2014 To Do List

This is my third year in a row publicly discussing New Year's Resolutions. Two years ago I posted a list of 10 Resolutions. 1 year later I hadn't accomplished a single one of those resolutions. So last year I decided to write 10 Reasons To Be Resolute. 1 year later, I'm still feeling pretty resolute. Maybe I'm on to something...

One thing that I learned is that being resolute made it easier for me to make decisions. It also allowed me to operate with no regrets. When I made a decision, I made it. No looking back. No wondering about the coulda, woulda, shoulda. I plowed forward at full speed and committed to whatever it was. Maybe it was a new curriculum I tried. Maybe it was a shopping day at the mall. Either way, I was resolute in whatever I did.

On the flip side, I'm not so sure about my results. There are many things that are going well, but there are many things that need to be better. One major positive that I have seen is that I am feeling better about myself. I am living a healthier lifestyle, I am doing more things for me (I've read 2 books this vacation!), and I have branched out socially. I've taken on new and necessary tasks/responsibilities at work and I am feeling confident in my performance. I am going to keep my 10 Reasons to be Resolute for 2014 and see what other great things happen.

Of course, there are areas where I would still like to improve. So instead of calling them resolutions, I have 10 items for a 2014 To Do List. I do much better with lists that require me to cross things off instead of general "do better" lists. I've attached loose due dates to each item to ensure that I don't put it off until December (I'm a natural procrastinator...), but of course, the goal is to accomplish them 364 days from today.

2014 To Do List

1. Run a 5K (due date: October)

2. Participate in a GORUCK Light Event (due: August)

3. Read 24 books for leisure (due: December)

4. Learn French - complete 1 course (due: May)

5. Take an art course (due: November)

6. Be a Highly Effective Teacher according to IMPACT - for the first time ever (due: June)

7. Take the GRE - get a "good" score (due: July)

8. Get a boyfriend - I know... very desperate girl sounding, but I couldn't help myself (Due: When Fate allows)

9. Begin research for PhD programs I want to enroll in - visit 3 campuses (Due: September)

10. Travel to 2 locations in the US, 1 outside of the US (Due: December)

It's going to be a busy year.

Happy New Year!