully it’ll happen organically and show up here as I start to blog more about my life and thoughts.