Note to self - Alternative to New Year Resolutions?

I don't make NYRs but last year was given a fitbit for Christmas by my DS and DD and it has revolutionised my life. Although I sometimes fail to reach my daily target I no longer beat myself up about it but I have increased my activity levels enormously. I work in a school and was shocked to realise how little I walked during the day, so now I always try to go the 'long way' between lessons and then go for a walk late in the evening to complete the daily target. I often walk to places I used to drive to and whn driving I try to park a bit further from my destination to get a bit of a walk as well. I feel so much fitter and have lost some weight too. My blood pressure has improved too. The best present I've had in years and this year I'm making a resolution to keep it up!

My NYR is to eat and drink more. I didn't eat any extra things over Christmas and really need the nutrition food provides.

I've been busy clearing out old files and deleting unwanted stuff off computer. So aiming to be more organised in 2018. Also going to try to 'do ' more with my writing - though not sure what that might entail!

Decided to learn to read music "proper" in September 2015. Did it...got to Grade 1 and still am still teaching myself to this day.

Made an appointment in September of this year, with the surgery for 27th December, which is the day I gave up smoking.

I never make new years resolutions on 1st January, pshycologically it doesn't happen for me. September seems to be my time to renew.

The only NYR I've ever kept was the one I made in 1971 to never make any more NYRs.

Omaoma please tell us more, what are the delicious foods you eat on this low carb diet.

I moved house last January so decided what changes I would make, turned out be the worse year of my life so no way will I do it again.

The last time I made a NYR out loud was at a pub when out with friends. I announced that at last on NYE 2007 I'd learn to drive (after mulling this over for a few months). I was 52, it took 17 months and 6 tests but eventually I got there. I've decided not to say anything out loud again but will hopefully smile politely if anyone tells me that I've lost a lot of weight. So shhh! Don't tell anyone.

My old attic was what I meant to say! It's blooming cold up there but great light for a studio!

I rarely make NYR's and have never kept any that I have made! Then two years ago I made one... I was going to learn to paint in watercolour properly...... It's been wonderful! I joined weekly classes then 1 day and 2 day workshops them bought some online tutorials then put some paintings in an exhibition..... I sold some, I got some commissions! I made my old six into a studio.... It was the best of resolutions and I've never looked back.

2 years ago, as result of a Gransnet post, I started a daily diary of what I had been doing ("there will come a time when you won't be able to remember...." ) I have kept this up but this year I am going to change to recording (in writing) conversations and thoughts I have had rather than just what I did. Also maybe more emphasis on experiences rather that things as Christmas presents next year.

I have never kept a NYR, so there's no point in starting now! However... there is that last half stone to lose.

Happy New year to you all! I went low carb in September...its called a woe...a way of eating...not woeful at all! I intend to follow this woe to my demise...the health benefits are wonderful....dropped two dress sizes, sleep at night, knees do not hurt, more energy, no brain fog...reduced hot flushes...the list goes on....and the food you eat is yummy! Love to all.

It wasn't, thankfully! Its a cautionary tale about self improvement though.
Not always recommended.

I use the time between Christmas and New Year to do my personal reorganisation. I look at my to do lists and my wish lists to set out a plan for the year. I write in all my U3A classes, my proposed ho;lidays etc in my diary and try to update my personal organisation i.e. I have a shopping list for each supermarket so if I am passing I can check if they have something which I need i.e. blue toilet paper - ASDA shades.

I enjoy Chines brush painting and have on the list to set up my Scholar's Desk. To do this I will have to do some decluttering.

I hope it wasn't you who put it together Miss A!

I had an elderly aunt who decided to get fitter in the new year, and bought an exercise bike to help her.
It was set up, she set to and began working up a brisk pace. Then the bike fell apart, she fell off and broke her hip!

Actually, it's eighteen 'new years' coming up... ?

I made a new year resolution in 2000 to learn to roller blade. Seventeen years later, I haven't achieved this (I did make a start but was held back by my own refusal to let go of the lamp post outside my house) but I don't feel like a failure. I'm still working on it but very slowly.

I think the problem with many NYRs is their punitive nature - giving things up, trying to improve ourselves against the odds. No wonder they're hard to keep.
My most successful one ever was 'drink more gin'! I kept it up all year ? and no, I didn't become an alcoholic - I'd just given myself permission to have more pleasure when I wanted it.

They must be SMART
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time limited.
+ must be different to last year
Last year I had:-
1.10,000 steps a day
2.Study classics
3.Write Life story
Failed 2 and 3 - Don't beat yourself up
This Year
1. Less sugar and fat
2.listen to more music
3.Read a poem a day
I wonder which I'll fail????

New Year is supposed to be a fresh start ...like every Monday when half the people I know start a new diet...lol.It being a New Year gives it a bit more credence ...I think.

I don't see any difference between a New Year's Resolution and a Note To Self. Can someone explain please?

A cautionary tale bout ironing - my son a few years ago moved back into a downstairs room. We got him a rack to hang hanging stuff. It took most of his clothes. He moved out again later. There was the rack and I took to hanging stuff to iron on it. Not sure how it happened but I ended up with the whole rack full of unironed summer clothes - kept looking in there and running away. Now I iron everything almost before it's dry.

I don't make NYR - how do you improve on perfection . I have put on a bit of weight this year but that just means there is more of me to love, also with my increasing age I think God has decided to give me airbags in case I fall