I personally like to “map out goals” vs. “make resolutions”. The difference is that by mapping out goals, I will review them quarterly to see if I’m on track. There is also an internal difference and I’m not just focused on one thing (like losing weight or getting in shape). My “goal mapping” includes other areas of my life. My map helps me to figure out where I’m heading in my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual lives. 

I find that the beginning of the year is a perfect time to do this, mainly because I have this “fresh-start-I-can-accomplish-anything” feeling. And I want to take full advantage of it before I get overwhelmed and possibly lose my confidence (or worse yet, my mind).

However, I have started “goal plans” at other times of the year, like September. Usually when I was just fed up with how things were going and in desperate need of a “life overhaul”. The “when” doesn’t matter as much as the “inspiration” to get things turned around.

My friend at The Fit Shack wrote an excellent post about the effectiveness of our New Year’s Resolution to lose weight being directly effected by our “inspiration” behind it. It’s definitely worth reading and will help you to put a firm foundation under your weight loss plan (whether it starts January 1st or October 18th).

I’m off to put the finishing touches on my 2009 Goals since I’m still in the “turning-over-a-new-leaf, I-can-do-ANYTHING mode” 

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment about your Resolution/Goals.