Friday, January 1, 2016

2016 Resolutions...Or Not

I hope everyone had an enjoyable new year. Matt and I were going to visit Jenn and Tommy, but I've been sick and I didn't want to infect everybody, so we ended up staying home. We nearly missed midnight; luckily the neighborhood fireworks alerted us to the time!
Nachos and champagne to ring in the new year. Doesn't our kitchen just look lovely? Don't mind me - I look a mess.
As I wrote in my first-ever blog post, and in some subsequent posts as the years have gone on, I became a runner when I made a New Year's resolution in 2009 and it actually stuck. Since then, I've had good success with taking the time to plan resolutions for the new year and actually following through.

Last year, that wasn't the case.

My 2015 resolutions fell apart early. I think I went wrong from the very beginning because I set these goals despite not really feeling them. They were things I wanted to accomplish, but not things I was truly feeling motivated to work toward. They fell apart, and I just didn't care to get back on track.
Don't get me wrong, it was a solid year - I ran my highest mileage ever and accomplished some great things!
The end of 2015 left me feeling meh about the year, and I think it's time for me to rethink how I do resolutions.

I'm not going to set out specific resolutions this year. I've been getting more and more specific with my resolutions because I felt like SMART goals were the way to go, but I found that last year that really backfired on me. The specificity of the goals felt like a stranglehold; it was too easy to fall short.
Sometimes SMART goals require overthinking; it's time for me to simplify.
Instead, I'm going to think about the big picture for what I want to accomplish and how I want to feel about 2016, and set goals that complement that.
I plan to continue to make growth in my running. That means taking cross-training more seriously. I plan to continue being consistent in my workouts; that might mean taking time off from running, but filling the void with other workouts. I plan to make the majority of this year about shorter distances and speed, just as I decided in November. I want to end each week feeling pretty satisfied with my physical activity...but what creates that satisfaction isn't set in stone.

So that's it. No true resolutions. I'll put some more thought into races as the year goes on; for now I just have A1A on my radar. There's no reason I can't adjust and set more specific goals later in the year, and that's what I'll do when inspiration hits. Right now, I need some flexibility and freedom. Instead of following SMART, I'm going to follow KISS.
Are you setting goals for the new year?
Do you prefer specific goals or flexible goals?

ABK

15 comments:

  1. I am struggling with my goals this year...I too felt that 2015 was just 'pfffft'. I don't want that to be my 2016!! Did you decide to do the marathon? I can't remember seeing a post confirming.

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    1. I'm not going to decide for sure until that week. The race organizer said I could upgrade at the expo for $15, so I'm waiting to see how I feel and how weather is, and I'm not going to really post much about my decision until the time comes :o)

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  2. As I was thinking about resolutions yesterday, I came so the same conclusion as you. I'm not making any resolutions this year except to finish Chicago and grow as a runner.

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    1. I think short and sweet is the way to go - you can really focus on your goal that way. I can't wait to see you conquer Chicago!

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  3. Great resolution! 2015 was definitely not the best running year for me, but I am on the same page as you for 2016 - keeping it simple. I want to focus on my running and strength training.

    Even though I don't comment as much as I use to, I still read your blog and I have to tell you that I loved your marathon recap. I am so in awe of your bravery. You are an inspiration. Keep doing you Ali!

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  4. GREAT goal. :) I think I will have to steal that one for myself too. :)

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    1. It seems like simple is the way to go this year!

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  5. I love the idea of KISS goals & I see many people with just one word - that inspire other goals. I can't help myself but to always set SMART goals. I have improved though, once upon a time I think I had 12 goals !! ( this year only 6 :)

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    1. Last year I did one word - consistency. But I did it in addition to four other goals! I think I definitely need to simplify this year haha. You halved yours; that's a good improvement!

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  6. I think your goal is awesome. I like to have a general concept, but not sure I really have any goals for 2016. I'd like to be uninjured, but I already messed up that for the new year, so here's to getting healthy and staying there! I do think I could benefit from some cross training and weights, since those are the first things I drop from my scheduled when marathon training starts. I do have a plan to hit the gym twice a week, so that should hopefully materialize!

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    1. I definitely need to stick with my cross training and weights more consistently this year. I think that's ALWAYS a good goal, but it's the first one I give up on haha.

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  7. Nachos for new years!!!! Genius!

    I have no goals for the new year and I am totally okay with that. I feel like I pressure myself too much when I make goals. I'd love to stay healthy and uninjured, so I guess that could be it...lol.

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    1. You definitely deserve a more relaxed year!

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  8. Keep it simple, I like that! I know what you mean about goals - sometimes they can add so much extra pressure! That's why I don't have any time-based goals for running. I look forward to seeing how it goes for you!

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