I’ve never been one for New Year’s Resolutions. However, this year, for many reasons, is to be somewhat of a rebirth for me and over the past few days I’ve been mulling over what I’d like to achieve this year (I think NYR’s or no, this is a common thing to do come this time of year). So, remembering the sage advice of some unknown fellow, I figured I’d become part of those who wish to achieve their goals, and make a point of writing them down (It seems a study or something showed that people who write down their goals have 1000 x more chance of achieving them than those that don’t – as with most statistics, this falls into the 80% that are made up on the spot – but it is at least quasi-accurate, and my hope is that, at the very least, you’re getting my point…).
But I digress.
So – as I’ve been getting into the habit of doing lately – I mind-mapped the crap out of my goals; complete with highlighted headings, bullet points and a fat 2011 stuck in the middle.
Some of these goals are related to personal issues such as relational ones (as some of you may know, I’m going through a divorce and I’d very much like it to be over with come this December) and other important ones relating to my darling daughter (I want the best for her) and boring things like debt (I want it gone. ASAP).
But, then there are the more interesting goals (well for me anyway), like – I want a new tattoo by January 2012 *at the latest*. With the divorce and everything, I’ve been seriously toying with the idea of a phoenix rising up out of flames (with some dragons thrown in for good measure) – so I’ll be working on that over the year, in the hopes that I have something I like come December. I will probably keep you all posted with snippets and pics, or pop them to my tumblr or posterous account.. not that there’s much movement there at the moment.. but that’s another goal.. (well almost -> see my next goal…)
My next goal pertains to this very site you’re reading… I want to commit to 4 articles a month, building up to 10-12 a month by December. I’ll see how I go, and maybe push out a few more here and there (or a few less as it may be), but I thought 4 is a good start – at about 1 a week.. and then we’ll take it from there.
Moving on… I have a lot of ideas. Maybe not as much as some people.. but I have a lot. I have a good few note books (usually with only about 3 pages written in, and that’s it) with thoughts and ideas of little webapps or sites or widgets and doodads, etc, etc that I just never get to trying. SO. I got myself a mediatemple account (check them out they’re pretty sweet) and have decided that I’m going to try and push out an appwidgetthingymadoodle once every 6 months or so. My first one is still a little secret, as it’s very much still in idea-phase, but it’s something I am excited about, simply because I need to use it – and I’m hoping once you guys know and play around with it a bit, you’ll enjoy it too.. now that I’ve hopefully whet your appetite, I’ll mosey onto my next and last set of goals for this year…
My Sexiness. Ok, not really – there’s nothing that can save that anymore – it’s more about my health and wanting to feel good about myself and it’s high time that I get myself into shape. Sitting in front of a pc for the better part of 8hours a day is never going to do me any favours and so I’ve decided it’s about time to do something about it. 2010 saw me lose about 10kg then promptly put it all back on again, so this year I’m planning on taking it a step further – and letting it stay off. Also, it has the added benefit of not having my doc shout at me. Currently I’m the very solid weight of around 122kg. My goal is to weigh under 100kg by December. Anywhere between 95 and 100 and I’ll be happy. Although looking at it now, it seems like an impossibility.. but, that’s why I wrote it down.. it HAS to happen now!
My plan is thus: to be at 105 (anywhere under 110 would be awesome) by June this year – mid winter.. yikes! – and then lose the last 5-10kg in the following 6 months, as I figured that would be the hardest to have fall off. It’s going to be tough going, I think, so any advice will be fantastic. My very lose thoughts on the matter are mainly to increase my exercise routine and then compliment that by focusing on eating healthier and LESS – b systematically reducing my intake – which should reduce calories, yadda yadda. I should probably also drink more water (and wear sunscreen)..
My current thoughts regarding exercise are :
So.. that’s that really. The last few goals I jotted down are more long-term and boring (like buy a house) and speaking of long, I think it’s about time I finished up this post.. So, until next time (which according to my blogging goal will be in about a week) I bid you adieu and goodnight.
13 Comments
Samantha van Zyl
Very inspirational Cam, making me think of a couple things I’d like to change in this year. Putting it in my blog should help as well…lol
mwah
4 Jan
Cam
Hey Sam!
I think writing it down goes that little bit further to making it happen – well I’m hoping.. haha
Glad I could inspire you a little
4 Jan
Clyde
LEGend!!!
