I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions because I always break them. I always resolve to work out, and I do, for about a month or two and then I quit or just make up excuses.

So here’s what I’m going to resolve. I’m going to make a list of ongoing tasks and opportunities for myself in order to get on the right track.

1. Read more books. I want to become a better copywriter, and Travis has countless books about this field, so why not take advantage of my resources. I also got a Kindle for Christmas and have yet to use it – reading any types of books will be a lot easier for me now.

2. Get more sleep. Since moving to Toronto, I haven’t been sleeping well or been getting enough sleep. I like to stay up late, and sometimes don’t go to bed until 3 a.m. on the weekends, and by Sunday night, I’m wide awake and can’t get to sleep, leaving me zombie-like Monday morning.

3. Start eating healthier. I like to eat healthy in waves: one week I’ll eat great, no junk or fatty foods, but the next week I’m back to my regular eating habits. We order in or go to restaurants more than we need to, so that is also adding to the bad eating habits. I need to establish a healthy eating schedule and start using my cook books.

4. Get back on track with working out. Yesterday was the first time I went to the gym since the beginning of September, and you know what, it felt great! I set up a daily alarm to remind and motivate me to go to the gym during the week too. The gym was packed, probably with people making their resolutions, but the numbers will fade as the weeks go by. I will not be one of those vanishing numbers.

5. Take time for myself (and Travis.) Last year I waited too long to take my vacation time at work. I would like to spread out my alloted time throughout the year, beginning, middle and end, even if I can only spend two of my three weeks with Travis. Taking a week off for myself, by myself will definitely help me to recharge and help to lower some of the stress I have that comes along with my job.

6. Become a better cook and baker. I have mountains of cook books at home just waiting to be used, but all I seem to do is flip through them thinking about how delicious the meals look. I’d like to make a least one recipe a week to start, then make my way up to two, three, and eventually everyday.

7. Drop some lbs. I’ve gained a ridiculous amount of weight over the past two and a half years and my body is giving up on itself. I’m out of shape and lumpy. I used to love having my picture taken, but now I decline and when I can’t get out of it, I cringe at the picture because it’s not someone I recognize. My weight gain has also played a part in some not-so-nice health issues, mainly an awakening and increase of acid reflux and other stomach pains.

Right now, I’m not as happy as I should be. I want to make my life the best it can be, so this list, although very short, will help me get on the right track and onto a better and happier me. I have a lot of work to do, but I’m really excited to take on this challenge.