My New Year’s resolution this year is to “act like an adult.” And by that I mean pretty much doing all the stuff I hate doing, but I know I need to, in order to remain healthy and be here for my kids down the road :) Which entails:
- Working out at least 30 mins a day
- Eating healthier. MUCH healthier.
I never thought I would say it, but I actually have to start paying attention to this stuff now as I recently found out my blood pressure is higher than it should be for my age (turns out it can be hereditary – who knew?). I had gone to one of those CVS Minute Clinics (perfect for guys who hate going to the doctors, btw) and when they checked my pressure they literally thought the machine was broken! So they did it again, and sure enough my blood pressure was super high :(
Now, that was partially due to me being sick with two ear infections, but it was certainly a wake up call to start paying attention now and forever. And one doctor visit later, it was confirmed: it’s higher than it should be, but luckily not alarming so. And can be treated with lifestyle changes. So no more chicken nuggets and late night snacks for me!! It’s time to buckle down and quit living like I’m still a poor college student!
And I’ve already started my regime. Well, at least for the food part. I’m one who likes to jump on challenges from Day 1 rather than wait for a new month – or in this case, year – to get started, so my food “diet” has been substantially different over the past two weeks. AKA a ton less sodium!! Save for Christmas and Bday celebrations, of course ;)
The working out section not so much, but I’ll literally be starting that as soon as I hit “publish” on this post. Gonna give this video a shot first and see what happens – based on the NY Times’ “Scientific 7-Minute Workout“:
“In 12 exercises deploying only body weight, a chair and a wall, it fulfills the latest mandates for high-intensity effort, which essentially combines a long run and a visit to the weight room into about seven minutes of steady discomfort – all of it based on science.”
Then I’ll probably collapse, haha… Wish me luck! ;) Oh, and I got a Fitbit Force over the holidays too, so now I’ll be able to track all my actions and hopefully hold myself accountable. I’ll let you know if it was a waste of money or not…
As for financial goals (ie the point of this blog), I’ll be staying the course on last year’s “keeping it simple” mentality, as well as cutting out more expenses as time goes on too. We’ve done an excellent job getting up to this point, but if I want that whole retiring early thing to actually happen, we’ve still got a ways to go. It’s just a matter of how much I want to affect our current lifestyle right now or not ;) As well as figuring out *what*, exactly, “retiring early” means at the end of the day? I kinda feel like I’m retired now in a small way, except for the whole “needing money” part, haha… which I guess answers my question right there: I need to have enough saved up/invested where we don’t need to rely on any more blogs/projects in the future for income. And we’re still incredibly far from that ideal right now…
So lots to do! Time’s a tickin’! What are you guys getting into for the new year?? Already have a grasp on what you’d like to improve going forward? If it helps, here are some of my past ones I’ve blogged about over the years. Feel free to steal any of them, and then rub it in my face how much better you pulled it off than I ;)
- Start a budget and learn more about money in general
- Pay off your debt, blog better, and write more hand written letters
- Max out all retirement accounts at your disposal
- Work for yourself for 12 months straight without applying to a job
- Work 50% less, but make 50% more
- Keep stuff simple
Happy almost new year!!
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PS: It’s amazing how much sodium is in almost everything we eat!! And how bland food is without it! Haha… At least the food I’ve been eating in its place ;) That’ll be phase two of our new adventure here – finding yummier stuff that’s healthy!
[Photo cred: Nina Matthews Photography]
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That video is great! I don’t know which one I like better – the graphics, the Street Fighter II voice over, or the sweet soundtrack!
To be honest: Exercise videos have made a world of difference in my physique over the last year. There are a ton of them for free on Comcast, and some of them really are very challenging to complete.
You know, I’ve NEVER been one to even consider watching a work out video, but I gotta admit this one here totally changed my thinking. I just completed it and it was AWESOME!!! Didn’t have to think about the time, what I had to do next, nothing… I just turned up my speakers on blast, glanced at the screen every 30 seconds or so, and rocked it! I’m on a roll now, baby! Haha…
I had to give up the sodium a couple years ago. It gets easier.
