New Year’s Resolutions MizFit Style.

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This is, supposedly, a huge day in the diet & fitness industry. The day all the gyms & diet places prey on encourage you to sign! up! now!!

Me? I’m not a resolution maker.

We’ve talked about my vision board ad nauseum & the fact that I am a big believer in personal and fitness mission statements.

For me every day is an opportunity to revise my goals/personal vision so I typically set no new goals at this time of year.

This year is no different except for the fact it occurred to me that, a year ago, there was no MizFitOnline yet.

A year ago Id not have imagined how full my life would be because of the writing & dialogue we all share here.

So this year I have a goal. An addendum to my vision board which is simply to stay open to all the world might present to me.

To take risks (as MizFit was, in my eyes, a risk) and be open to new experiences.

With that I give you a sampling of bloggers/people & their take on resolutions.

They are listed in the order they responded & are merely a smattering of the people for whom I am grateful.

TB’s Journey My resolutions are usually very vague, like exercising more, losing weight, etc. This year, I’m focusing on something more specific. I want to make sure I make time for myself. As a stay-at-home-dad, I’ve got to make sure I get out of the house to exercise 4 times weekly. Selfish, but will keep me sane! I’m toying with running at least 10 miles weekly rather than focusing on daily steps.

Sahar of Fat Fighter TV Okay, for 2009 the biggest thing I want to do is not to stress over the little things that bug me (like I tend to do), especially around the house -if the toilet seat is up or if the toothpaste is squeezed the wrong way, sowhat? Just take a deep breath and move on.

Vered of Mom Grind I love New Year’s resolutions. Self-development experts recommend that people have a “life list” in addition to their daily to-do list. New
Year’s is a good time to start, or review, your life list because it’s easy to remember and it comes, predictably, once a year.
I actually do my own resolutions on the Jewish New Year, which is indeed a holiday of deep introspection. But the idea is the same: you think about
your life, your long-term goals, who you are, who you want to be, and decide on necessary changes and adjustments, then make a true effort to implement them during the year.

Chris of Sonic Tap My one and only only goal this year is to get the site launched finally and stop planning/talking about workout playlists and get back to working out. My waistband is protesting my time away from the gym.

Cranky of Cranky Fitness My general motto is “healthy living is a pain in the ass.” So my goal in 2009 is to find new ways to exercise that I hate less than the old ways.
(Besides running, which I actually do like but it trashes my aging knees).

Hungry Girl I don’t really make resolutions because I don’t like to disappoint myself. In 2009 I hope to be able to continue to make fitness a regular part of my life. Thanks to my TIVO I don’t foresee things changing much. Bad reality TV + treadmill = FITNESS FUN FOR EVERYONE! Woohoo…

Leo of Zen Habits: I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions simply because they’reusually statements like, “I promise to be more …” or “This year I will …” and these are statements that are rarely put into action for very long. I believe instead in changing habits with habit-change principles that have worked for me in the past. And I’m changing habits all the time, one at a time, from exercising to eating healthy to writing early in the morning and more.
My new habit for the New Year: floss every day. I floss now but I’m inconsistent. 🙂

Karina V of Mexican View Doing exercise at least four days a week, half cardio (in my case, running, the exercise I like most) and half weight training. – Slowly adding healthy food to my family’s menu, one dish a week, so (hopefully and after convincing them, hehehe) most of the food we eat will be healthy by the end of 2009.

Andrew of Go Healthy Go Fit Although I have used New Year’s resolutions in the past to get rid of really bad habits, for the last few years I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t believe in them. I believe that consistency in a healthy lifestyle is the only way to make yourself a stronger, healthier person while slowly but surely allowing your body to become attuned to enjoying the little things in life! After adopting a healthy and fit lifestyle, a strawberry is sweeter than a candy bar and the satisfaction of being active outweighs the ease of being lazy!

Charlotte of the Great Fitness Experiment My 2009 resolution? To make my home a safe haven. A place where I can be and my kids and husband and friends can be where we all feel loved and happy. Priority number one: making family dinners a priority every night.

Leslie of NeverSayDiet Flat out, my resolution is to focus on my health and get my neck and hands better. This needs to trump everything else – washboard abs and a tight butt mean squat if you can’t write or hug your husband. I’m relearning how to type, doing my PT exercises religiously and trying HARD to be patient. If I can go for a simple, quick job by May 14…one year from hurting my neck…I will be delirious with joy. My priorities have chaged in a major way and I resolve to not forget what I’ve been through or where I can go.

