New You for a New Year!

The New Year is upon us.  Out with the old, in with the new!  Really, just a few minutes, then a day, then a week will separate us with 2011 and 2012, but every year we sit down and make a list of how we can be better, do more, and live life more fully.

But how do we do this?  By making lists?  As I sit here writing, I have a huge list in front of me, broken down into sections: 1. places I need to call (and keep putting off...), 2. things I need to return to various stores since the holidays and before them, 3. tasks to accomplish on the computer (including this blog!), and 4. things to do around the house and for our lives... like putting away the Christmas decorations and figuring out what in the world we are going to do on New Year's Eve.

When I look at my list, nothing satisfies me more than checking things off of it.  I can help you make a million lists to clean up your home, fix up a tasty dinner and can organize your event in a second.  But as I look at my list and reflect on the upcoming New Year, I notice that everything is tangible.  I stopped making real life accomplishment lists a long time ago.  Sure I would tell myself "I'm going to work-out more and be kinder to my husband even when he leaves his water glass out night after night...".  But I never write them down.

Everything I write down on my 'to do' lists I accomplish.  I don't necessarily accomplish everything that I keep floating around in my head.  So now, I challenge you to make a list, or rather two.  First, write down everything that you can think of that you need to 'do' in the next day and week, then re-write it in a prioritized sort of way.  Keep it out where you will see it. 

Next, make a list of five things you want to work on for you.  Yes, five whole things for YOU, and keep this by your bedside.  It can be to cook more or read more or manager your temper a little better.  To walk every day or pet your dog more often because it's been a while since he's received enough attention.  How about to snuggle more and actually watch a movie with your family rather than being on the laptop the whole time. Not answering the phone during dinner and no blackberries in the bedroom.  

These may not be things that you can check off to make you feel better, but just doing them will accomplish that.  Get your mind going and I'm sure you find five... or ten things that will help make a better you in 2012.  Happy New Year!

(for more ideas, check out the Check List book that I have!  Please visit Home in Harmony for any help you might need!)