New Year's Resolutions

I've never really been one for New Year's Resolutions. I'm not sure why. We never did them as a family growing up so it wasn't something that became ingrained in my as an adult. 

I like the concept. A new year. A new beginning. 

However, I don't know if I've ever been overwhelmed with people who have succeeded or accomplished their resolution(s). I feel more bombarded with people starting strong and then dwindling off a few months/weeks/days into the new year.

Maybe it's because people shoot for the generic or broad. 

Quit smoking. 

Get fit. 

Stop drinking. 

Spend more time with family.

These are all great things. But if for me, if I don't have tangible goals or steps to accomplish I don't think I could do it. Give me guidance. Give me a goal.

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I suppose in a way I have a New Years Resolution....I've been wanting to increase my exercising lately. 

I walk about 1 1/2 miles to get to/from work...but that's walking to the bus stop, riding the bus for a 1/2 hour and then walking to work; and then in the evening walking from work to the train. Good that I'm walking but not steady enough to get my heart rate going.

So today, after being inspired by a friend over instant messenger, I went for a walk on my lunch break instead of reading (which had been something else I've been trying to increase). Up the hill from my job there is an out door track; so I walked to the track (0.3mi), did a full loop (0.25mi) and then walked back to work (another 0.3mi). I kept a steady pace the whole time - not what I'd consider "speed walking" but more than a stroll - and even when I had to stop for things like a Red Light I stood in place and bounced to keep my heart rate going. 

 

Hopefully the friend and I will continue to inspire one another and keep up our new lunch-time walks (even if we are 1,800 miles apart). My goal is to do this everyday. Every day at my lunch (1/2) hour I plan to go up to the track, do at least one loop (hopefully I'll work up my speed so I can do more than one) and come back to work.

I admire people who make goals for themselves every year. And while I'm not looking at my hope/goal to increase my walking everyday as a "resolution" I do hope it's a goal that I can keep up and reach for myself.

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What resolutions have you made this year?