Yesterday I wrote my goodbye post to 2012. If you read it then you’ll understand why I am so excited to welcome 2013. Aside from having the day off work, I’m using the day to reflect on the what I want to accomplish both personally and professionally. I’m a firm believer you can’t get anywhere without a plan and a to-do list. 
Here are my resolutions for 2013:
Go Unplugged
I can easily spend hours upon hours online researching, studying or just wasting time. For 2013, I’m going to start the day with a fully charged laptop battery and then unplug that power cord. Once I’ve drained my battery, I’m done for the day. Cell phones do not count.
Cook More Often
With a kitchen full of small appliances, spices and all the gadgets a person could ever want, I have no excuse for not cooking more. It’s something I really enjoy doing and for me, it can be a stress reliever. I have many happy memories that revolve around cooking for my family and my friends. Not to mention, some of my most popular posts have been recipes that I’ve shared. Cooking at home solves so many problems for me personally and professionally. I’m able to save money, control calories and have content that my readers find useful.
Focus on Quality Instead of Quantity
This applies to so many things for me. Every year I say I’m going to be focused on my blog, only to fall into the same traps of churning out content that isn’t always relevant or even interesting for the sake of making a few dollars. Not this year. If I’m not 100% invested in the post, then I’m not going to write it. I want to get back to the things that I find interesting: cooking, traveling and the occasional craft/DIY project.
Experience More
Whether it’s traveling, volunteering or just getting out and about, I want to experience more. Just a train ride away I have a wonderful city to explore and learn about. I’ve always wanted to live near a big city and now that I’m in the Chicago area, it’s time to take advantage of that.
Spend More Time With Family & Friends
Just think, I can accomplish all my resolutions in one! On my recent visits home, I’ve blown in and out so fast, the only evidence of my being there is a dirty towel and tire marks in the snow. Time with family and friends doesn’t have to be planned out with agendas but it should include more than a quick meal and a five minute conversation. I definitely need to get better at this.
What are your resolutions for 2013?
About Sarah
Going unplugged is an easy concept. I like it, though I admit the hour and a half of internet a day won’t do me any justice. Good luck with your goals for 2013!
Twitter: beingtazim
says:
Definitely in to the quality over quantity. I want to still have a post a day, but if I don’t – it’s okay, too. Better nothing than something that isn’t very good.
Twitter: midwesternmoms
says:
Wow, these are such original and great ideas! I love the idea of going unplugged. It is so easy to spend so many hours online and getting nothing accomplished! Cheers to 2013!
I like the unplugged idea. I think I need to finally designate a day off each week. And I’m with you on quality!
I loved the unplugged idea. I don’t blog on Saturdays but I do log in and check everything out which I should stop doing. Can’t wait to keep up with you.
Twitter: SGRcom
says:
These are some great resolutions…I like the idea of being unplugged. It would probably help my productivity knowing that I had a limited amount of work time each day. In 2013, I want to continue my weight loss efforts, try out new recipes, and be more organized!
Twitter: horridhousewife
says:
I really like the whole battery unplugged idea! My goal is to stay on a specific task for X amount of time and stop myself from checking social media and/or email until that time is up.
Twitter: FrugalRunMama
says:
The unplugged part might work for me- that’s a good idea! I do generally unplug in the morning to move to where I am more comfortable, and when it tells me I need to plug in, I usually plug it in and walk away to let it charge. But then I usually get back on later. I should limit myself and focus more on blogging while I am on, and not surfing for fun or entertainment!
Twitter: thenewclassy
says:
My laptop battery dies in like an hour, lol…that going unplugged thing definitely wouldn’t work for me. I need to invest in a new battery and try that.
And definitely explore Chicago. There has to be tons of fun there just waiting to be had!!
Dawn
I also like the unplugged day. In fact, I am not implementing that!
Twitter: kathleenkl
says:
good for you!! wishing you much success in your undertaking!!! hope you get to be in the moment more. Happy New Year -hope its filled with happiness, health and kindness!
All I can say is.. more power to ya!
I would love to say once my battery dies.. that’s it. I’m obsessed, I tell ya. lol Great goals!! Happy New Year!
I can relate to so many things on your list
Twitter: naptimeismytime
says:
Brilliant list of goals to accomplish in 2013. Good luck, and I just might try unplugging my battery, too!