But those chip craving… Sometimes they get you and you succumb to their call and you pay the next day. Drink lots of water! It helps.
Good luck, you can do this!
Haha, good to know ;)
I can’t watch the video at work, but as far as exercising, I have found Kettlebells to be awesome. You can get a great strength work out and an brutal cardio work out all at once. Plus it is functional strength which is great for everyday life. Like commentors above, you can find some amazing videos online for great workout routines so it doesn’t get stale. That being said, if you have the cash, maybe pay for a personal trainer a couple of times, just to make sure you use proper form, since you can really hurt yourself (and your goals) if you aren’t training correctly/
Oh man, I’d never go if I signed up to a gym or with a personal trainer. Unless that trainer literally came banging on my door and forced me to exercise right that second ;) (Or, she was super hot – but don’t tell my wife)
Or you could look at it like a PF blogger and think that you CAN’T throw away that money, so you just have to make the most of your gym membership.
I used to figure out exactly how much each swim was costing me. So the first time I went each month, that was a $35 pool visit, but the next time it was only $17.50 (which is still ridiculous), but most months I got it to under $1.25 a day to swim and on particularly killer months, I could hit the goal of $1.16 – which meant I swam every day and didn’t waste any money.
But way to rock the videos! I can never seem to commit to doing them. And definitely let us know how the FitBit goes! I’ve been staring them down for a while, but am totally not ready to commit to one yet.
There are personal trainers out there who will do it outside of the gym. In fact most of them would love to do it outside of a gym where you can give them a little under the table cash.
@Brian – Hah! I bet!
@Mel – True, true… If I were paying for the gym I’d def. try my best to go and take advantage of it, but odds are I’d find a way to cancel it a lot sooner than later ;) As I posted about today though – you gotta stick with whatever works!
My goal is 30 minutes of exercise 3 days each week and I am starting tonight after work.
My financial goal is to get rid of my HELOC (current balance $11 250) in the first 6 months of 2014 and that will involve some very serious restraint and a lot of luck and maybe a lottery win. I have christened 2014 The Year Of Building Wealth and you can’t build wealth when trapped under debt.
The Year Of Building Wealth – YES!!! Love that!
Very cool. I kept my resolutions pretty simple this year… and started on December 6…. So far so good!
You’re a good man.
Good luck on your exercise and eating habits! My 2014 goal is to get better about writing out goals for myself. I’ve not really done much of that before. So I’m going to blog about my monthly goals and use that to keep myself accountable.
That’s a good way to do it :) Just remember to blog about the times you FAIL at them too! Which is equally as important as the times you don’t, cuz it keeps you “real” as well as human online… And it’s not always easy to do.
“It’s time to buckle down and quit living like I’m still a poor college student!” I think one of my main goals for this year is the exact same thing. In fact, I think it’s the title of the post I wrote for my goals. :) I can totally relate and have already started working on these things several weeks ago as there is no time like the present!
Keep it up, brotha! I want a full report come FINCON time ;)
On e of my resolutions is to lose weight and get into better shape and I’m give that 7 minute workout a try. I have no time to go to a gym so working out at home is a must.
Do it! I felt GREAT afterwards, and if you hop right into the shower next the whole thing can take 30 mins from start to finish :) Though it does feel a bit like cheating, so I spent a few extra minutes doing some more reps just until I was flat out exhausted… I’m sure I’ll be nice and sore because of it though ;)
Lol, great video! I don’t know much about personal finance, which is why I’m reading as much as I can these days – love your blog – but I do know something about working out and eating better: goes hand in hand. When you work out your body wants out I reward it with nutritious quality food, craves it when you give your all in a work out. But if you try to eat healthy and don’t incorporate some sort of exercise into your routine, you’re fighting a losing battle. Of course you can exchange an apple for fries one day even if you don’t work out but to see that overall improvement – working out while committing to a healthier diet is key. Another thing – eaaaase into te new workout routine – don’t give it all you got at first – allow yourself to progress – continuing to do it on Wed and Fri is better than a hard one day workout on Monday. Like savings and budgets, working out is something you have to play around with to learn what works best for you and what you can live with to maintain that lifestyle by reaping the benefits. Good luck to you and I would love to see your face during the wall sit – also known as pre-school squatting territory! :) Did I mention I love your blog!
