Saturday, January 31, 2009

Forget Regret:

This weeks Sunday Scribbling prompt asked about "regrets". I would be a fool if I denied to say that there were things that I wish I would have done differently, or things that I wish I just didn't do period. However, I am trying to be a more optimistic and positive person these days, so I decided to take a different approach while responding.

Instead of regretting decisions I have made in the past, I decided to make a list of goals for the next month that will aid in rectifying any situation that is not going the way I want it to at the present time.

These are my personal goals for the month of February, and something that I will probably continue to do month to month. I was always good at making lists when I was a graduate student, I enjoyed checking things off the list until they were done. Maybe that is what has been missing the past two years-- a life list.

So here goes nothing:

I started to go to the gym consistently. I was feeling good about myself, and I could tell I was losing weight by the way my clothes fit me. Then I went to Chicago for Christmas to see my family and indulged on foods that I hadn't eaten since moving out the country in early 2007. I got off track, and have only gone to the gym a few times since being back.

Goal 1: Work out every day for at least one week. That means seven consecutive days at the gym. Once this goal has been met, I must continue to go to the gym 3 nights a week.

When I moved to South Korea to take a job that didn't require me to pay rent, the first thing I promised to myself was that I was going to pay off massive debt from being a student. While I pay all my bills on time every month, I've yet to make the progress that I really wanted to see.

Goal 2: Pay off a credit card balance this month in full. I'm going to start with the lowest one (because I know it's in reach) and go from there. Bye Bye Chase Visa- you will not be missed.

Most months I transfer home a lot of money to my account in America. Usually I still have 800+ dollars a month to do whatever I want here. That usually means shopping. I usually spend so much on the weekends, that the week before I get paid - I have to rely on my credit card to keep me afloat.

Goal 3: Go the whole month without using a credit card. Rely only on money that is in my checking account.

Almost every day I go out for lunch. In Korea, it's fast and easy (cheap, too!) However, this next goal will help in more way than one.

Goal 4 and Goal 5: Pack my lunch every day for at least 1 week and cook dinner at least 3 nights a week.

I complain constantly about being alone here (although I am in a relationship and have a few good friends here) --- sometimes it's just not enough. And maybe that is me being selfish.

Goal 6: Make a new friend! Share what I know about the city with others.

So, this is me making a difference. I do not want to regret any more decisions that I make. This is my attempt at living a happy and healthier life.

8 comments:

Marguerite said...

This is indeed an inspirational post. I like your positive attitude of looking forward with new goals rather than looking backward with regrets. Making a monthly list is a great way to keep on track. Good luck.

Marguerite (Sunshine's mom)

Anonymous said...

This was great! My favorite part was "bye bye chase visa, you will not be missed"... so funny! Your goals sound fantastic. Let me know how your week(s) of work outs go. Maybe we can share our work out yays and nays!!!

susan said...

You sound like a really grounded person. I think you're going to succeed. You've spoken your goals and committed them to print. Like you, I choose to be optimistic. I affirm you will meet your goals.

Andy Sewina said...

Sometimes we don't realise how fortunate we are - I like the idea of the goals - Here's to a happy healthier life!

floreta said...

i'm with you on goal one.. need to start hitting the gym more myself. i like how you end it.. "so this is me making a difference."

Tumblewords: said...

Good idea! Excellent photos, too!

Laura said...

great blog, ray- i will def be following along :) i can live vicariously through you ;)

justme said...

good for you !!!