14 Plans for 2014 (pretend I actually posted this on New Year's Eve)

Well, 2013 is coming to a close and it’s time to start thinking about what we want to change in our lives for 2014. I normally make the same resolution year after year and end up stopping working on them a month or two into the new year. Then it’s wait ten months, make the resolutions again, and start the process all over again. This year, I’m going to try something a little different.

One of my best friends from high school (and the bride that I will be a MOH for this year) told me last week that she set 14 resolutions for herself for 2014. 14 for ’14. When she first told me this, my reaction was “holy cow that’s a lot of resolutions.” Then I thought about it. She might be on to something. My sister started a tradition of setting goals for each year at her birthday so this year it is “19 things before turning 20.” I like this concept even better. Not necessarily resolutions, but more of a combination list goals, bucket list items, etc. So thus begins a new tradition: 14 Plans for 2014.

My 14 Plans for 2014:

1. Read through the Bible COMPLETELY. I have started this the past two years and end up not finishing. I actually end up stopping before the end of April so this is hopefully lucky number 3.

2. Graduate undergrad with a Bachelors degree in Christian Counseling.

3. Blog at least once a week. Maybe putting a specific number on the goal will help me actually follow through with it since just putting “blog more” doesn’t seem to actually work.

4. Journal. I got a beautiful leather journal with the serenity prayer from my internship this year and I plan on putting it to use in 2014.

5. Take a road trip. Short or long. Road trips with friends are always a good idea.

6. No Sodas. Drink more water. Be less dependent on caffeine to stay awake at weird hours.

7. Take time for myself. I tend to go, go, go instead of taking time to smell the roses and I end up getting agitated or exhausted or both. In 2014, I am going to take time to enjoy life. Read more. Go to the movies occasionally. Just enjoy life.

8. Get organized, Stay organized.

9. Go somewhere I’ve never been. I am a travel geek but it amazes me how little I actually go somewhere completely new. This year, it’s happening.

10. Read 100 books. I tried this one last year as well. I want to at least get closer this year.

11. Start Christmas shopping before Black Friday. This year it was ridiculous trying to get everything bought and wrapped. Maybe if I buy throughout the year and wrap as I buy it will be easier and much less stressful.

12. Follow politics. It’s an election year, and as much as politics annoy me on facebook, I am eligible to vote, therefore I should at least know who to vote for without asking dad.

13. Procrastinate less. Considering I woke up on New Year’s Eve and my first thought was that I needed to finish writing my 14 Plans, I really need to work a lot on my procrastination.

14. Save $5 bills. I had a customer during the holidays say that she saved every $5 bill she got throughout the year and used it for Christmas shopping. She dropped about $200 on clothes for her family and still had a lot left over. This year, I’m going to give it a shot. Another way to not break the bank buying gifts.