Haha, thanks! I’m glad you’re here now :) And I totally agree – I need to watch myself and make sure I don’t burn out before finding that rhythm. Right now the plan is to do this 7 min hardcore workout on M, W, F, and then maybe jog or walk fast or something on Tues and Th to allow my body to heal… Then either take the weekend off completely, or maybe find something fun to do during it like a sport. But so far I’m off to a great start!
Happy New Year J! Good luck on your 2014 goal. I go for walks, and I know you mentioned you do too, to get some exercises in. It gives me time to clear my head from a stressful day or catch up on some music or pod cast.
Yup! I walk at least once every single day in the morning (my daily ritual with Jay Jr), and then try to get a walk in the later afternoon after hustling too… though from what I hear it doesn’t get the blood bumping as much as, say, a speed walk/jog? So my doctor said I have to do more than just that… which is fine, I can get into the habit hopefully.
This video is great! My problem will be I will exercise to the beat of the music. If it goes slow my butt will go very slow. LOL
I lost 17lbs this year and then I was content with it and didn’t put that much into it. Now 2014 I’m going back into it again and see how low I can go.
Nice! I’ll give you a new mission for this year: lose 20 lbs :) (As long as, of course, that makes you healthier… I have no idea how much you weigh or anything! Hehe…)
Great post! I too am trying to be an “adult” in the new year by eating better, setting career, and financial goals. High blood pressure runs in my family and healthy eating is so important!
This year I’m trying something different with my goal setting that might work for others. I don’t always stay accountable for my goals {oops} because no on knows them. So I started a GOAL CLUB for 2014 with a few friends. We’ll share our goals and check in with each other to make sure we’re sticking to them. Not sure if it’ll work, but I’m sure we’ll have a little fun trying it out!
Cool!! Especially if it requires y’all to meet up in person too. You can get some fun quality time in with your friends, as well as holding each other accountable :) Perfect for a coffee shop!
Those are great new year’s resolutions! I eat healthy (most of the time) but I really need to start working out more too. I usually do yoga but I’ve haven’t done it lately, thanks for the reminder to get back to it!
Try it with me! Even if just once a week :)
The songs in that video are too flipping funny. I can barely do the exercises, I’m laughing so hard. Thanks, JMo!
It’s perfect for those with A.D.D. I’ll tell you that much ;) Both the music AND the workouts!
UGH I can’t think of resolutions this year. I don’t know why! My main goal is to get a job (did I tell you I quit my other job? Cause I did. Now I’m living at home. Sigh. It’s a long story.) and eventually get my own place again. Beyond that? IDK. I’m thinking of some writing and exercise goals though.
Oh wow, big changes ahead for you! That sounds exciting :) And I think that’s more than enough to concentrate on right now, haha… Getting a new (awesome!) job can be challenging I hear, so focus focus focus my friend! And let me know if I can ever help :)
Thanks! I actually just heard this I’m still in the running for a job at a publishing house – which I’m REALLY excited about! And I have 2 part-time possibilities too that I can take just in case while I figure my life out. It’s going to be an interesting year – that’s for sure!
How promising!! I hope you land it, friend! And love your attitude about workin’ the others too if you have to wait for stuff to percolate… A winner’s mentality right there :)
That video will definitely give you a good workout! Bodyweight exercises are my favorite thing ever – they’ll kick your butt without making you go to a gym and look like a fool trying to figure out the stationary machines. Good luck with your 2014 goals, J – I think they’re awesome and you’ll be thanking yourself down the road for taking care of your health today.
