I love fresh starts: the first day of school in September, the 1^st of the month, Mondays and the beginning of a new week, and of course, the ultimate fresh beginning: January 1^st. I like standing at the head of a trail that could lead anywhere and everywhere. Nothing has happened yet; the slate is scrubbed clean, just waiting for me to put my imprint on it.

What do I want in the year 2013? And how am I going to achieve it?

I’ve done my research, and those in the know are all saying the same things. For a New Year’s Resolution to be successful, it must have the following components:

1)    It has to be specific.

2)    It has to be measurable.

3)    It has to have a timeframe.

As my kickboxing instructor explained so eloquently, it is not enough to say “I want to travel more.” What exactly does that mean? How far are you going? How often? Where to? By when? On December 31, 2013, how will you know if you’ve achieved your goal?

She suggested being more specific: “In 2013, I want to travel to France and New York.” There it is: simple, clear, and measurable.

She had some great suggestions for fitness resolutions that went beyond the classic “I want to lose weight.” or “I want to be healthier.” ones. Instead, we were told to come up with specific goals, like “I want to be able to do 75 push ups on my toes.” Or “I want to be able to bench press 125 lbs.” Those aren’t my goals, mind you, but it has made me look at my own fitness goals in a different light.

A good resolution doesn’t have to last the entire year. My sister Luisa is doing 31 Days, 31 Movies, watching a movie a day for the entire month of January. What are her chances of success? With such a specific, measurable goal with a concrete timeframe, I’d say they’re pretty high. (She does like her movies!)

As I sit here on January 1^st plotting out what I’d like to achieve this year, I think I’m going to go down the potluck road. I’ll have some short goals like my sister, only lasting a week or a month, I’ll have a monthly resolution, and then I’ll have some longer-term ones as well.

On top of that, I have come up with 4 mantras to guide me through the upcoming year (I do love my mantras!):

1)    Do what I love.

2)    Be with those I love.

3)    Always do my best.

4)    Don’t settle.

When the going gets tough this year, and I know there will be those moments, I’m hoping these mantras will help lead me in the right direction.

What are your resolutions?

Wishing you all a year filled with peace, joy, and time spent with those you love!