The Year of Self- Discipline

So every year, Chris and I go on a cruise in December. We spend the week getting warm and remembering the Anastasis, and most importantly we plan out our goals for the next year. Chris has an elaborate system, but I just have a notebook and a pen. We break things down in to categories and talk together about what we want to accomplish individually and as a couple. This is kind of like Mondo Beyondo-- which I also do every year, but perhaps more detailed (for my OCD side).

Each year we take on new ideas and we each look for a theme in what we're working on. For example, 2006 was all about completely new ideas, a new place to live, each of us were starting our school programs, and my journal for the year was titled "New." 2007 became more about finishing well and following through. 2008 for me was the year "to go pro" which was more about transitioning from the attitude of "art student" to actually thinking of myself as an artist. So, it was about selling my work, setting up shows, finding my own studio, keeping up with this blog... stuff like that.

So this year for me is The Year of Self-Discipline. This means I'm going to attempt to acquire some. For a long time, I've coasted along with life and my issues, and I've started to realize that this is an area that is holding me back from the things I want to accomplish with my life. It's my greatest weakness. Eating, Exercise, Finances, almost every area of my life could use more self-discipline. And so one of my first steps is to post my goals here so that I'm accountable to someone. (Unless no one is reading?)

Ok, so I have eight roles or categories and several things that I want to accomplish in each category. I'm going to summarize so that this post isn't quite so epic in length. The roles for me are in order of importance. I'm a total geek and have made myself a little visual diagram for this stuff, because that's just how I think, but you'll just have to settle for words here, because I can't figure out how to upload my diagram...

1. Wife: Call me old-fashioned, but I still think of this as the most important aspect of who I am. My first priority is always going to be Chris. There have been times that my lack of discipline has affected our relationship. I've made goals for this, but I'm going to leave them between the two of us. He'll keep me accountable on this one.

2. Artist: So this one is second for a reason. Because it's easy to put this behind everything else. But if I don't paint then I get crazy and can't do anything else well. I also have to figure out how to handle the business aspect of selling my work. And actually sell my work. So I have to make this a priority over friendships, family, work, the cat, everything. That way, I know I'll make myself paint-- I have to. I want to be a real professional working artist by the end of the year. (Whoa. That's scary.)

3. Creative Learner: I realize that's a bit vague. I put lots of things in this category though. Knitting, cooking, reading, crafty stuff... the things I do for myself. Painting used to be in this category, but it became so important that it got its own category. So, my goals here are things like make homemade marshmallows, read 52 books, make a skirt and a laptop sleeve with this fabric that's been laying around here forever, knit two more sweaters, learn more French. Things that keep me sane and well rounded.

4. Health Nut: Ok, so this is really where the self discipline kicks in. This is one of my weakest areas. I start exercise programs really well, but rarely stick with them. And while I've made serious changes to my diet in healthy ways, I think I could do more. So, first, I'm focusing on physical therapy. I have to get my ankle back to pre-surgery status, then I'm going to gradually work my way back into a sustainable exercise program (and STICK with it). I was doing pretty well until just before I had surgery, so hopefully I can find that happy place again. And secondly, since I've been a vegetarian for 5 years this year, I'm going to celebrate by going vegan for at least 4 weeks. I'm sure we'll talk more about this one and I'll explain the process further.

So, this post is growing and I still have 4 more categories, plus I have to talk about last year's progress. Why don't I stop typing for the time being? Meanwhile, what are your goals for 2009? You don't have to be as detailed as I am here, but I'd love to hear about them...