Meal Mixer Marianne (M-Cubed?) I resolve to like myself the way I am. After months of exercise (hey, I even gave my workout clothes their own dresser drawer this month – yep, moved them out of the plastic bin under the bed), it appears that this–is it. So I guess there’s nothing left to do but blogbitch. I’m in.

Sagan of Living Healthy In The Real World I don’t like the pressure that comes from New Years resolutions, so rather than force myself to make resolutions at this time of year that I might not want to make or be ready to stick to anyways, I set up goals and resolutions and challenges throughout the year at any given time- that way, I’m making
progress doing the things that I want to when I’m good and ready to do them.

Juliet of Yummy Diet Food I’m not big into new year’s resolutions, but I do like “one month challenges”. In the spirit of the new year, I am planning on challenging myself to never eat after 8:00pm for the entire month of January (even if I get home late). I want to see if it helps me feel healthier and lighter.

Mark of MarkSalinas.com New Years is a time for me to review my many paths along my journey. Do I need to alter or stay on course?

Mark of Mark’s Daily Apple New Years resolutions have always bugged me. If I’m inspired to start a new program or aim for a new goal – as I am all year long – I want to get started today. I have no interest in putting it off until a magic first-of-the-year date somehow legitimizes it. Grok “turned over a new leaf” every day (literally…looking for grubs).

Kim of Kim Writes Every year I used to write out my resolutions, then seal them in an envelope labeled ‘Do Not Open Until Dec. 31st’. On New Year’s Eve, I’d open last year’s resolutions and see how I fared. Usually I was pretty good, but certain resolutions just kept getting carried over from year to year, and that made me feel hopeless. Then one year I forgot to do the ritual, and I never returned to it. I realize I’ve done better at reaching my goals by not making one big proclamation, but rather by checking in on a daily basis, and remaining flexible if my goals need to change. Sometimes they do. Now my resolutions are a fluid thing, except for certain big ones, the Big Dreams, and rather than being resolutions, those are more like absolute eventualities. I just keep working at them as if they’re happening any day now, because I know they are. Some are already real!

Lance of The Jungle of Life This year there will be no resolutions. Instead, I’m choosing a word – one word – that will focus me in, on really a different level. That one word will be my cornerstone throughout the year. My guide throughout whateverthe year will bring.

Shauna of DietGirl I don’t make resolutions; I just like to set a few goals for the year to give me focus. This year my goal is to train for and complete the Sea to Sea cycle route, a 140 mile journey from West coast of England to the East over three days. It passes through some really lovely parts of the country such as the Lakes District, so it’ll be a nice but grueling holiday for a complete cycling novice like me! I’ve only ridden my bike once on a proper road and I’m scared of going down hills, so I have a lot of work to do. And on a non-fitness note, I want to learn play bass guitar. My husband plays and I want to have a try instead of just watching him. I think I’ll start with the Deep Purple standard, “Smoke On The Water” because it doesn’t have very many notes!

Jennette of Pasta Queen. Make resolutions anytime you want to, but aim to make only 2 or 3 a year and you’ll be more likely to achieve them. If you’re splitting your focus between 6 different resolutions, you probably won’t do any of them well. If you focus your time and energy and just 2 or 3 it’s more likely you can make them happen.

Lyn of Escape from Obesity I love the *fresh start* feeling after Christmas; I am energized by the New Year so I find it a great time to make new commitments to myself. In 2008, it was all about weight loss. But this year, the healthy eating and exercise are *already* an ingrained part of my life; weight loss will naturally come along with that. So my resolution for 2009 is to catch up on my kids’ photo albums and get some photos hung and framed on my walls. It’s something I’ve wanted to get done for years, but never found time. This year, I’ll do it!

Nitmos of Feet Meet Street I don’t make resolutions until the end of the year. Goal setting is some much easier when you look back to see how many hurdles you already knocked over.”

(Ill give you a minute to process all that. There’s some good stuff there, huh?)

Now you, oh wisewise members of the Bumbling Band.

Did you resolve? Do you never resolve?

Did you resolve and, as I have in years prior, already break your resolutions?

Are you resolution-free & more a Vision Board person who is simply searching for your ikigai?

please to hit us all up in the comments.

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Comments

  1. You know, I used to. Every New Year’s. Me, all over the “I’m going to become freaking AWESOME this year by doing a, b, and c.”

    No more. I am EXACTLY where I want to be (erm, was before the holiday bloat? LOL), so I’m just gonna keep on doin’ my thang. And, you know, admit my diet soda fetish and buy it in bulk to save money.

    For shame. 😉

  2. I don’t like the resolutions thing…Now I am into GOALS haha. Well, there are things I want to accomplish but that’s all. So I am not sure if I resolve or not 😀

    Happy New Year MizFit!

