"10 ways to transform yourself in 2011"

This is from an MSN article.. and they are right along with what I want to do for 2011-

1. Get a new 'tude: As merry as they are the holidays can also be stressful. If you're feeling the blues from the hectic season going into 2011, or some other emotion is weighing you down -- resentment, anger, anxiety -- take the necessary steps to alleviate yourself from it. Your peace of mind will thank you.     For me - I plan on being a happier person.  Not get so angry so fast, not get so annoyed, and just try to be happy.
2. Stop Putting Things Off: Got a to-do list that extends to Timbuktu? Start slowly, tackling two or three items each day.  It may help to reevaluate your priorities and see if there is anything you can simply cross off the list. Above all, try to focus on what makes you happy - and do it!     For me: My to do list consists of organization and to get a routine down with our daily schedule. Not a firm one just one that'll help us be more productive and have a cleaner more peaceful home.
3. Try that Hobby: Have a hankering for gourmet cooking? Wish you could dance the tango? 2011 is your year, baby!  Don't put off fun activities that you've always wanted to try -- especially if they're active hobbies that you literally won't be able to do forever. Now's the time! For me- I plan on working on my baking.  I love baking breads and I want to try a new one every week or every 2. I haven't worked out the details on it.  But baking is going to be my new hobby for 2011.
4.  Create Some Space: In 2011, make yourself a priority. One way to ensure you'll dedicate some time to yourself is to create a "you" place in your home.  Whether it's a favorite chair with your book on the table beside it, or a desk that you can reorganize into a you-space in a couple hours, be sure you have a designated place to go to recharge.  For me - this is a big one.  2010 I had a lot of breakdowns because I wasn't giving myself me time. Adam kept telling me to go be by myself for a while but I never did cause I felt guilty.  Now I know that "me" time and 2011 is my year to learn to do that. 
5. Try a New Look: Always wanted to dye your hair red?  Try the latest spring trend?  Do it already! Hey if you crash and burn with your new found look, you can always change it back. For me: I'm changing my look by changing my weight.  And I'm determined to grow my hair out as I lose the weight. I miss my long hair.
6. Check your Diet: Some of us are addicted to candy. Others' vices to fall into the saltier realm. No matter what your eating habits are, take a tip from Geneen Roth, who advises in her book "Women, Food and God" to really be aware of what you put into your body and how it makes you feel. If those M&Ms make your heart sing, go for it.  But if they just make you feel guilty, they really aren't worth it. For me: this goes with the new look for me.  I'm cutting out soda and I'm going to try to make our meals healthier.  Even though chocolate makes me feel guilty sometimes I'll prob will still eat it but sparingly :) 
7. Make a Big Change: Are you stuck in a dead end job? hate where you live? Sick of your lack of self-confidence? Big changes yield big results.  For me: We are planning on moving by the end of Oct 2011.  So with that we have to make big changes in saving money and paying down debt so that it is possible because we hate our apartment.  And my self confidence will be higher by the end of 2011 that is another goal.
8. Refresh Your Love Life: In the midst of holiday craziness, your romantic life may have fallen by the wayside. If you're single, reevaluate what you're looking for in a guy/girl and take the steps to put yourself out there.  Coupled? Make a date night next month extra special so you can both recover from the stress of holiday season.  For me: Better yet - I plan on making date night a MUST each month for 2011.  I miss alone time with Adam just to have adult conversation without kids crying.
9. Do Better:  If you've been a fair-weather friend or MIA as far as your family is concerned, make a commitment to just doing better.  Even a short weekly email can help repair a weakened relationship.  For me: I have been a horrible daughter/granddaughter/sister.  I will be doing better.  I also feel like a slacker as a mother. I plan on making every day special for 2011 as much as I can.  I'm going to make every day count - about that in another post. Just do better is my motto. Every day - just do better!
10.  Do Unto Others: Rumor has it that doing good deeds makes you feel pretty darn good too. While that shouldn't be the only reason for helping other people, it is quite a perk. Check out volunteer opportunities in your area for a cause you really care about, whether it's animal rescue, helping the homeless or supporting women and children's rights. For me: I'm going to look and pray for opportunities to serve.  I'm going to do better at my VT.  I'm going to be a better person and helping others more.

This is such a good list that I couldn't do any better myself! I love this list.  And I, in the past, have never stuck to the goals that I've made for the "new year."  But in RS a week ago, our awesome president Brittany Humphrey taught a wonderful lesson on goals.  With Creighton being fussy with teething I missed quite a lot but what I did get was amazing.  Start small.  Start one day at a time. And don't expect too much of yourself.  Give yourself credit.  One lady said "Know that if all you did that day was dress and feed your kids, you've accomplished something!  It may seem small but you did something."  I never really thought of it that way.  And it makes me look at my days differently.  That it is an accomplishment to get my kids up, dressed and feed. :)

So that is how I'm taking 2011 and my goals. One step at a time. One day at a time. Starting small.  And with prayer to my Heavenly Father for help and guidance, I think I can get it done.