Mid-year resolutions

Last night I was reading a wonderful article by the late Douglas Adams ("it's a sort of threat, you see...") about New Year's Resolutions and why they invariably fail. His main point was that people tend to stick them on random pieces of paper which they promptly lose. I see this point, as it reinforced my own tendency to lose track of stuff unless it's written down, checked and double-checked in a systemic way. This is, I've discovered, WHY I am 80% effective (or better) at work but absolutely a pathetic disorganized mess at home. At work, I have my Outlook, and everything goes in there - tasks, appointments, daily reminders, etc. At home, we have a Year-At-a-Glance wall calendar and a whiteboard in the hall for grocery lists and random notes. Not a real solid system.

So, I am going back to Day-Timer land. I've waffled back and forth from computer to paper-based organizing systems over the past few years and I've decided that I really need to keep 2 separate, but synched, systems. (Say THAT five times fast, I dare you). So for work, I will keep the Outlook system. But on my desk and in my bag and always within reach I am going to start keeping my Day-Timer, for personal notes, and lists, and plans, and maybe even some writing. I want to get back to writing, and I want to spend more time on important things like fitness and keeping the house pleasant (not antiseptic, but welcoming) and family and friends and so on. This requires a plan. Step 1 is get the Day-Timer and Step 2 is start writing stuff in it. Step 3 will be working out how to best organize it, but I think that will evolve over time.

So, some Mid-Year Resolutions:

1. At least 1/2 hour of physical activity per day - gym/garden/walk/yoga/something.
2. Re-evaluate the knitting project list, and estimate time to complete projects. Build a schedule (with some flexibility).
3. More balanced leisure time activities - especially for the summer, get outside more.
4. Write every day, at least 15 minutes. (Blogging doesn't count for this).
5. Cook a healthy meal at least twice a week, and clean up the kitchen immediately afterwards.
6. Go visiting or have company over at least every other weekend.

I've got other ones too about figuring out future plans, career consulting, etc. but there's not a real sense of urgency to those just yet. For the summer, these six goals are enough. I'll track my progress (in my Day-Timer, aha!) and see how I did, come Labour Day weekend.