Thanks! You forgot to tell us what YOUR goals are though ;) That way I can check up on you! (Or is that why you didn’t leave them? Haha…)
Haha, I didn’t leave them here because I did a post on my own blog about them and thought it’d be quite boring to rehash them in the comments! If you want to keep tabs you’ll have to hop on over to my corner of the Internet :)
Hook and sinker!
Good goals – health especially is very important. But, J. Money! Don’t grow up in too many ways! We have to keep that youthful exuberance!
Oh don’t worry, I’m still 51% teenager ;)
Eek! Sorry to hear about your blood pressure. Salt, like sugar, is an acquired taste. Once you cut it out, a little salt will taste better than what a little salt tastes like right now. Good luck with your healthful journey.
I have a few financial goals, the biggest of which is to stop feeling like I’m in a “transitional” period with my career that justifies not hustling as much. Eff THAT! I’m going to kick up the hustle and start paying off those student loans again. Hopefully I’ll make my 2013 IRA contribution too.
That’s the spirit! Hustle Nation, baby!
Good luck! I’m starting out slow with the fitness goal. Just 30 minutes cardio and about 15 minutes with light dumb bells. It’s hard to get to the gym this month, though. The holidays and then we all got sick… We’re heading off for a short workout in a few minutes here.
I need to eat better too. I think I just need to cut down on carb. Too much rice and bread…
Digging the seven minute workout, I’ll have to try that because I HATE exercise with a passion. Haha, I really just hate being uncomfortable, but maybe I can deal with 7 minutes of it!
My goals for the year are: increase NW by $25k, average 10,000 steps per day, and read 36 books (12 non-fiction). I’ve got some big plans for 2014 :)
Good luck, J! And happy new year!
Nice ones! Are you gonna get (or do you already have) one of those wrist band trackers to show your progress too? Waiting for mine (Fitbit Force) to come in the mail :)
I went a little cheaper and got the Fitbit Zip for $50! It clips on and tracks steps, calories burned, activity minutes, etc.
For what it’s worth, my dad was diagnosed with high blood pressure back when I was in high school, so my mom eliminated salt from her cooking almost entirely. The first 3 weeks were tough, but now, several decades later, I still can’t eat things with a high salt content. You do get used to it, but those few weeks can be tough. Hang in there! It really, really works!
I’m still working on my goals, but paying off the car is on the list. I think it should happen in October. Happy New Year!
Thanks! I am getting a little bit used to it already, but I’m just so freakin’ STARVING all the time it seems! I gotta find some new snacks or something to keep me sane… Good luck on your car goal :)
This is great! The keys to sticking with working out is to find some things you enjoy and are good at and actually changing your lifestyle. Always find new ways to make your health better and keep you active and make small changes make a big difference. Some people above mentioned exercise videos on-demand. There are also always videos and equipment in consignment/thrift stores. Also check out meetup.com for groups/events in your area… they are mostly free! What are some things you like to do? Run? Obstacles? Hike? Hit things? Yard work? Volley ball?…
Hit things!!! Haha… and volleyball, yes. I recently met a new friend who I believe is into intramural sports, so I’m hoping to join another team or too this next season and use that to skip a cple days a week of the more boring exercises ;) Fingers crossed!
I’m posting my 2014 goals tomorrow on my blog but it basically boils down to exactly what you said: Stop living like a poor college student. A good first step would probably be to stop buying Hot Pockets… :)
One tangible thing I’m going to do is try to go a month without ordering take out for lunch at work. It’ll be a little tough with a few 16 hour days scheduled, but my body and my wallet would feel amazing if I went a month without ordering take-out at work.
Good one!! You can do it!!!
