For nearly all my life my schedule has revolved around a school year. In the past I looked upon New Year's Day as a fresh beginning. But as time passed I realized I was much more committed to a fresh start happening in August.
Now I call them my "new school year resolutions" and find myself accomplishing goals that would likely fizzle out if I began them in January. In August of 2014 I made the resolution to live debt free. This is a huge goal for a normal couple in our early 30s, complete with some credit card debt and a sizable chunk of student loans.
I began by making a monthly breakdown that included the amount I would need to pay for each debt point to pay off the total plus interest amount in 12 months. As late summer moved into early fall I found that I was able to pay twice as much as I had estimated. I credit our frugal lifestyle for this boon. We're also working really hard to get into good shape so our soda and Doritos money is going toward the pay off.
Bring the story around to this shiny new year 2015, I just made my last payment on all outstanding debt for both my husband and I. Not too shabby for a single income home!
As for the getting in shape resolution, it is going well. Both of us are feeling and looking much better than when we began in August. I graduated from walking to running on the treadmill, and have managed not to fall (hooray!). Both of us are being thoughtful and proactive about workouts and weight training. Overall weight loss and muscle tone have greatly improved.
I'm writing this post and dwelling upon my August resolutions because I see colleagues and friends launching their New Year goals and hopes. Some of them are starting out with hope and positivity, others not so much. So I challenge you all to think about when goal setting is most effective in your life. If you work in education or other seasonal work, consider the natural break points in your year.
Above all good luck with your challenges and goals throughout the year!
Now I call them my "new school year resolutions" and find myself accomplishing goals that would likely fizzle out if I began them in January. In August of 2014 I made the resolution to live debt free. This is a huge goal for a normal couple in our early 30s, complete with some credit card debt and a sizable chunk of student loans.
I began by making a monthly breakdown that included the amount I would need to pay for each debt point to pay off the total plus interest amount in 12 months. As late summer moved into early fall I found that I was able to pay twice as much as I had estimated. I credit our frugal lifestyle for this boon. We're also working really hard to get into good shape so our soda and Doritos money is going toward the pay off.
Bring the story around to this shiny new year 2015, I just made my last payment on all outstanding debt for both my husband and I. Not too shabby for a single income home!
As for the getting in shape resolution, it is going well. Both of us are feeling and looking much better than when we began in August. I graduated from walking to running on the treadmill, and have managed not to fall (hooray!). Both of us are being thoughtful and proactive about workouts and weight training. Overall weight loss and muscle tone have greatly improved.
I'm writing this post and dwelling upon my August resolutions because I see colleagues and friends launching their New Year goals and hopes. Some of them are starting out with hope and positivity, others not so much. So I challenge you all to think about when goal setting is most effective in your life. If you work in education or other seasonal work, consider the natural break points in your year.
Above all good luck with your challenges and goals throughout the year!
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