Every year I make resolutions. Last year I kept up on one until March. I am pretty sure that is the longest I have ever focused on any resolution I have ever made. This year, I am not making any resolutions. Instead, I am turning my typical, generic resolutions into achievable goals. 2012 starts on Sunday. The first day of a new year on the first day of the week–the perfect setting for new beginnings. We are going to spend more time together as a family, eat at home more, save money and pay off our bills. These are my family goals–I will write about those later. For now, here are my personal goals compared with my old resolutions.

Old–I want to lose weight.

New–In 2012, I will lose 52 pounds. Same concept, but now I have a definite goal. Since 52 pounds in a year averages to 1 pound a week, I will be able to monitor my progress weekly and make changes where they need to be made.

Old–I want to cut out sugar.

New–I will decrease sugar consumption by drinking water and unsweetened tea at home and in restaurants. I have learned from the past that to deprive myself completely only results in me giving up way too soon. I am not saying that I cannot ever have a soda, but I will not keep them in my home.  When I do not drink sodas, I typically do not crave other sweets.

Old–I want to get organized.

New–I will spend 15 minutes three times a week organizing and decluttering some part of my home. Getting organized has always been difficult for me because I get overwhelmed and give up on the first day. I might not be able to clean out my whole craft room over night, but I can spend 15 minutes cleaning out the junk drawer. I plan to start small–Christmas decorations, kitchen drawers, night stand, etc…and work my way to the things that scare me (garage, craft room…). I will build on success instead of getting overwhelmed and giving up right away.

Old–I want to read the Bible more.

New–I will follow the morning and evening plan for reading the Bible in a year. I know there will be days I do not do the reading, but having a plan will allow me to read ahead when I can, or catch up when I need to.

There you have it–my primary goals for 2012. Each one is doable and can be achieved in small steps. Over the next few weeks, I will tell you the things I find that help me meet my goals.