Yesterday, Tomorrow Was Today
Happy New Year!! Every year we make resolutions that we can't or don't keep. We set ourselves up for failure by setting unrealistic goals or by not establishing a plan of action to reach those goals. When we fall off the wagon we say - I'll start again on Monday or on the first or, the infamous, "tomorrow." Well, keep in mind that the "tomorrow" that we talked about yesterday is now TODAY - so let's get 2010 off to a good start with a few tips for maintaining your resolutions and solutions for common resolutions!
· Put your resolutions in writing. Nothing beats the accountability you'll feel when you re-read the promises you've made to yourself. Post them on your computer as a screen saver or on sticky notes on your computer, desk phone, bulletin board, dashboard or all of the above! Let them serve as ever-present reminders of your goals.
· Develop an action plan. What are the steps to reach your goals? Plot those steps on your calendar, setting reminders and breaking your resolution into manageable chunks so that you don't feel overwhelmed by your ultimate objective.
· Chart your progress. For those long term goals, be sure to monitor your progress. Give yourself a pat on the back (or massage, purse, Wii game or a lite beer!) for those first five pounds, five new customers or five stacks of unopened bills that you've finally gone through!
· Be realistic. Be sure that your goals are set high enough that you really have something strive for, but not so high that they are unattainable. Stretch yourself - your mind, body and spirit!
Now that we've got a game plan in order, here are a few common resolutions and some things To-Do in connection with them!
· Get Physically Active! Getting fit isn't just about going to the health club. Here are some other ways that you can meet your fitness goals.
o The Mature H.O.T. Women's Program liberates the spirit of the dancer to reign free in every cosmopolitan woman. This workshop is designed to strengthen the body, challenge the mind and nurture the soul through the synergy of modern, ballet and jazz techniques. Classes begin on January 18th and are offered on Monday evenings in the Loop and Wednesday evenings at the South Shore Cultural Center. Check out photos from the first workshop series!
o Sno Gophers - While skiing may not be practical for an everyday fitness routine, it is great exercise! Sno Gophers is an African-American ski club and each year it plans a number of regional and national ski trips. The regional trips include day trips and overnight trips and each trip includes generous amounts of camaraderie amongst ski enthusiasts and rookies! You don't have to break a leg or go for broke to take part in this exhilarating winter sport!
o The Chicago Park District is offering you an opportunity to "Break a Sweat, Not the Bank!" Continuing through Sunday, January 10, 2010, work out for free at all Chicago Park District Fitness Centers. Even after the 10th, you'll find that the CPD has ϋber reasonable rates and there's probably a fitness center really close to where you live and/or work!
· Start My Own Business! Whether there's an idea that you've dreamed of pursuing for years, or you've dabbled at something without giving it your full commitment, there are low cost options available to assist you in making your dream a reality!
o The Chicago Urban League offers a Business Boot Camp that will guide you through a number of critical areas, including writing your business plan, financing your business, marketing and much more. The 16-week series begins on January 12th and you can either register for the entire series for $200 or drop-in on the classes that interest you for $20-25.
o Since 1986, the Women's Business and Development Center has helped prospective and established women business owners achieve economic independence through entrepreneurship. From workshops and seminars to business coaching and financial assistance, they will help guide you to business and economic success. Here, too, you will find reasonable prices and programming that addresses some specific issues faced by female entrepreneurs.
o SCORE Chicago is another excellent resource for new businesses. SCORE Chicago provides free business counseling, management consulting, and low cost workshops. They advise on how to get a business loan and offer other resources like templates for a business plan. SCORE counselors can help the entrepreneur start a business or a small business owner grow and prosper. The organization has more than 25 locations in the Chicago area.
· Travel! If the travel bug's gotcha, there are some real cool opportunities to take part in a variety of travel adventures!
o The University of Chicago's Graham School of General Studies offers, among other fantastic educational opportunities, a variety of "travel study" programs. Through the Graham School, you can visit any number of exotic locations in small groups designed to ensure that you get the most out of the experience. Lectures, discussions and exploration will provide you with a thoroughly enriching cultural adventure!
o Black Girl Travel creates extraordinary travel opportunities for extraordinary women! The tours are designed from scratch by Black Women for Black Women. Coming up in 2010: Italy, the French Riviera, Spain, Egypt and more!
o Sankofa Odyssey is another cool way to make your way around the world - by sea! Their trips include travel from luxurious yachts to "bareboat chartering" (where everyone participates in sailing, cooking, cleaning and partying!). In July, Sankofa journeys to St. Martin, St. Barts, Anguilla and the Leeward Islands!
· Find Love! If the club, bar and party scene didn't do it for ya in 2009, try something new in 2010! Explore some of Chicago's art exhibit openings this year or attend art lectures. If music is your thing, take advantage of some of the world music series or the lunchbreaks at the Chicago Cultural Center. Winter is a great time to take in Chicago theater! Plan your attendance around opening night or on nights with a post-performance discussion or reception. The point is that by regularly participating in specific cultural events that interest you, you are bound to start encountering other regulars with similar interests. Soleil's To-Dos can help, because we have the most comprehensive listing of culturally diverse Chicago events! Take advantage of our search options by viewing only those categories of events that interest you.
Whatever you decide To-Do, I hope that you have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