  3. very cool gather of people, miz!

    (hungry girl loves bad TV as I do? who knew!)

    I’m too tired from my night to think about whether I have broken my resolutions yet.

  4. Like Moran, I am also into goals this year. Looking at the big picture and where I want to be by the end of the year, but getting there via BABY STEPS instead of overwhelming myself with ridiculous resolutions that I cannot possibly keep. Happy New Year!

  5. No resolutions this year. I have goals that I’ll be working on and revising throughout the year, but no resolutions. I am going to work on being Thankful for all that I have! For instance, instead of focusing on how small and cramped we our in our apartment, be thankful that we have a roof over our head. I feel that I’ve been bringing all sorts of want into my life with how I think, this year I’m going to change that!

  6. I think I may join Dietgirl (may I then call myself dietman?) and learn to play the guitar.

  7. ok MizFit.
    I am awake early on this first day of the new year and saw your twitter.

    I need help.

    what are the match things?

  8. HAPPY NEW YEAR early morning people!

    checking in…checking out as Im off to make pancakes for the Tornado (nonprotein if youre keeping track :))…but Ill be back.

    I did twitter the MizFit Motivational Matchups Alison.

    short version? Im pairing up members of the Bumbling Band (those who sign up….we arent about the forced participation around herre) to cheer each other on to goalsuccess (or nag. either way. depends what you respond best to. I like a good nagcheer every now and then.)

    details coming next week.

  9. HAPPY 2009 Miz!

    this year I will lose the 20 pounds which have stuck to me since my son was born.

    and FLOSS.

    like leo from zenhabits I will floss too as that is a cgoal I can achieve.

  11. Oh…HAPPY NEW YEAR!
    and to quote Nina Simone….

    It’s a new dawn
    It’s a new day
    It’s a new life
    For me
    And I’m feeling good.

  12. I did resolutions.

    (I did not know flossing as resolution was an option!)

    now I need help sticking to them.

    what is a good beginner weight lifting routine and a stretching routine?

  13. Thanks for emailing (MizFit08@yahoo.com) and direct messaging me on twitter about the Matchups.

    (you people must either be in different timezones than I am or YOU CRAZY EARLY RIZERS as we are up in herre)

    If you email me Ill consider you signed up—–but there will be a detailed post coming next week (next friday 1.9.09) explaining the matching in more detail.

  15. There are a lot of different goals that I have (hate resolutions though – too much pressure and not enough doing)…but, the biggest thing I want to work on is not being so mean and harsh to/on myself. I think a lot of my issues stem from that one thing.
    I like that you posted a bunch of people’s resolutions. It was interesting to read what everyone else had to say.
    Happy New Year!

  16. No resolutions this year (for the first time evah!) because I’ve always broken them in the past.

    Instead I am trying a different approach, and that is to just live each day in the best way possible. (Oh, wait, does that sound like a resolution?)

    Happy New Year to you, your family, and all the Bumbling Band!

  17. Happy New Year!

    I do not make resolutions…I choose to live my best each day, I do not need a new year to make those choices. That said, I do set new intentions and have an idea of what I’d like to accomplish. I have a vision board which I will update/redo in the next few weeks as much of what I set out to do in 2008 I completed…I also use new year’s as a “cleansing”…reflecting on the last year, using the info for learning and creating an even more satisfying future.

    All the best for you in 2009!

  18. NOT A RESOLUTION BAG LADY.

    At all.

    Uh uh.

    Because if it *is* then we have to deem my ‘being open to what the worldatlarge shall offer to me’ a resolution as well & Miz don’t make no stinkin’ ‘lutions.

    😉

  20. I practiced working out at the gym. I walked and walked my k9s as practice for getting fit. I did BL dvds as practice for when I would get serious. I joined WW.

    This year I lose 100 lbs. I’ve been practicing for the real thing, and it’s game time.

    PLUS: stop taking shit from bullies and other people who try to control me or manipulate me by inserting “No” into my vocab.

    PLUS: be the best danged mom I can be to my boy (always doing that but can do much better)

  21. Happy New Year, Miz!

    I’m with you on the resolution thing. But I always use the new year as an opportunity to take a step back and look at how I’m living my life, then hopefully smile or do some tweaking.

  22. I am like Mark of MDA as I like to keep turning over new leaves and seeing what I can uncover.

    who is grok?

  23. I’m also like MDA Mark; if I get an idea in my head, I want to do it NOW.

    This month my new “thing” is agility training, because of a really cool toy I got in my stocking:

    http://www.1st4sport.com/1st4sportsite/pages/product/product.asp?prod=AGBALL

    I call it my “chicken ball” , because it bounces all over the place and I have to chase it like a chicken. I’ve been playing with it all this past week (both solitaire and with partners) at the Y gym, and my reflexes are already faster. (Re: new brain activity!)

