27 Resolutions

...download a template of this almighty list here...

I once heard of a study that looked at Harvard graduates' lifestyles 30 years after graduation. Just after leaving the gorgeous ivy covered brick walls of Harvard, 100% of the graduates had goals for their future. Of those, only 3% actually wrote down their goals. Fast forward 30 years and guess what? The 3% who had goals in writing made more money than the other 97% of the subject group...combined!

Now, while making some serious Harvard grad scale of pay is always nice, the real take away is that putting your goals in writing (seemingly) influences your rate of success in achieving those goals. Whether your goal is to make a six figure salary or to learn how to knit, seeing your goals in good old black and white can help you succeed. On that same train of thought, making your goals public, I think, adds a level of responsibility as now other people (not just your trusty friend, Miss Diary) know about your goals. It helps to have someone hold you accountable or even just to turn up the heat on yourself knowing that if you don't follow through on some plan, someone other than you will know about it.

So. In an effort to make progress on some of my less private resolutions/to-do list for 2011, I'm sharing my almighty list with the blogosphere. (Note: I do realize there are slim to none readers of my sporadic blog, but maybe it's the thought that counts?)

Ashley's 2011 Resolutions/To Do List
1. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
2. Take up jogging/hiking in the warmer months.
3. Take responsibility for my physical appearance (i.e. workout to feel/look fit; actually do my hair and makeup if I want to feel pretty, take more pride in my clothing).
4. Go to graduate school.
5. Find work that aligns with my interests, passions, and beliefs.
6. Set a date for our wedding!!
7. Continue to save at least 10% of every paycheck.
8. Floss.
9. Go to the dentist.
10. Have an eye exam.
11. Try out a gluten-free diet for one week.
12. Find a hobby.
13. Get a new driver license picture.
14. Pay off Discover and Visa cards by June 1.
15. Schedule more girl time.
16. Find music again. (Regional theater? Learn guitar? Take voice lessons?)
17. Learn to cook five meals I love.
18. Send one friend a spontaneous card every month.
19. Buy more fresh flowers.
20. Remember to update my address for magazines and Theta when we move.
21. Buy a decent camera.
22. Practice yoga more often.
23. Make a family tree.
24. Re-read Alice Hoffman's Here On Earth.
25. Be more aware of my emotions and address them properly.
26. Journal/Blog more frequently.
27. Get involved with Theta <>~~~