Beth Probst

In order to continue my success with New Year’s Resolutions, I’m once again aiming low. I’ve decided 2013 will be the year of 10%. No, that is not a typo. Not 100% but instead, 10%.

10 percent doesn’t seem like much. But, think about it for a minute. By default, my goal is simple. But what does it mean?

Consider this:

• If I cut my television watching by 10% and increased my writing by 10%, could I in fact accomplish self-publishing a book in 2013?

• If I made 10% more, donated 10% more, gave 10% more of my time to causes that count, could I achieve my goal of making an impact in my community?

• If I lost 10% of my body weight, could I shave 10% off my Half-Marathon time, allowing me to achieve my sub-3 hour time?

• If I spent just 10% more time on the front end of my garden, instead of 10% on the back-end fixing my dying plants, could I enjoy a more bountiful harvest come fall?

• If I invested 10% more time with people who respect me and 10% less time chasing after people that don’t, would I have more meaningful relationships?

• If I dared to be fearless 10% more of the time, would I encounter people, places and experiences I never dreamed possible?

Achievable. Powerful. Realistic. Watch out 2013. I’m armed with 10% ambition and the sisu Fin in me. This, combined with an action plan that includes Great Courses coursework, a life coach/group, leadership training and new freelance contracts, a renewed gym membership, updated playlist and two half-marathons, garden plans, rekindled friendships, new special interest groups and trip itineraries, I have a chance of not failing.

Should a baby be thrown in the mix, I’ll gladly postpone all of these goals to achieve my number 1 dream—being a mom. Now that’d make for a 2013 to remember. If it isn’t in the cards, I think this list is a pretty good consolation prize.

Happy New Year!