Personal and Financial Lessons of 2012

I was sick most of last week. Being sick meant that I was not inspired to write anything. Not a single word. Last weekend I was hoping to feel a little better, but it did not happen either. I almost gave up on writing a post but then I remembered. It is December. I wondered if I could write a post about my 2013 resolutions. It is an easy way out.

Before I immersed myself in setting goals and plans for 2013, I dug out my post from last December to see what I promised myself to do in 2012. I have to admit that the title of the post “What I am Changing in 2012” was a little intriguing to me a year later.

Personal Goals

Not living up to anyone’s expectations but my own. I struggled with it a lot. I said “yes” when I wanted to say “no” many times this year. I agreed to things because I thought it was the right thing to do. Does it sound familiar? I think we are all prone to agreeing to things we don’t really want to do just because we think we are supposed to do the “right thing.” Now instead of agreeing to something at once, I take my time and say “let me think about it.” A day or two later, the meaning of “right” changes.

Less explaining. It was a good goal. People still want to know “why” even if they don’t understand or agree with my reasoning or motivation. Curiosity is a strong driving force in human relationships. However, I learned not to try to prove my point but rather present my reasoning, and let it go.

Getting rid of the non-essential. This was accomplished by de-cluttering our kitchen and bathroom supplies. I wanted to de-clutter my closet, especially after I learned about a capsule wardrobe. So far, my friends, it did not happen. I still have a lot of shoes and handbags and clothes. And I have been buying more. Something needs to be done about it all next year.

Embracing my own imperfections. This is the hardest. I tend to put a lot pressure on myself. Unnecessary pressure. I am trying to be perfect and fail at it all the time. I need to relax more. I need to stop trying to fit 30 hours in an 24 hour day. Somehow, for some crazy unexplainable reason, this is easier said than done.

Financial Goals

I was going to save an emergency fund. This did not happen. Apparently besides shopping, my other favorite activity is travel. Travel plus shopping does not equal saving. Unfortunately.

I was determined to pay off our consumer debt by the end of June, 2012. This indeed has happened. However there is a huge “but.” About the same time we bought new computers and updated our living room furniture. We used the stores offered financing plan for 18 months with no interest. So, we are back into consumer debt. But at least we are not paying any interest.

This goal for 2012 was my favorite: spend less, and consume less. What a great intention I had. Yes, I am being sarcastic. Never happened. I still go on spending sprees. I still spend and consume. To break this habit I need to change my mentality. This is the hardest thing to do, especially when it seems that I don’t really want to do it.

How did you do with your goals for 2012?