Objectives...NOT Resolutions!

[CrazyHomemaker]

Resolutions are meant to be broken, so I've decided to make a couple of things my main objectives of 2010.

1. Stop buying so much sugar! I bake a lot and sugar sure does taste good. Last year I read that every U.S. citizen eats a lot of sugar a year. I didn't remember exactly how much, but at least 156 pounds of sugar a year (I just Googled this!). Set 31 5lb bags in front of you and stare at it for a while. YUK! I will monitor my sugar purchasing and consumption, which includes the hidden stuff in some prepared foods I can eat.

2. Stop buying so much at Wal Mart. I've been practicing this for the last 6 months, so it won't be so bad. It was a habit to go in for a 'couple' of things and end up with $200 spent. I will ask myself "Can I get it elsewhere? Do I really need it?" before I go to Wal Mart. Big business is really getting on my nerves lately!

Anyone else have Objectives for this year?

[Grainlady]

Simple, yet effective.... I like that!

You can usually reduce the amount of sugar in many recipes by 1/4-1/2. I make a dessert-type recipe (cookies, quick breads, bar cookies, etc...) on Friday or Saturday, to have on-hand for drop-in visitors during the weekend. The rest of the week dessert is fruit, although I can make it into all kinds of neat treats. Homemade granola or "gluten crunch" (a high-protein granola-like mix made with ground gluten, unsweetened coconut, butter or coconut oil, and honey or agave nectar) is a great topping for fruit to give it some interest and also add some whole grains, along with some vanilla yogurt (or vanilla kefir in my case). Whipped topping made from powdered milk.

I go to Wal-Mart once a week (7 a.m. on Sunday morning when there are very few people there). I always check the clearance isle for potential gifts (our $10 Christmas gift limit), and end-of-the-season or -holiday bargains. There are also certain foods I can only get at Wal-Mart.

It IS easy to get lost in the "plenty" and have difficulty focusing on what you actually need. It's also more difficult to find REAL bargains in the food department.

I purchase all non-food items from my "walking-around" money, so that is a set amount. I purchase all food from the grocery budget, so that is also a set amount. That helps me to keep from over-spending. I never use a debit or credit card, or write a check at Wal-Mart.... Cash is King - as Dave Ramsey always reminds us. I'm also a big list maker, so I generally stick to my list.

I haven't given any thoughts to "objectives", but will do so. I gave up resolutions years ago....

[Luv2BeFrugal]

I made my list, too... I don't call them resolutions, either. I call them "goals".

I know this sounds trite, but I want to exercise 3 times/week. I now have an eliptical that doesn't hurt my knees, so I AM going to exercise!

I plan to read at least 15 books (my goal last year was 10 and I made it to 15, so setting that as the bar for this year).

My other goals are education-related. I met my goals I set for last year in this category and intend to do it again this year!

[VanVivCam]

I too have a goal of reducing the amount of sugar my family eats.

[AmyBoz]

I also don't use the word "resolution." Instead, I use "goal." I think it's more positive to think about achieving a goal.

I updated my blog today with the drawn out explanation for my goals for 2010, but in a nutshell I'm cleaning out the house (it's not cluttered...just purging the last remnants), trying to be more creative, breaking down our grocery budget, doing for others, and not buying any books.

[QM]

I made my list, too... I don't call them resolutions, either. I call them "goals".

Same with me. The problem with resolutions is that as soon as a person 'breaks them' (by accident or intentionally), that person often feels like a failure and gives up easily.

A goal is something that you work towards long-term.

[mombottoo]

Objectives...I like that! I always have objectives, but reaching them is something else entirely.

1) Save more, spend less.
2) Get pictures sorted and put in their respective albums.
3) Start recycling styrofoam, even though I have to take it to the transfer station.
4) Do at least 1 thing for myself every single day.

[Holly]

I have one big goal this year.
I am finally taking the leap and starting my own gift basket business. My Launch date is May 1st.
Will be doing a couple high end farmers markets with the goal of
having my own store by 2011.

[nessarowdy]

I, too, am a goal setter. It sounds more like something I will stick to!!!

I am, as always, going to be working towards decreasing that icky debt. I just need to tell myself it won't happen overnight, as it didn't take us overnight to accrue all of it.

I will be cooking more meals and have a meal plan in place to help with that.

I would like to start exercising and drink more water, but we'll see how that goes. lol I'm also going to declutter this house. I'm sick of hanging onto stuff "just in case" we may use it or play with it later.

I'm going to start reading the bible every day again, and find a church that my whole family will enjoy. Pray for us!

Here's to a great year, everyone!

Vanessa

[CrazyHomemaker]

Goals are good! Working toward them is a long-term chore that will be well worth the effort.

Holly...good luck with your basket business!

[Holly]

Thank you CH.
I am very excited