  24. I HAVE A DREAM, errrr, a goal.

    That the RETURN TO SENDER package from the post office TO dragonmamma gets off the floor of my car and back into the mail system.

    lofty goals and all 🙂

    now we see why *I* am not typically allowed to mail out the freebietreats.

  26. I’m making a vision book. Kinda like a vision board, but portable so I can take it everywhere I go, I need that constant inspiration/motivation to look at 😉

    HAPPY 2009 MIZFIT!

  27. Ha, ha, I’ve been meaning to email you to ask about the movie, but I didn’t want to seem like a nag!

  28. never ever hesitate to nag me.

    I respond well to some good naggage unless youre my personal trainer—-then I rebel.

    GREAT IDEA FITTYFIT!
    methinks I have one of those around herre somewhere (wink) thanks to a generous blogespherefriend.

  30. My main resolution remains to train for and compete in Ninja Warrior.

    But also this morning I began to start thinking of ethical and spiritual resolutions. Like being slower to anger and quicker to forgive. And as I thought of them I realized the tremendous positive impact they could have on my health too!

  31. 100% in for that as well, John.

    I have a theme for my year and that’s a facet I wanna focus upon as well.

  32. I don’t precisely make resolutions because I have a rebellious side that chafes against it. However, I do have some vague goals for 2008, but I need to make them more concrete (been reading one of MizFit’s past posts to help with this–http://carlabirnberg.com/2008/03/25/tues-tips-trends-3/).

    I actually finally made a vision board and a gratitude board (or actually small posters because I made them on my Mac) on Thanksgiving Day. Today I will meditate on them further and perhaps add to them.

    Also, just want to say I am totally impressed, MizFitty, that you have been doing this less than a year. I made my first tentative posts on Fitness Fig in July of ’07, but you have done much more with your time than I have!

  33. ive never been a resolution person – maybe one year i tried it and it didn’t work! i tried making goals for the first time, documenting them on paper, and i really think that will be more useful for me 🙂 i hope!

    happy new year to you and your fam 🙂

  34. So nice to see everyone’s thoughts on this!

    Last night I decided that while I do not have any New Years resolutions, I do have a word for 2009 which I intend to stick to: Confidence. I kind of like the idea of having a single word for the year.

  36. My only real fitness resolution is to sit down to eat! Do too much snacking and picking while going from place to place or preparing food…and completely discount it then…
    Otherwise will continue working out and shift the balance of what I eat more in favour of nutritious foods again. And keep reading these blogs of course 🙂

  37. many great sentiments, it’s all about finding what works for you 🙂

    hmm, i’m not usually a fan of resolutions, but i’ve said enough is enough and am using today as a starting point to get back to me…

  38. All the best to you as we head for our next trip around the sun!

    Since those provider problems you had, do you have a different email? PM me?

  39. I loved reading everyone’s different take on New Year’s resolutions. I’m a believer – it was a New Year’s resolution 8 years ago that got me where I am today. A few small changes snowballed into a whole new lifestyle. I’ll never look back.

    2009 is the year of more yoga and stretching…I’m GOING to listen to and love my body…plus hopefully build some upper arm strength with all those Chaturangas I’ll be doing. 🙂

  40. I like to have goals because they motivate me to keep going in that direction. I will be making a vision board in a notebook form as well.
    I guess I can see the point about “no resolutions” because if I said I was going to stop drinking coffee I’d be lying!

  41. I’m going to be having a weight loss/excersize/personal challenge on my site tomorrow, along with my first (okay 2nd!) day of the month giveaway.

    I hope bloggers who respond will motivate me while I motivate them.

    We’ll see! I don’t comment every day, but I do check in – Happy New Year to you and your family!

  42. dragonmamma – I now have a new name for my reaction ball! I reserve a racquetball court at my gym (one with solid walls, not glass where everyone can see me, lol) and chase the darn thing. The other item I use in there is actually a child’s toy but awesome for any age – HyperDash.
    http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Planet-46001-Hyper-Dash/dp/B000TTPEXU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1230828702&sr=8-1

    the link is just the Amazon description page – I have no affiliations – so you can see what it’s about. It’s quite a challenge, and if you haven’t practiced simple math lately, definitely worth a try! I will be using it with my training clients soon.

  43. I stole this from affirmation for my New Years Affirmation Resolution. “I have 1 million happy customers in 2009” It’s the best time to create a 2009, this time I’m turning my Vision Board into a Movie. Imagine that. Peace and Blessings.