Good luck! I am looking forward to watching the video. Hubby and I have always belonged to a gym but retail sales work during the holidays do a number on my ability and motivation to go. I read somewhere that 100 jumping jacks burns 100 calories so I try to do 50 a day, everyday. That way when I travel etc, I don’t have an excuse not to do something you can do anywhere. Yes, many health things are hereditary, my Mr and I eat the same foods and his cholesterol can go through the roof. Drives him nuts……I blame his mother lol
Yes! Love that! Jumping Jacks are the first item on this 7 min video list, and I swear I can go much longer than just 30 seconds worth, haha… maybe one day I’ll just do it until I pass out and see if I can hit 30 mins :) I actually think they’re pretty fun! Makes you feel like a kid all over again.
I remember when I switched to doing a bunch of cooking from scratch. After doing it for a while, I started getting cravings for all sorts of junk food. At first I thought it was just something I needed to work through until I realized the commonality between all of them was salt. Since I was making things from scratch, I had cut a lot of salt out of my diet. I was amazed I got to the point where my body had to make me crave some because I wasn’t getting enough.
Kinda like coffee in a way, eh? I went my first full day without a drop last weekend for like the first time in a year, and I swear I had a headache all day and night, ugh… Luckily my doctor said I’m doing fine w/ coffee so don’t need to cut it out just yet ;) (And also to *slowly* cut down and not do it cold turkey like an idiot!)
You should check out mywholefoodlife.com and greensmoothiegirl.com. I lost 25lbs doing their stuff! =)
oh and 100daysofrealfood.com
Okay! I will, thanks! And congrats on your weight loss – that’s no easy feat :)
Good luck with your goals! If you need some extra motivation to get moving for that 30 minutes a day, Gympact has been amazing for me! You get paid to work out (usually 30-40 cents per workout), and get $5 taken from you if you don’t complete your workout. It’s pretty motivating! So far I’ve made $15! Yippee! I’m going to invest it, and in 10 years it will be $30!
I posted about it here: http://www.runfundone.com/2013/11/10/how-to-get-that-butt-moving/
(I don’t receive any kickbacks from Gympact, I just really think that it’s a great program!)
What??? REALLY??? I’M ON THAT – THANKS!!
I think we all need a kick in the pants or wake up call to force us to be better. Well wishes for 2014. I write posts about motivation and productivity bc half the time I am talking to myself. LOL I like that 7 minute workout. Sign me up. I need an imaginary workout buddy. ; )
You’re on the “cool” list, now – welcome!
Haha! I think you might just have to do my fitness challenge. Then I’ll put you on the cool list. JK :0P
I haven’t had time to really think of New Year resolutions! Can one of them be to relax and enjoy my new house? I feel like I’ve been running round like crazy nonstop just doing things for it to fix it up. Last thing we have to do is paint and then relax!
One thing that was held off this year is investments. Buying a house was much more important but I’ll definitely do that this year.
Wow…good luck on the high blood pressure!!! You’ll get used to food eventually that doesn’t use that much salt. I honestly think a lot of our food is over-salted. Once your taste buds adjust then you’ll actually be able to taste the food itself and not all the salt used for seasoning. Adding in fresh herbs also helps boost the flavor too!
Yes, of course “relaxing” can be on the list! In fact, it’s probably one that a LOT of people need to do in order to stay sane and/or avoid stress/heart attacks… Esp all those hustlers out there like us :(
To a healthier 2014 as I hurt my back over Christmas. Definitely need to eat better and cut out the junk food. Get over my allergic reaction to exercise and get my ass back in shape!
haha… I KNEW you could be allergic to that! ;) hope you get better, bud.
I know what that’s like. I picked up my 9 yr old daughter and tweaked my back. Feel better.
For the salt cravings (I’ve cut a lot out, too) I’m going to recommend switching to sea salt at first (more taste, less salt), and Mrs. Dash! :) Lots of varieties of saltless flavorings. Learning how to use spices has helped me a lot, too.
Even years later I very rarely have a “this is too salty” moment (I have an extremely high salt tolerance), but I can taste the salt in what I eat a lot more.
You should do a “JUST RESOLUTIONS” page or article so we can all come back and check in next year on our goals! :)
Good luck, J!
