For a couple of reasons, I've never been one for New Year's Resolutions. For starters, I guess I've been fortunate in not having too many occasions where I really needed to formally resolve to do or change something. Then, the occasions where I did feel a need to make a resolution weren't necessarily in late December. If I felt a little fat and lazy in June, I'd resolve to start working out tomorrow, not in 6 months. I guess because people pig out during the holidays or spend all their dough on presents it is convenient to have "get in shape" and "save money" as New Year's Resolutions.
As of late though, between my job, new son, and a house where something always needs fixin' I do find that there are certain aspects of my life or rather pursuits that I'm neglecting. And lo and behold, it is the last week of December. My plan besides posting these resolutions here will also be to post regular updates, status, logs, etc. so everyone can feel free to publicly motivate or ridicule me.
#1 Work Out More
From my freshmen year of college through most of my single life I worked out pretty regularly. I'd like to think my motivation was to be in shape or maybe to excel at athletics. But after some real deep soul searching I've concluded that I was shallow and probably just hoping it would help with picking up women. Now, as much as I love and want to look good for my wife, I also recognize that I'd prefer to spend my free time cuddling with her than with a barbell. (You laugh iceman. Or should I say slushyman?) Anyway, since marriage I've worked out on and off but mostly off. You would've figured that my pulling out my back about a year ago would've scared me fit. Not really. A recent doctor visit where I weighed in at a new personal high and also had a cholesterol count that was too high helped for a while. But while I'm eating better and drinking less, I'm still a lazy s.o.b.. My goal for 2006: at least 20 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week. These are just minimums. I know that sometimes when I start I'll go an hour. Or I'll feel like lifting some weights and doing some abs. But 20 min, 3 days should be attainable.
#2 Practice Bass More
About 4 years I started learning how to play bass guitar. I took lessons for about 6 months in NYC prior to moving to San Diego where I practiced on my own a bit but never seriously. In Florida I had a few fun jam sessions with Jimmy Jay and Sticks Bernstein which motivated me a little, but it wasn't until settling here in NJ did I get really get back into it. I started taking lessons again about 6 months ago and was making progress. But when we had Charlie I temporarily quit lessons and kind of gave up playing for a couple months. As of late though I've been trying to find a little time again. My goal for 2006: practice for 135 minutes per week. This number is based on 15 minutes of practice 5 days of week and one 1 hour lesson. Like working out, these are minimums. If I skip a day I should be able to make it up with a 1/2 hour the next day. In many cases I know if I can figure out a way to just strap on the bass and turn the amp on I'll go for more than 15 minutes. I know this isn't enough to get great fast. But unlike some of my friends, I've cut off the mullet and given up my dream of being a rocker a while ago. If I can just consistently get a little better, rather than being on this roller-coaster, I'll be happy.
#3 Read More
There have been times in my life where I've read voraciously. As soon as I'd finish one book, I'd read another. Right now I can't even recall the last book I read. My goal for 2006: Read at least 8 books. I'll be shooting for at least 2 history books, 2 business books, and 2 New York Times fiction best sellers. The other 2, or more...these are minimum goals...can be anything.
Now you may be wondering, with a new baby, a job, and plenty of other responsibilities, where am I going to find the time for these pursuits? I was wondering that too. As you can see by the photo, I figured I'll multi-task. 20 minutes of cardio, bass practicing,and reading is only 20 minutes of time, not one hour. Of course, that's a joke (although I probably could read a little on the elliptical machine). An implicit resolution is going to be to watch less television. HD + DVR = LAZY is simple math. Heck, I could come up with 195 minutes by watching one less football game. Also, when setting my alarm clock early to work out in the morning, I'm going to try actually getting out of bed when the alarm goes off.
Anyway, that's the plan. Wish me luck.
 | Most people talk about their New Years resolutions. Many don't publish them.
It's been recorded. Let's see where you are in one month. |
 | tracy wrote on Dec 30, '05 Good luck! I think you'll do it. You seem to have a lot of discipline. |
 | Great resolutions. I hope you stick with them.
Regarding the time crunch issue, I've had people ask me where I find the time for...whatever. I usually reply that you will never FIND the time, you must MAKE the time. If its truly important to you, you will do it.
And when the weather warms up, you can get out for a run (or a walk) with Charlie in the stroller, and that's spending time with him AND working out. I like your multitasking idea! |
 | marc wrote on Dec 30, '05 Nice Mike. I'm already feeling motivated to pick up the "sticks" more often in the new year.
Great picture. |
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