  44. hear that, People?
    Please to visit Biz tomorrow!!

    And Giz? Clicked the link. Now I want it as well.

    Gonna rationalize that the Tornado will enjoy too…

  45. funny how most of us want / need to get on track but we don’t want to be in that mass of people trying to do it for new years. Hey, it seems like something we have in common.

  46. Resolutions don’t work for me either, so I do goals (yearly, monthly, etc) and adjust/tweak them if need be. Goals work much better for me.

  47. I have never done resolutions. Never appealed to me, all the restrictions on starting on one day, etc. I believe that keeping your mind focused on something coupled with a true desire and connection to the goal is the best way to introduce change into your life.

    Fantastic thoughts from the bumbling band! Thanks miz!

    Happy New year!

  48. *grins* I do resolutions. And then I immediately turn them into goals, because resolutions are too nebulous to keep for me. (Yay for Miz and her earlier posts about GOALS and what they are).

    I have eleven “resolutions” and most of those are broken down into steps that I can take to make sure I’m accomplishing them. It’s not that I want to be awesome by next year, or that the first is some kind of magical day – it’s just that there are things that get lost in the day to day life that I want to make sure I do (like sending a letter to one of my friends every month or making sure that I submit one finished piece of art to my DA account every month), and January 1st is a convenient time to look back on the past year and reflect upon it, and make some decisions on the next year.

    =]

    Resolutions are nice, but goals are better.

  51. I have a number of fitness goals this year – but I try to make them specific enough that they are actually GOALS instead of vague resolutions.

    happy new year!

  52. i am going to reach my goal weight this year.

    no buts if or maybe’s about it. New Years 2010 will see me at 145lbs.

    so be it.

  53. I believe in the power of setting goals, so by default I must believe in New Year’s Resolutions ;). The other day I scribbled down a list of things I plan to accomplish in 2009, and it made me feel hopeful and inspired. I’m already working on some of these goals, which makes them feel organic to me and not out-of-the-blue or sudden. Happy New Year, Miz!

  54. uh oh Lisa.

    You KNOW I’m now gonna nag, errr, remind you that you announced this here today.

    The ole so it is written so it shall be done….

  55. Giz,

    That Hyper Dash game looks fun, but I’m really, really, bad about having fresh batteries around; can never find one when I need it!

    Rob and I just came back from a half-hour session with the chicken ball. Worked up a sweat and an appetite for all the goodies we’ll be consuming shortly!

  56. I love this time of year, with all the excitement and buzz that abounds for all things diet and fitness related. But I think the reason why I don’t really like resolutions is that committing to something, and having to do it right for an entire year is very daunting. I would much rather take a look at my life if something isn’t working, and resolve right then and there to make a change. I do like the idea of a one month challenge, though- 30 days is much more doable than 365.

    That said, I’ve been thinking that I need to get back on track with healthy eating. So, my resolution/goal/challenge/whatever will be to aim for at least 5 fruits and veggies a day (and if when I reach that, I’ll continue to add more until I’m at 9 servings per day).

    Maybe I’ll make a vision board filled with fruits and veggies that I like to eat, and make a miniature version to carry with me everywhere. That way, instead of being veered off course by processed stuff like crackers or cookies or brownies, I’ll be focused on the good stuff. you KNOW Im laughing at the vision of you and yer miniboard. please to do. please to get video. please to post.

  57. How inspiring you all are! I’m not one for resolutions anymore, but I love Lance’s idea of choosing a word for the year. Mine? Courage.

    Happy New Year to all!

  58. I am like commenter #21.
    I like to step back and think about my year as a whole and think about if it turned out as I had hoped last January.

    This will be the year I look back in 2010 and think I DID IT!

    Leslie

  60. Like others, I don’t really make resolutions, but I have set 3 goals for myself for 2009.

    1. I will lose 63 pounds this year.
    2. I will run/walk & finish my first half marathon (June 27).
    3. I will run a 5k with no walk breaks.

    I have declared 2009 the “Year of ME!” I’ve decided this is the year I stop putting myself on the back burner behind the needs, desires, and priorities of others around me. It’s time for me to put me first for a while.

  61. I’m with you in that I don’t really make resolutions at New Year’s. But I’m expecting the roads to be a lot more crowded during my morning runs for the next few weeks hehe.

  62. What a great collection! I imagine your vision board is not unlike the “power poster” idea I lifted from Jorge Cruise’s books back in the way old days. Very cool assemblage of info here. Thanks!

  63. I’m not so much one for New Years Resolutions. Never have been. Same for gyms either.
    Both aren’t for the same reasons actually.

