I decided instead of reviewing the year 2009 in December I would review each month. My goal for 2009 was to be smarter with money. I decided to change one bad habit per month.
January’s elimination was coffee…lattes, espressos, mocha…you get the idea. I normally would buy it 4-5 days per week at the nearby coffee shop. My results: I purchased it 6 times.
Now I could say that I failed because I didn’t eliminate it completely. That would give me permission to forget the whole thing and go back to my bad habit completely. Sometimes I wish I didn’t know better! Instead I will look at the 25 days I didn’t buy it. Now that’s progress!
I also made a committment to my blogging buddy Stacey about exercising. I committed to lifting weights twice a week the first two months of the year. After that I would increase it to three times a week.
I missed one day. Again did I fail? I think not. Again if I choose to focus on how many times I did what I was suppose to do I look see success vs failure.
We all know change isn’t about perfection. All real change is slow. It’s the main reason people can’t keep weight off when they lose it too quickly.
I’m pleased with my progress as I joyfully move into February’s changes. Here’s your question:
What Was Your Biggest Insight In January 2009?
Please tell me about any insights you had in January on your commitment, resolution or desire to change. If you wrote an article about the New Year and change feel free to leave a link.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t think you failed. There is a big difference between reaching your goals and failing. What falls in-between is progress. (ps I was trying to use your “contact” page and it wasn’t working for me)
dan’s last blog post..Three things I love about my point-and-shoot camera
My greatest insight is from the book Think and Grow Rich. I’m learning to take a leap of faith by turning ideas into reality.
Side note – I have been doing my exercises. I thought I would be doing 2 one-hour sessions a week. Instead I’m doing mini workouts throughout each day. To me, that is still success (and I have you to thank for keeping me motivated and accountable).
Thanks Tess.
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..Hungry for Balance Online Retreat
I love your site! The warning made me smile because it’s so empowering and the goldfish picture speaks volumes!
Your post is great reminder to all of us to focus on what we’ve achieved and not what we didn’t. The idea is keep going, even if you take small steps to reach your destination. After all, it’s your journey and you GET to determine how you travel it.
Sara B. Healy’s last blog post..A Facebook challenge with a twist!
I decided to give up shopping for clothes and shoes 6 months. I am amazed at how many clothes I have in my closet that I have worn 1 or may not even have worn at all. When I am getting dressed, I make a game out of it and pretend I am at Nordstroms. I ask myself what can I find today in my fabulous selection?? My greatest insight is that I have everything I need. When I get the desire to spend money on clothes or shop, I begin to ask myself why I want to go shopping. I take an inventory of my feelings at that time and do some reflection. What I have discovered is that when I am not feeling good about myself or something in my life that is when I want to shop. I want to mask what I am feeling with the energy or high I get from shopping. What an insight!?!?!
I am in sales and lord knows we’ve all heard about the economy and people are holding on to their $$ (including this sales rep). Well, I really am amazed at the power of my attitude in relation to selling. I talk to myself in my car before I go into a sales call w. postive affirmations and thoughts. I affirm what I am going to sell and that I will not leave without an order for something. My goal is to remain grateful for the business I have and sell something everyday. Of course, many times, I need to re-group but a positive attitude sure outsells anegative attitude.
Hi Tess,
I think what you’ve accomplished is not failure at all – it’s great success! Much to be pleased with!
For the year 2009, I chose one word to focus on for the year – and the word I chose was “courage”. And I’ve seen this word surfacing this past month – most recently in the courage to take on the position of director for our school’s basketball tournament – a weekend that will see about 5000 people pass through it’s doors (coming up in about a week!). So, a little courage to go on this one yet! And a lot already in getting to where we’re at today.
Lance’s last blog post..Smile!
Oh no, did it eat the scintillating comment I just tried to post?
Me – setting my show date. May 10th. INsight!
Sorry this is so short . I just wrote a longer comment and the Internet chomped it up or something.
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..Kalyani’s Magic Fuzzy Pants
Hey Tess,
You remind me of when I started journalling years ago. At that time I was a perfectionist and if I missed even one day after weeks of faithfully journalling every night, I considered it a failure and would give up the project entirely. Needless to say, journalling didn’t take off for me this way.
Many years later, I decided to journal again, but only when I felt like it with no need to write everyday. Sometimes I journalled only once every few weeks, but I didn’t beat myself up about it. Guess what? That firmly established the habit of journalling and I’ve been doing it quite consistently, though still not everyday, for over a decade.
So you certainly didn’t fail. Just relax and keep going!
Daphne’s last blog post..8 Lessons A Nearly-Dead Dog Taught Me About Living
Dan,
You’re absolutely correct. I’ve made BIG progress!
Stacey,
I love that you’re turning ideas into reality! And way to go on your exercising. Who cares how you do it just so you do it.
Yeah.
Sara,
Sometimes I forget I decide how to travel on my journey. How silly of me. Or is it just human?
Kristy,
You go. What a geat idea…to shop in your own closet. Love the positive attitude. Way to begin 2009!
Lance,
What a great dad you are! I think you should put your domain name on your sweatshirt so everyone knows how to find your blog!
Jannie,
We’ll be sending good thoughts and vibes your way for March 10th!
Daphne,
Yes progress is better than failure isn’t it? I journal as well and have at least 6 gratitude journals from years gone by. I have my clients journal as well.
Tess The Bold Life’s last blog post..What Was Your Biggest Insight In January 2009?
Wow, I am actually impressed with your results. You had a much different month than December. So now your goal is to have a much different month in February than in January.
My big insight for January is that all of the goals that I want to accomplish for this year, I need to get going on. I mean, holy cow, the first month of 2009 is already over???
Trey – Swollen Thumb Entertainment’s last blog post..Kevin Smith: Filmmaker/Nerd
I love your perspective! There is perfection in imperfection and you have found that!
I like the way you put that. I’ve never thought about perfection in imperfection before! Thanks
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