A Procrastinator's New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions are a good idea. They make us think about how to better ourselves. They are also famous for falling to the wayside within a few weeks. Why make them then? Because if you don't try to do better, you certainly will never improve yourself.

This year I was sick before New Year's Eve and never felt like making resolutions. Since, like most people, I never seem to keep them for over a few months, I didn't worry about procrastinating. Then I decided that Feb 1 would be my starting date. Once again I put off writing them down. I have them in my head. After all, they are essentially the same resolutions I've made for at least 20 years or more. This year health considerations have motivated me. So now I've picked the 17th, my birth date, to start my resolutions.

I'm giving myself until then to get used to doing them. I'm hoping to get into the habit slowly so it won't be so hard. So far, so good.  Someone inspired me by posting how she was coming along for the month. That seems like a good idea. Having to 'fess up publicly may keep me in line.

My 2013 resolutions:

1. Lose 50 pounds.

That's only one pound a week with two weeks off for my birthday and Christmas. This year it is for health reasons. My back and knees are protesting the weight when I try to do much walking. I pant for breath with little activity and don't move around like I could if I took off some weight.

The best way I believe will be to eat more often. I'm really bad about not getting around to eating. Even when my stomach is growling, I'll stay on the computer or phone for sometimes hours before getting around to eating. I'm going to set my goal to eating ever 8 hours at least.

2. Clean my house.

My goal is to clear out 1 plastic bag  of trash, recyclables, items to recycle out of the house or pack one box every day. I have a habit of piling up the recyclables and the items for freecycle for later. Getting rid of the clutter will make it easier to pack, too.

I'm looking for a new house and want to be ready to move. I've only moved 4 times as an adult but I remember how tiring it is. Each time was only a few miles away and this one should be as well.  If I'm even a dozen boxes ahead, that's a few less tired muscles. This time I'll have a whole house full of items to move, so I need to prepare as much as possible in advance.

3.Socialize more in person.

It's been too easy to sit on my computer to talk to online friends and call my local friends by phone.  I can go a whole month without meeting a friend in person. I'm going to make it a point to get together with friends at least once every two weeks. I'd like to make some more offline friends, too.

4. Cook healthier meals with fresh herbs.

This is the year I finally plant tomatoes, chives, mints and onions. I have allergies around Easter time and tend to wait too long to plant. If I haven't moved, I'm going to plant them in containers.

5. Exercise at least 20 minutes a day.

That doesn't sound like much but since my only exercise is usually going to the grocery store, that's a step up for me.  Some days that may mean 5 minutes 4 times a day. I'm hoping when I get comfortable at 20 minutes, I can up it 5 minutes a day until I hit an hour. Regardless, the 20 minutes a day will improve my health.

Did you make resolutions?  I finally made them because I needed to for health reasons but this may not be enough motivation to go all year.  Are you motivated to keep yours?