Resolutions

I can't believe the last time I posted was over a year ago.  Ironically, it was about 2012 resolutions.  Last year, I planned to work on three goals.  These included:

#1: Incorporating more technology into my classes 

#2: Dressing up more often

#3: Keeping my car cleaner

Happily, I can report that goals one and three were fairly successful.  At the Faculty and Staff Awards in August, I was presented the Innovative Use of Technology Award at the University of N. Georgia.  This is a goal I plan to keep because I still want to learn additional tools to enhance and engage student learning. Additionally, I've gotten much better at keeping my car clean.  I still have stuff in it, but it is nothing like it used to be...that should tell you how bad it was before!  Consequently, I must confess that I was completely unsuccessful at dressing up more often.  I really think I could function in pajamas daily...in fact, I know I could!  Honestly, I think I'd be more productive too.

With the New Year already upon us, I've decided it is time to set some new goals for 2014.  This afternoon, while my sister and I were discussing resolutions, she made a great point.  She explained that she wanted her New Year's Resolutions to be something that enriched her.  I couldn't agree more.  So, I've decided to set the following goals...

#1:  Journal weekly.

Years ago, I journaled regularly.  Unfortunately, I stopped while in grad school.  I've tried several times to restart the practice, but I've developed a "perfectionist" streak that makes it difficult.  However, there is no time like the present to try again.  Hopefully this time I will be more successful.

#2:  Disconnect.

During Lent last year, I decided to unplug by a specified time nightly.  Although initially stressful, I quickly realized how pleasant my evenings were.  I wasn't getting frustrated from reading student emails late at night or getting sucked into some pointless surfing.  Unfortunately, after Easter, I picked back up on my extreme use of technology.  Well, I've decided to make a change.  One of the worst places for my tech use is in bed - when I should be going to sleep.  So, I bought an alarm clock (because the alarm on my phone is typically the excuse I use for bringing my iPhone to bed), and I've decided to charge my phone somewhere else.  This is going to be a really difficult goal for me, but I'm hoping putting it in writing will help hold me accountable.

#3:  Take more risks.

I am not a risk taker.  In fact, I am risk averse.  I like to be comfortable, good at something immediately, and I hate the feeling of failure.  For these reasons, I often dodge situations that cause me to try something new.  This is an issue I've been thinking and reading a lot about lately.  In fact, I just finished a fantastic book (Daring Greatly) about the importance of being vulnerable.  So, I've decided to approach 2014 open-minded and focused on stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Happy New Year!