SOLUTIONS AND NOT RESOLUTIONS! DILIGENCE AND NOT INDOLENCE! 2011 FTW!

Another new year, another reason to hope for better things. This is always the case with beginnings. And seeing 2010 end with a bang makes me feel more optimistic and slightly relieved. But unlike the past new years, I do not seek for resolutions but definitely solutions this time. That is why I came up with an action plan instead of the usual list of new goals. I have to exercise self discipline if I want to make major changes for 2011. And believe you, me this is a pretty radical list of non-negotiables. But I know this will make me a better person after. Here goes:

1. No more chocolate cake. - Aside from inducing GERD attacks on me, I realized how sticky this stuff gets inside the colon. I will live longer without chocolate cake and besides bread pudding or meringue is lighter to the tummy and kinder to my molars.

2. Strict budget of 200 Php per day. - Such a threshold will keep me from making unnecessary purchases and give me more money for my emergency fund.

3. Pay myself 10% every payday. - I still do not have the discipline to pay myself first. This has to start NOW.

4. No more drinks with ice outside my home. - Ice from factories and business establishments are DIRTY. It's a fact. Unless I made them, I would stay away from them. This will benefit my gut and immune system too.

5. No more soda forever. - Goodbye Rootbeer. Ciao Coca-Cola. Sayonara Mirinda. Asta la Vista Pepsi.

6. No more coffee or cigarettes. - Not one sip. Not one stick. N.O.


7. Update Cash notebook everyday. - I can never stick to a budget and this is my ultimatum. It pays to know where my money is going and how I can control it.

It's a short list but I'll figure out the rest as I go along. You have to admit it's a great action plan and is definitely non-negotiable. Simple things can surely lead to greater achievements so I have to start with the basest urges. And I definitely have to start thinking like an entrepreneur if I want to be one. Frugality and self-restraint are key to discipline and over all well-being.

What about you dear reader? Do you have some non-negotiables you might want to share. Let me know. Hey! Happy New Year and here's to 2011 FTW!!!