    Strangely I have the stamina for a gym but not for a resolution (mostly) I seem to not have the time to do the gym thing.

  64. I never make resolutions – too much pressure for perfection that can never be obtained.

    I’m not date obsessed. I’ve learned to get over the scale and it’s never talling the true tale of where I am. I have future goals set in my head already but won’t know when I will start them until I get there.

    If 2009 ends up being a carbon copy of 2008 I will be just fine with that. I am sure going to work hard to make sure it will be.

  65. Hee! I love it! I think Nitmos’ was my favorite though. What does it say about me when I like other people’s resolutions better than mine? Happy New Year!

  66. Happy New Year MizFit!!!

    I gave up on resolutions a few years ago.. Now I’m more of a vision board and I adjust accordingly. In 2009 I plan to be more diligent about writing my fitness mission statement and adjusting accordingly as I achieve each of my fitness goals for 09.

  68. fun post, Miz. I love reading other people’s resolutions and had no idea that your blog was so new.

    wow.

    happy 2009 to the Bumbling Band!!

  69. i’m still working on mine (i know, i know), but the overarching year-long goal for me is to GET ORGANIZED, whether it be professionally, around the room/house, in terms of fitness, financially, whathaveyou.

  73. I’m one of those goals-not-resolutions people. My long-term goals for 2009 are all about maintaining my weight loss and building a sustainable income for myself. The day-to-day stuff that will make those goals possible will reveal themselves as we go along. If I’m open to them…

    Happy New Year, and thanks so much for taking the risk…

  74. I can not decide if I now feel guilty I made zero resolutions or better since you all seemed to make so many that it’s ok I didn’t make them as the bumbling band had it all covered anyway.

    I follow you on twitter and want a match.
    do I email you?

  76. I think that reformulating chip dip so I can eat it was maybe not the best way to live up to the goal of eating more regularly… Can I just call it calcium? Happy New Year everyone!

  77. I like your vision board approach.

    I’m not a New Year’s resolution type, unless I happen to have a real fire in my belly about something at that particular time. Honestly, I’m more likely to create a resolution in April or a random day when I feel passionate about something…more likely to stick that way. My big 2009 goal is to continue on the path to -50 and lose -30 more by April 20ish!

  78. I tend to pick fairly trivial things for resolutions. (Pedicures!) But for major stuff that matters, I have goals that I make and adjust and slog on day after day. I can’t psych myself out over a shiny new magic day for those.

  79. Resolution is a hard word for me. I like the meaning, but this particular word sounds so confining for me.

    I definitely think that this time of year gives us a natural opportunity to take inventory of what behaviors and habits are working for us, and what paths need diverting. It’s a time of hibernating and reflection, and focusing on the new year lets me think about how I can better serve myself, my loved ones, and my brothers and sisters around the planet.

    I have goals I would like to achieve, like running a half-marathon, getting faster on my bike, and getting my son into an ideal preschool; goals I can work with, resolutions just aren’t me.

  80. I used to be all about New Year’s resolutions, but not so much any more. I’ve let myself down so many years from not following through I’ve finally resigned myself to the fact that resolutions just don’t work in my life.

    I did have one resolution work for me though. New Years Day, 2000, I resolved I would quit drinking anything with carbonation in it. Cold turkey. I’d heard that it was bad for your bones, hair, nails and teeth.

    Nine years later, I haven’t taken one sip of anything carbonated!

    P.S. My hair, nails and teeth are still just as weak as they ever were. 😐

  81. I can’t even keep a resolution to write about my lack of resolutions…see why I don’t make them? I end up starting the year as a failure!

  82. Mizfit,

    Thank you very much for linking to my article regarding ikigai and life purpose. This is an amazing community you have here!

    Many people have asked me this new year what my resolutions are, and many were surprised to find that I never make any. They figured I wasn’t as goal oriented as I should be.

    I explained that instead of an arbitrary resolution one time a year, I am constantly striving to make small changes in myself that lead to me becoming a better person. I do this every day; some days go better than others.

    You could say my resolution this year is the same as it is every year – spend more time doing what I love and chipping away at my own “edges”.

  83. Thanks for the great post. Myself, I usually make goals, they are always on going and I can make them whenever I want. I feel New Years more of a reflection of how my last year went.

    Happy New Year !

  85. Ha! Funny I went to the gym today (pat on the back) fully expecting the sales pressure/pitch and it was dead like they had given up! It is prey on the fatties day but in our area it seems to be that the big gyms are waving the white flag. My gym recently had to cut from a 24 hour to a 5am-11pm…

    I don’t like the New Year’s thing much… when I have a birthday I am more likely to be reflective of the year… but why make a resolution once a year? Everyday can be a resolution… renewing the commitment to health and fitness as you take your morning whizz…

  86. Happy New Year, Miz!

    Thanks for including my resolutions in your post!

