2023 – The Year of Rachel

Well today is the 4^th day of the new year.  I have stayed away from New Years Resolutions.  They have never really motivated me in the past and have always felt like empty promises to myself.  There’s always the yearly lose weight resolution that is difficult to achieve when your body is always fighting against you.  Followed closely by the exercise more resolution which I am always committed to but find difficult to achieve when my body also rebels against me, and I find myself hobbling along.

The first two weeks of the year are always easier for me.  I am on leave from work and have the time and uninhibited motivation to reach for these resolutions.  Then work returns and the every day grind beats me into submission.

I’ve done a bit of reading recently and I am not alone.  Research says only 12% of adults feel they are successful in reaching their New Years Resolution.

So, in 2023 I have decided to set some goals instead.  What’s the difference you ask? A resolution is a firm decision or statement to do or not do something.  Whereas a Goal is something you are aspiring to and focusing your efforts on.  I have taken the last four days to re-connect with nature and clear my mind from all distractions.  As part of the Midlife Reset my focus is to improve my health and enjoy my life more.  Stop being so affected by others perceived opinions and live my life true to myself and my loved ones.  I cripple myself constantly worrying about what other people think of me.

So here we go.  Rachel’s 2023 Goals. 

Goal One – 50 things for 50 years

It’s my 50^th Birthday in December 2023.  I want to focus on finding 50 things I’ve not experienced before and do them before my 50^th Birthday.  They don’t need to be big or expensive things but will culminate in a 50^th Birthday Bash that no-one would expect for Rachel.  So far, I have ticked of 3 things – 47 to go!!

Goal Two – See more of Australia

Spend more time seeing more of Australia!  We are in the process of finalising the caravan upgrade.  The goal this year is to have a chunk of time together so we can take the caravan to locations we haven’t yet visited.  I’m really excited about this one.  It allows me to connect with nature and helps my mental health. 

Goal Three – Stop comparing myself to others

I am constantly comparing myself to other people.  It’s an internal dialogue that I really need to silence.  This year I am going to work on focusing on myself rather than worrying about what other people have that I don’t.  This one will not be easy but I am committed to working on accepting who I am and spending time ‘watering my own grass’ so to speak. 

Goal Four – Increase my Blog

I have thoroughly enjoyed the set-up stage of getting my blog started.  I find it akin to a journal.  Somewhere I can share my thoughts and get them out of my head.  Sometimes it helps me think things through and find clarity.  In 2023 I want to further develop my writing skills, develop my online professional network, increase followers, and work my way towards making some extra money.  My ultimate life goal is to replace my 9 to 5 job.

Goal Five – Health Journey

It’s always a goal for me.  Finding the way to increase my health and decrease my weight.  It’s not so much about the number on the scales but more how I feel.  It’s so uncomfortable and it makes it difficult to engage in certain things when your weight is high.  I’ve written previously about my experience with the extender seat belt on a flight and my commitment to giving up diet coke.  This is the one step further.  I am working with my health care professional on a long-term solution. I am open to all options with weight loss surgery on the table at the end of the 12-month period.

I’ve decided five specific goals is more than enough.  2023 is shaping up to be a complete life changer!  I hope you will come along for the ride!!