For the last ten or so years, I have had the ritual of writing on New Year's Day a list of accomplishments from the previous year and goals for the coming one. I do NOT like to call them "resolutions"; they are more like "intentions". I try to commit to the ongoing process of self-betterment, not just the "oh well, I ate potato chips on Jan. 4, so I guess that's done". However, as a quantitatively minded person, I do like the act of measuring sometimes incremental progress throughout the year, be it personal, professional, or physical. This year is no different, except for the fact that I'm sharing a curated version of my #womanup goals publicly.
Run consistently, including one speed session per week
This is basically an extension of my running plan from last year. I incorporated run commuting consistently, maintained a good base, and benefited enormously when speed became part of my regular plan. Now that my work situation is more predictable (office job instead of grad student schedule), speed sessions may need to be shifted to the weekend and run commuting may become my long run... final details TBD.
Strength training two times per week
In 2015 I was finally convinced of the benefits of speed work; in 2016 I've decided to consistently incorporate strength training into my regular running routine, since: 1) Muscles are sexy. 2) I am not an injury-prone runner (knock on wood), and I'd like to keep it that way. 3) Plus, I hear that strength training makes you fast(er)!
I'm committing to doing (a majority of) the Oiselle Dirty Dozen twice a week, plus daily planks, pushups, and tricep dips. It's so easy to put it off, so I've made a "daily diligence" spreadsheet that will help keep my measurement-loving self accountable.
Save for a down payment on a house
Now that I've graduated, I'm starting a big-girl job as research faculty in the Department of Medicine at UW, doing kidney disease research with the good people at the Kidney Research Institute. Now that my starving student days are over, it's time to start #adulting and save for a down payment on a house. Also, time to hope for the Seattle housing bubble to crash hard (unrelated).
Be vulnerable and Wholehearted
While life is beginning to feel a wee bit more predictable, there are still more than a couple of moving parts in play this year. I've just finished reading "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown (it's wonderful), and this year I want to embrace her message of being real and vulnerable in the face of uncertainty, as a path to more engaged and honest living. I'll be looking for joy and feelings of buoyancy in small ways, and trying to recognize my "sphere of influence" -- and not get stressed out by things that I have no control over.
Blog at least 1-2 times per month
For the moment at least, I am enjoying the practice of writing -- even when it's "just" a blog post -- and would like to stay accountable. I'm a little nervous, though -- what on Earth do people write about so frequently? :) I also struggle with conflicting inclinations toward privacy and openness in the online world, which maybe I'll sort out this year.
Did you make any resolutions this year? What are your goals for 2016?