    It was really nice to see me among so many good bloggers (and it was interesting to read their resolutions or goals) and besides, it will help me to be focus on what I want to accomplish.

  87. Love all of your insights (and cara? you are bad for me as I always THINK I should give up the carbonation and, well, I may never ponder it again if my nails wont flourish and my hair wont grow and my teeth wont be StrongLikeBull!) and was excited to see that Matt came by yesterday while I was busying living life in 2009.

    I am intrigued by the concept of IKIGAI and resolve, errr, hope to explore it more this year.

  88. I had not clicked on the work ikigai (I was too nusy reading the comments and the resolutions).

    very interesting concept.

    No new post for us Miz???

    are you taking a long weekend?????

  89. Happy New Year!

    I just can’t be bothered with resolutions 😀 I’ve got my goals, but I’m not trying to complete them by the end of the year. They happen when they happen.

  90. I am temoted to make resolutions today.

    january 2nd.

    I like to feel superior that I didn’t resolve with everyone else but still want to make a number of changes in 2009.

    I may give your vision board a go this weekend.

    Ellie

  93. I like that idea of ikigai.

    I never knew what I was doing (searching for an overall life purpose) had a name.

    Kati

  94. Many years ago – I created a “vision page”. I cut out pics of bodies I wanted to have, clothes I hoped to wear. I looked at it every day. And guess what? I lost the weight! Maybe it’s time to try that again….

  95. love the vision page notion, Lora. kind of like RooBabs’ idea of the book (#56).

    now, as an extension, what else mightcould you put on there (the royal you as Im pondering doing this as well so I like to assume everyone is. the notion of a portable board I could whip out of the diaper bag when sitting in traffic is *alluring*)?

    what other visions, dreams (which become goals when we force, errr, place timelines on them) etc. do you have for 2009?

    Miz, who also reminds you to visit this contest today. enter to win, People!! http://biz319.wordpress.com/2009/01/02/2009-is-mine/

  96. no resolutions this year…that kind of sounds like the trend…
    i like the idea of just always working towards my fitness, family and personal goals.
    i am going to try and change things up a bit though…get out of my running rut…or actually add on to it. maybe a ballet class to start??!!
    happy 2009!

  97. I don’t know of ANYBODY who claims to have kept their New Year resolutions. Not one.

    Last couple of years I’ve started diets in January, but they kind of petered out. Now I’m on my 101 goals thing, and that’s working out excellently well! Not tied to the New Year at all, and much more fun.

    BTW my December of (half-assed) Discipline reaped rewards! I’m starting off the year not all bloated up as usual. I guess you could kind of call that a New Year’s resolution…except you have to do it ahead of time.

  100. I don’t make New Years resolutions as I’ve never kept any. I do adjust and set new goals as the time comes around. So, it’s an any time of the year thing for me. But, they aren’t resolutions.

    Generally, I try to keep going forward. It’s a good time of year to add to my fitness collection though as things are on sale because of everyone else’s resolutions. 🙂 So, there’s that.

  101. Amen! I really don’t resolve. For me there is nothing significant about a date based on the amount of days it takes the earth to go around the sun =) However, I find that special events like my birthday is more meaningful, or even a family holiday, or special celebration.

    That’s when I tend to review my life and make any necessary changes. But, it doesn’t have to be a special date to review and re-focus, I like to do that every day, and need to complete my Vision Statement so I can read it every day.

    Recently I’ve been thinking about setting an annual focus of Organization and Keeping It Simple. But, I don’t resolve and it won’t end in the end of 09, it’s just another focus of mine.

    Doesn’t mean i don’t set goals. I just don’t find an annual goal useful or motivating to me =)

  102. I am going to make some resolutions this weekend.
    As much as I would like to join in with all who disdain them I think that this year I need the plan and focus.

    Andi

  103. Wow, impressive list! I don’t do new years resolutions, but this year I did one as an extention of my birthday resolutions (which is what my whole blog is about). I’ve decided to put more heart and effort into my etsy shop. Other than that I am still working on my goal of becoming the best, happiest and healthiest me by 25! Happy New Year!

  104. Great links you shared. Thanks!

    I did make weight loss/fitness resolutions for 2009, more like goals but whatever. I think ‘writing’ things down, for me anyway, I’m more likely to make them happen. They are posted on my blog and they are definitely attainable. I also have a vision board, it’s a mix of business and personal. I love it.

    Happy New Year!

