Fixing the Flaws

So, with the new year comes the unevitable list of grand resolutions - we all do it, whether it's written or just in our head.

In all of the excitement of a new decade, new goals and new adventures, I started to pen what has now become an unwieldy list of resolutions... in hopes of getting me back on track and jump-starting that run-down motor of motivation. Unfortunately, after compiling said list, I realized just a glance at it whisked me into a cold sweat of anxiety and fear. Seriously? Why would I set myself up for disappointment and failure?

Scratch that list - even though it had some awesome goals - and make way for the "Fixing of Flaws" list. There are a couple of things I really didn't like about my self, which I really intend to fix this year - or, at the very least, work on them.

So, say goodbye to the 1,001 resolutions, and hello to my Top 3 Fix-Its:

1. Be on Time - Last year, I heard a talk about how being late is very disrepectful to all of the people that you are meeting, whether they are family, friends, or total strangers. I don't know why I didn't really think about it in that way, but it made me physically sick because I am chronically late... and thus chronically - disrepectful. Shed a tear on that little epiphany. (Case in point - was an hour late to a family birthday party recently - and I was bringing the birthday cake!) No matter how hard I've tried, I always manage to be at least a few minutes late. But starting today, I'm going to make some big changes to turn this one around.
   
2. Listen - Sometimes my husband tells me I never listen... and he's kind of right. Many times, I'll get a call on my cell phone. I put the phone on speaker mode, then continue folding clothes, cleaning, cooking dinner, watching tv or whatever else I'm trying to do... while trying to listen and respond to the conversation too. There are pieces I miss and I know it gets frustrating for the person on the other end. The fix? I need to take a breather and focus on the conversation... or ask them to call back when I am not in the middle of something. Again, kind of disrepectful on my part, which I fully intend to change.


3. Focus on the Road - While I am in the car, no more lengthy and animated cell phone calls with a girlfriend, applying fake eye lashes, eating a double quarter pounder with melting cheese or flat-ironing & curling my hair (who really does that in the car???). Bottom line: driving while under the influence of any distraction, but especially a cell phone (talking or texting) is just dangerous. Check out this game by the NY Times: "Gauging Your Distraction". Enough said.

The interesting thing is that these little fixes all relate to one very big problem - I'm a chronic multi-tasker/over-planner. Although I have the best intentions of being on time, being a good listener and being a safe driver, I need to slow down, RELAX and be in the moment.

Life goes by too fast to be more concerned with checking off a to-do list than just enjoying the ride. Here's to 2010 - a year of quality, rather than quantity!