“Come, fill the Cup, in the fire of Spring
Your Winter-garment of Repentance fling:
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To flutter–and the Bird is on the Wing”
― Omar Khayyam, The Ruba’iyat of Omar Khayyam
Because my birthday falls on New Year’s Eve it always brings with it a sense of reflection on the year ahead. I think this is also why I am so drawn to making resolutions. Previous posts have highlighted my belief in the efficacy of list-making as a manifestation technique.
This year has an added poignancy. My paternal grandfather died at the age of 59. I think he suffered a heart attack. I have come to believe that this was a major factor in the way my father lived his own life – with a reckless abandon brought about in part by his belief that he, too, would die at 59. So as I turn 59 myself I find myself reflecting more deeply than usual on how to live my life and the changes I need to make to become happier, healthier and wealthier.
When it comes to goal-setting, considered wisdom has it that they should be SMART: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; and Time-bound. New Year’s Resolutions are by their definition time-bound and applying the other attributes should lead to a resolution with a greater chance of success.
My resolutions for 2025 are:
1. To run more (than last year).
In 2024 I ran the somewhat pitiful total of just 62 miles, which should make this eminently achievable.
2. To lose weight (weigh under 200 lbs).
As I type this on New Years Day my post-Christmas and birthday weigh-in puts me at 216.4 lbs. This is the heaviest I have weighed on January 1st since (my own) records began 19 years ago.
My healthy BMI weight (and long-term target) is 185 lbs. I haven’t weighed this little since 2018. In an ideal world I’d like to break the 200 lb barrier before I set off to go skiing on Valentine’s Day. My previous best skiing weight of 208 lbs seems more realistic. I’ll update on the Friday before we leave. [actual weight 209.8 lbs]
This would give me just 6 weeks and 2 days to reach my target, which amounts to just over 2.5 lbs per week. Under normal circumstances this might be do-able but our fridge and cupboards are still bulging with calorie-laden comestibles, and I am a man of very little willpower. As an annual goal it ticks all the boxes. It also aligns very neatly with Resolution 3:
3. To drink less (than in 2024).
A perennial favourite on my list of resolutions, and the one most likely to fail due to lack of willpower. Being something of a spreadsheet geek I have a ‘Health’ file, where I (fairly) diligently record my weekly weight and body fat, muscle mass and water stats and my blood pressure. I also track my units of alcohol (alongside using the DrinkAware app) and keep records of things like annual eye tests and occasional cholesterol checks.
In 2024 I drank slightly less than in 2023, but still reside firmly in the Increasing Risk category. I’ve been planning to have a Dry January. I also resolve not to drink any alcohol until I have reached my target of 200lbs. [There is a caveat covering both drinking and smoking while on holiday, which I may or may not choose to enact!]
Moving forward I resolve to stick to the UK Guidelines on drinking limits of 14 units per week, or not to drink at all.
4. To go wild swimming (at least once each month).
Given the proximity of a number wild swimming places nearby (especially if we clear out our lake!) this one should be achievable.
5. To earn more (than last year).
Hopeful for this one.
6. Go skiing.
Planned for February.
7. Go surfing.
This resolution is also one of the items on my Bucket list, and is an unfulfilled promise to my daughter India from last year. I wonder if it will be achieved in Wales or Australia (or both) in 2025?
8. Work on the house (every week).
Although it appears close to the end of the list, this resolution is critical. Sometimes our renovation project seems overwhelmingly large and complicated. I think that by holding myself accountable to undertake some aspect of it, even if minor, will help me to remain motivated and inspired. Jude would like to be back in our bedroom by the time Isi comes home in late February and thsi should be possible. After that I can start working on smaller projects that are more easily achieved.
9. Earn £1k from side projects.
I think Kabristan Bookshop will satisfy most of this requirement, but I have added it as a resolution to remind me to stay focussed on some of my other projects, too.