Good tip, I’ll see if I can find some the next time at the grocery store :) And sure, will do a follow up post later and check in with *everyone* – not just me. Gotta make sure you all are staying on top of it too!
I have a very similar resolution for 2014. I need to eat better and continue working out. No joke, I want to do everything in my power to make sure I make it to my daughter’s wedding day. Have you heard of the My Fitness Pal app? It rocks and easily keeps track of what you eat and allows you to set goals. I actually talk about it on my blog today. All the best in 2014 my man!
Oh, nice! I’ll have to check that out… I just downloaded the Lift app for iPhone which I also hear is pretty good. Go us! :)
Very awesome! I have some similar goals for the new year. I’ve never seen that workout video before so I just decided to do it as well! :)
Happy New Year and best wishes for an awesome year in 2014!!
On our list this year are: workout more, read more books, and save, save, save! We’ve used the 7-minute workout for a while, and it’s definitely a quick workout to get you going!
I hope you accomplish them all! Make sure to put down specifics so you can cross them off and feel good as you get going :)
I’m with you on the blood pressure thing. I’m a 28 year old woman with decent BMI and my blood pressure is borderline. I know it’s partially genetic as my dad has been taking pills since I can remember but I’m too damn young for this. I am not in the best neighborhood for jogging but I gotta get active indoors somehow to ensure this doesn’t become a serious problem.
Start searching for videos! I put ’em full screen on my computer and then turn it so I can watch (and follow along) while I do the exercises :) There’s some really good ones out there so you don’t get bored!
I’ve made the resolution to be healthier, too. In terms of eating, I’m mostly going to focus on portion control. Good luck in 2014!
I love New Year Resolutions — I always make a whole bunch and then forget about them *sigh* so this year I’m going to take a page out of your book and start a blog so I can keep myself accountable!
I have a few …
1] exercise “outside” three times a week [my housemate thinks exercising in the gym isn’t as healthy, and he is really persistent and vocal about his thoughts].
2] eat a piece of fruit every day [again with the housemate].
3] read a book every week [must be fiction] – but this one can be caught up on later, I’m not going to be too hard on myself because I know there will be times when I am busier than other times.
4] grow my garden to between 10-15 edible plants [currently at 5].
5] live on 50% of my income [this is the bit where YOU inspired me!].
6] and, of course, keep myself accountable!
Good luck to us all!!
COOL!!! Especially #5 :) Please do start that blog – it’s not only good for holding yourself accountable, but you never know what else can come of it! It’s totally changed my life completely. And it doesn’t cost anything to start! (if you use wordpress or another blogging service)
I have started it :] now I just have to keep on with it – consistency has never been a strong point for me!
make it your mission to just write 1 blog post a week – that’s it! you can always do more later, but once you get into the habit it’s much much easier. You can do it!!
I just want to say I’m a HUGE fan of the 30 minutes a day exercise plan. I just passed 7 years without missing a day (excepting two short breaks for c-sections) and I love it. I think it’s a fabulous habit to make sure you’re active SOMEHOW every day without making wild promises that are so easy to break. There have been times in my life where 30 minutes was a laughable bare minimum when I was running 5 or 8 miles a day, there have been days where I’ve had to get out of bed at 11pm after realizing I didn’t do any exercise, days when walking around campus at work adds up to 30 minutes and I count that, and days where I’m sick enough that a 15-minute stretching routine and a trudge around the block is all I can manage. I love having a baseline amount of physical activity that stays consistent through all of that. All that to say, congrats on making a great choice of exercise plans!
Hah! Awesome – you are my new hero :) I LOVE that you got yourself out of bed during those times – something I’d totally do myself if I caught it that late.
So far I’m 6 out of the last 7 days doing this. With that one day missed being after the first day when I over did it and felt it was best to not strain my body for a day, haha… I go on daily walks every morning anyways, which counts for something, but trying to raise that heart rate more when possible. So needless to say I’ve been spending quite a lot of time on Youtube looking for better and better vids :) Helps w/ A.D.D. too!