New Year, New Goals

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Back in my school days, one of the things that I vividly remember doing was writing new year resolutions. We used to do that on the very first day after we get back from our Christmas break. Most of the time, it would be a seatwork for my English class. Of course, whenever my Filipino teachers were not in the mood to teach, he/she would ask us to write our "Aking Mga Panata para sa Bagong Taon." I'd gladly comply, of course, even if I had to write in Tagalog (which, until now, gives me headaches), because it was always better than getting right into the lesson on the first day (yes, kids experience holiday hangover too).

Up until college and before I left for my mission. I somehow got into the habit of writing my annual resolutions. Well, who wouldn't be, when you're trained to write such at start of each year since elementary school? Soon enough, it become part of my routine even though I already graduated from elementary school and high school. Every January 1st, I'd take out my journal and write the changes I want to make in the new year.

The problem, however, was as soon as I put my journal back to its hiding place, I'd forget all about them. Sure, I'd still take my journal out to write entries for the week, but I don't recall reviewing my resolutions. ever.

It was when after I went home from my mission that I did away with writing resolutions, and instead, switched to making goals and planning. Indeed, one of the blessings I received from serving a full-time mission was planning and executing in order to reach goals. You know, things like dating, courtship and getting hitched. But I digress. 

Fast forward to now and was able to achieve a major life goal, I feel like I slackened a little bit. Yup, I did, and it wasn't just a little. Shame on me. 

So for 2014, I want to make some changes. I want to be that person again who made goals and achieved them. And this time, I want you to be part of it. You know, just to help me out. No, no, don't worry. You don't have to do anything. What I mean with 'help' is that you'll serve as my witnesses (and maybe to follow up on me once in a while). This way, I'll have this sense of accountability to really achieve them. And of course, to motivate me so I can have the face to show you for, if you know what I mean. 

So, let's get right in to it, shall we? 

Here are my goals for 2014:

1. Relaunch my jewelry business. When we moved to Palawan, Hubs and I found out that cultured pearls there were affordable. So we started a jewelry business. It wasn't a big one and operated online most of the time, but we've managed to earn an average of five digits a month. We stopped when we moved back here (long story). Since then, I kind of miss the feeling of creating something beautiful and unique. I really enjoyed my time making jewelry pieces, hence the decision. This time, I'm going to take it seriously. 

2. Make exercising a part of my daily routine. I'm lazy, I admit, and I want to stop being one. I've been off and on in my goal to be physically fit in 2013, and I want to change that this year. 

3. Read Jesus the Christ. I've been meaning to read the book since I arrived in my first area during my mission in 2006, and I still haven't done that. The reason is I want to gain a stronger testimony of the Savior by reading more about His life. 

4. Buy 1,500 or more shares. I'm talking about equity fund. I already bought my first thousand shares last year, and I plan to increase that number before I invest in mutual funds. Yes, putting eggs in more than one basket is one of the golden rules in investment. By the way, if you're interested, I'll probably write a different post about it so you'll know how. 

5. Live minimally. I figured that if I buy less stuff, I'll have more money. Of course, another reason is we don't have anymore space to store all. my. stuff. With emphasis on the last three words, since I'm such a hoarder. Haha!

6. Be serious at blogging. I know, I know. I keep saying this. I admit, I haven't been really consistent with blogging since mom got sick. Can you forgive me now?

7. Be promoted to senior write at my job... or quit. Okay, that lat part seems pretty harsh (and I'm not sure if I could really do it because I love my ST family), but I have to. I have to be harsh on myself so I could push beyond my limits. I made that goal last year and I failed. Boohoo. The only biggest hurdle that I have to pass through in order to achieve that is to amp my quality rating. My average last year was around 90%. To be promoted, I have to hit at least 95%, which is kind of a BIG challenge because grammar isn't really my forte. 

8. Learn how to transcribe and arrange songs. I suck at music theory, partly because I was mostly self-taught. Ever since my piano teacher moved out of the country, I just taught myself to sight read notes so I could play at sacrament meetings and stake conferences. Well, thanks to Birdy (she is such an inspiration), I want to arrange songs or transcribe them so I can play without music sheets. I did my first music transcription, by the way, and you can listen to it below. I was really thrilled to finally did it, and I want to do it more often. 

Fun video with two crazy friends, Jennifer and Ricardo.*

Hmmm...

What else? What did I miss?

Well, I guess that's about it. If I add more I probably won't have time for hubs anymore, and that's the last thing I want to happen. Anyway, I'll just keep you posted on my progress. Wish me luck, guys!

So now you know my goals, what about you? Care to share?

*Names changed for confidentiality