Resolutions

I've been doing some exercises from my Ladies Who Launch book, and one of them was to write down everything I wanted to accomplish in life, with the idea that this "wish list" will guide my decision making and business goals. Here's a sampling from that list:

Wouldn't it be wonderful if...
I had no debt.
I have enough money to retire one day.
I can afford to buy a new car when mine dies--AND pay for it in cash.
I could buy new clothes every season.
I could run the NYC marathon.
I could qualify for the Boston Marathon.
I could become a certified Pilates trainer.
I could take swimming lessons and run a triathlon.
I could raise $100,000 for TNT.
I could start a foundation.
I could truly tithe to my church.
I could feel more at home at All Saints.
I could start singing regularly again.
I could treat my parents and friends to dinner or drinks on occasion.
I could take my mom and my sister on a fun girls' trip.
I could travel the world with Tim--running marathons, eating good food, drinking good wine, exploring new places and enjoying our wonderful relationship.
I could afford to visit my special friends all of the country (and the world).
I could take fun trips with my friends without worrying about money.
I could afford tickets to fun sporting events like Tech home games, NCAA basketball tournaments and bowl games.
I could fully decorate my house
I could afford cool art for my home.
I could do something that makes a real difference in my community.
I could be published-preferably a book.
I could write regularly and someone will actually read what I write.
I could learn to speak fluent French, German, Italian, Spanish and maybe Portuguese.
I could spend several months in another country to learn the language and immerse myself in another culture.
I could net $100,000 annually.
I had a regularly roster of 8 to 10 clients.
I could eat without obsessing about food.
I could appreciate my body.
I could learn to like more foods.
I could have affordable health insurance.
I had an opportunity to mentor or counsel others.
I could have a maid service.
I could attend professional conferences and development seminars on a regular basis.
I could spend an entire day reading or catching up on my DVR.
I could write more.

So, to that end, in 2009, I resolve to...

• Pay off a quarter of my total debt (mostly owed to Mom and Dad and Uncle Sam), with a goal to be debt free by 2013.
• Save at least $1,000 for retirement.
• Have at least $5,000 in liquid savings.
• Save enough money to pay for our wedding and honeymoon in cash.
• Pay my quarterly taxes on time.
• Save enough money to buy a new winter coat and boots in the fall.
• Continue to improve my running times (see Run Lola Run for specific details), with goals of a sub 25 minute 5K, sub 55 minute 10k, 2:10 half marathon and 4:30 marathon.
• Run my first marathon.
• Attend at least eight yoga and Pilates classes a month to make full use of my membership at Urban Body Studios.
• Discuss Pilates certification with Penelope.
• Do yoga at least three nights a week prior to bed.
• Venture over to the MLK pool for some swims.
• Raise $1,000 to support my fall marathon through TNT.
• Give 1% of my income to All Saints.
• Attend church at least twice a month and explore new ways to get involved.
• Join the Evensong Choir at All Saints, or another group that is fun, low on commitment and sings great music.
• Treat my parents to a meal when they are here for the 4th of July.
• Treat myself to a sporting event I can actually afford--for now.
• Keep my house clean and focus on finishing up my casual china and getting a TV cabinet.
• Volunteer with either Threads or the Atlanta Community Food Bank or both.
• Blog regularly--at least two times per week per blog.
• Investigate writing classes.
• Review two French lessons each month.
• Procrastinate less and work more.
• Finish work by 8pm most nights.
• Add three big long-term clients and three smaller ones.
• Contact at least one potential client per week.
• Attend one networking event per month.
• Focus on performance rather than pounds.
• Try one new meal or food each month.
• Take one day off per month for to veg out and enjoy reading, television, writing and whatever else I choose to indulge in that day.
• Reconnect with one friend every week via email, phone call or random note.
• Write, write and write some more!

Happy 2009!