2012: I Have Goals

I don’t often have New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, I prefer setting goals rather than calling them resolutions, and a good friend and colleague has taught me this about goals: They must be SMART. In other words, they must be

Simple

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Time-based

In 2011, I really wanted to be a better student. I’m not entirely sure I succeeded – my marks are still dismal – but I am at least knowledgeable about my courses.

In 2012 I would like to focus on becoming more holistically well. One of my projects as TSR chairperson is, after all, Student Wellness. Which means that I am pretty much becoming the face of wellness. Which means I better damn well be well.

So here is what I want to do:

Be Physically Well:

This one is my poorest field, but possibly the easiest to rectify. I want to start by jogging at least once a week. It will be a massive improvement on 2011, when I never jogged. It will be nice to spend some time in the sun, even if just at lunch. And I must start cooking instead of eating uncooked instant noodles.

I made butter chicken for my family the other day and they loved it. Yesterday I made a delicious banana loaf. I am not a lost cause.

Be Emotionally Well:

This holiday has reminded how much I love reading and how beneficial it is to me. The Broke and the Bookish has also inspired me to read more this year. So I would like to think that I will read at least one book a week, but perhaps some modules will make that difficult. I would like to ensure that I read a little bit every week, at least.

I must also spend more time with my friends – even if I invite them to cook or jog with me.

Being academically well goes without saying, and fulfilling my leadership responsibilities too.

But what I have learned is that those things become much easier when you take care of your physical and emotional wellness first.