Seriously insperational…Im gonna make my own list and go through with it, including starting my Mandarin Classes I almost took last year and going back to MMA!! It’s 2011, the year of getting back into shape and feeling good about it
Looking forward to seeing your progress!!
Also got some big business plans to rise to…so things are looking on the up and up!! Go for it China!
4 Jan
Cam
Awesome Clyde!
We should start a support group for NYRs to make sure we stick to it haha 
It’s awesome that my little inspiration burst has spread so nicely 
keep up the stoke – it’s going to be a good year!
4 Jan
Cam
i use way too many smileys…
4 Jan
Danny Greeff
Good stuff Cam! One of my resolutions was also to start running, so I bought Nike+ GPS (which is super awesome). I also thought it soul be quite lonely and not fun but I tell you now, I look forward to every run! So much so that ice been forced to take a break due to sore legs! So go for it bro, a decent playlist and your iPhone telling you how you’re doing makes it fun! Oh and I see that the RunKeeper App is free right now (normally $9.99) so go get it!
4 Jan
Cam
Hey Danny,
Haha - I got it a few days ago (Runkeeper) - I swear I have waay too many health apps already - you'd think I'd be getting fitter by osmosis or something already.. but no beef :/ Where do you run? and when? I just don't know where I'll fit it all in.. which sucks.. but think I should probably get going in summer, although the wind might be a pain.. Awesome that you're enjoying - I've heard that's the thing with running - it starts a little slow, but once the bug bites, you're a runner for life :) I love exercising with my iphone - don't think I'd get half as much done if I didn't have a playlist to my agony.. music makes for a great distraction! just glad we're not lugging cassette walkmans around with us anymore lol
Danny Greeff
Haha! Yea, geek fit FTW! I live in Gardens now so do all of my running in and around the City Bowl, some great hills to conquer haha! I’ve been on leave now so been running whenever I feel like it, but I’m going back tomorrow so will have to come up with some sort of schedule. Will probably hit a nice evening run tonight when it gets cooler, those are the best!
4 Jan
Cam
Awesome :) running in the bowl must be pretty cool! Do you don special shoes or just std trainers? I have some all-purpose kinda puma thingies, but heard I should get myself some actual running shoes rather.. Was thinking about starting out with some beach runs and taking it from there - at least it's cooler and one doesn't really need shoes..
Marc
Hey Cam,
We aren’t getting any younger and I read somewhere that you look the best you ever will again at the age of 30 WTH??? I aim to prove that wrong – I managed to lose about 15kg in 2009 and have managed to keep it off thanks to REGULAR running – I even did not put on a single kg over this past christmas and news years (and I wasn’t goo with my eating or anything) … thanks to running! Sarah also went on Weighless in 2009 and I though “What the hell – its usless cooking two meals every day” so I just ate what Sarah ate (not actually joinging Weighless though) and it taught me a whole new way of looking at what I eat and what portion of what to eat. Generally as South Africans we eat WAY too much meat and starch and our portion sizes are WAY too big!
Anyways – my resolution is to run the Comrades Marathon this year (yikes) – let me correct myself – I have entered already and booked/payed for my flights (making a bit of a holiday out of it for the family). So I don’t have too muich of a choice but to run (LOTS) over the next 5 months.
Running is seriously addictive – some evenings/mornings I don’t feel like it but when I get on the road and a kilo in and my thoughts are “Why didnt i get out on the road sooner – this is GREAT” … But I must say I look forward to running most days – I am running a 30km race this coming Sunday and am SO amped … its realy something I look forward to.
I started running in June 2009 and before the bug bit I was one of those who was of the opinion “If you want to get anywhere, just use your car dammit – ONLY run if you are in danger!”
It has seriously changed my me for the better – yes I have had a few injuries, but that to be expected in any sport.
Also – if you scared of being lonely (time on the road is my “me time”) then join the club in somerset west – it could also motivate you as the clubs run together at least twice a week.
Let the bug bite and you wont mind getting up before 5am to have a run – it really sets you up for the rest of the day!!!!
Well that my comment – was meant to be short – but oh well … hope I inspired you somewhat!
Take care
Marc
4 Jan
Cam
Hey boet! I swear I replied to this, yet somehow it never posted :/ I've realized that I dont think the loneliness is a problem, really... It's more time constraints, and a friend of mine suggested I rather lose weight first, as running fat could put too mug strain on my joints - so not entirely sure - but I'm thinking I'll start in a bit, although I am keen on running - the more I think about it the more I like the idea :) so thank you for the inspiration! :)
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