  105. ok. judging by my in-box more of you have the goal of moving from walking to jogging or running than you wanna admit.

    this is how I did it using intervals of walking and running until I was only running.

    CLICK HERE.

  106. What an interesting topic at this time of the year. I personally dont do New Year resolutions etc. Anytime of the year is okay to pick a goal. I believe that our preparedness, commitment and will power are more important than the timing.
    Happy New Year

  107. Hey Miz,

    Thanks for all the great takes on New Year’s resolutions! It’s one of those things that can inspire folks, so it can’t be all that bad… I just love seeing people take that inspiration and run with it, discovering a new lifestyle in the process!

    Happy New Year and thanks for including me!

    All the Best,

    Andrew R

  111. I am usually not a resolutioner. Last year I set some goals, but did not meet them. I’m an all-or-nothing kind of person, so when I blew it, I REALLY blew it.

    This year, I will make goals, but they will be more about balance in my life.

  112. It’s fascinating to read people’s take on resolutions. Looks like some believe in them while others avoid them. Thank you so much for including me and Happy New Year!

  113. Hi Miz!
    Very interesting read today! It’s really quite neat to see what others do, what works, and what this all means to everyone! So…that word I’m working on…to be revealed early next week (because I’m a slacker and don’t have it yet…)

  114. ehh i definitely don’t dub them resolutions. i feel like new year’s adds so much unnecessary pressure and if i want to change something, i do it THAT day instead of waiting for an ambiguous time to do it.
    happy new year miz!

  115. I’m out to keep things fun this year. No resolutions, just goals. I’m also working to finish things that I start so I’m not tripping over so many loose ends (literally and figuratively!) all the time!!! It’s all part of that balance thing I’m always ranting about (er, mentioning) all the time.

    I’ll be keeping with my strength training and upping my running milage as it fits with the rest of life. I really do feel like I’m the strongest I’ve ever been and I’d like to keep it that way! 🙂

    We just made camping reservations at our favorite spot in July and are talking of a trip to Victoria in Canada, so I’m excited that some BIG fun things are already making their way onto the calendar. We’re also working up some plans for a big family reunion of sorts with my husband’s side of the fam (I’m an only child, so everyday is a reunion for me – ha!). I’m a firm believer of building with the big rocks first so that they’re guaranteed to fit in life’s jar and leave plenty of space for the smaller rocks, pebbles and sand that life brings our way.

    Thanks for the color and inspiration you add to my life. Best wishes for a fabulous year, Miz!

  116. Ha! Well, I will publicly admit that I’m trying to move from walking to jogging. I’ll check out that link! Thanks!

    But the resolutions? Well, first of all, I refuse to make resolutions, although I WILL make goals. Not sure what the difference is (other than semantics), but it works for me.

    But the weird thing is that I know most people talk about how much it helps to announce their resolutions/goals, because it keeps them accountable, but for me, a goal of any kind is sort of like a baby chick inside an egg: as long as it’s protected inside my head and heart, it grows and is nourished. But if I expose that chick to the elements (by talking about it) before it’s matured, it stops growing, and dies.

    So my experience has been that if I really want to meet a goal, I should NOT share it – at least not more than in its vaguest form. (In other words, I can say, “I’m trying to take better care of myself,” but I CAN’T say, “I’d like to lose [x] pounds,” even if losing [x] pounds is one of my goals. Make sense?)

    Good stuff, as always, Miz. And I am SO GLAD for my MizFit Match, who seems to “get” my weirdness (and hopefully feels like I “get” hers)! I’m glad to have someone to talk to about this stuff! (*waves* Hi, TA!)

    😀

  117. Wow, what a thorough and informative post. I count discovering your site as one of the better moments of last year with hope that 2009 will bring me more fantastic discoveries.

    peace,
    mike
    livelife365

  118. I don’t make specific resolutions… I generally pick a BIG thing to improve, i.e. my health, money, etc… and then figure out as I go, a way to reach that goal.

  120. 1. weight less .. and if eating clean and moving more does that.. hurrah!

    2. Sing more… I’m a teacher and classical singer..and I always say singing is my life yet I haven’t been doing much of it.. must ammend this..

    3. Smile more!!
    You helped me with that one today with the comment about splenda ; ) Thanks!

  121. I tend to make new goals right around the beginning of the year, just because that seems as good a time as any. I’m about as good as anyone at keeping them I guess, but this year I have a fresh resolve! I’m gonna do it dad gummit!

  122. In years past I have not resolved. Much like you, I would have rather examined my life’s choices daily/weekly/monthly and make necessary changes as I go.

    However, this year I decided to try a couple. Not sure why, but we’ll see how it goes. 🙂

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