The New Year: You, Part II
Written by Rhonda Franz of Coffee House Mom
Back in the 80’s, Clairol had a television commercial using the slogan, “It’s You, Only Better.” This clever marketing campaign complimented women everywhere on their natural beauty, while also encouraging each woman to go one step more and add a bit of pizzazz to their locks.
I propose we approach 2012 in the same way. It’s February. How far have you come with those commitments you made last month?
Let’s face it: these resolutions tend to go by the wayside after a few weeks. Perhaps we were all ridiculously super-rested, hung-over on holiday drinks, or just so happy to be off the plane after traveling cross-country with toddlers that we’re pumped-up about a clean slate—so much so that we are overly ambitious about potential accomplishments.
It is time now to really think through your resolutions. The Excitement Of The New Beginning has worn off. You have taken down the tree, and stopped mourning the fact that the peppermint bark is all gone.
Make sure you really have the resolve to, you know, resolve.
Continue those things you didn’t follow through with last year. Now, this might look discouraging, but it will work. I’ll help.
Think, “2011: The Sequel,” or “2011, Part II.” It sounds like the title of a really bad movie, but will help you get the job done. Or at least feel good about your effort.
Last year I started out with a resolution to de-clutter and organize my house. It is now February, one year, and one month later. There are still stacks of paper in the office and piles of stuff in the garage, but I also had another child—increasing the workload, and started sending one to school—increasing the paper load. I organized only a few home spaces, but, it didn’t get worse. I’m proud of that.
For 2012, I am moving onward and upward with that same goal. My list starts out like this:
1. Continue organizing house – room by room.
2. Bring everyone else in family on board with the idea.
3. Keep on working with #1, even though you haven’t accomplished #2. (There is absolutely no reason to do everything chronologically.
You can even include the proverbial weight loss and fitness goals into this kind of continued resolution:
4. Lose more weight, get more fit. (It doesn’t matter that I had a baby last year. It counts. If you had a baby, half your work is done. Go you!)
Resolve to do less this year. You know, to save time. For example:
5. I will do less ironing. (If that makes you feel lazy, simply write down what you will do instead):
5b. Instead, I will spray my clothes lightly with water, and toss pants and shirts back in the dryer for a few minutes.
Live it up a little, and go with something superficial. Your resolutions don’t necessarily have to be actual work:
6. I will, once and for all, learn how to properly apply eye shadow. (You’ll need some action steps for this):
6b. Go to YouTube and type “eye shadow tutorial” in the search bar. (I got a jump start on this one, and I can tell you – it works. Thousands of tween girls can’t be wrong about eyeliner and the proper use of the slanted brush. They’re good, my friend. Very good).
See there? Instead of changing yourself completely or launching headfirst into goals too overwhelming to even list on paper, you can run with this new inspiration. Go with the sequel-style resolution, or throw in something fun—an accomplishment you’ll really be able to cross off your list come December. You will end 2012 with the sense of satisfaction that comes from completed projects and time saved.
And if your eyes are expertly decorated for the annual holiday party, so much the better.
Rhonda Franz is the managing editor of ParentingSquad.com, and writes a food & cooking column for Peekaboo parenting magazine. She lives in the woods of Northwest Arkansas with her husband and three young sons, where she is making a bit of headway of home organization. Her usual makeup routine is a four-minute face, but she can do a fabulous smoky eye for special occasions. She blogs at coffeehousemom.com.