Like a tea bag steeping, sometimes you need to wait and let the flavor get stronger before you can take a sip. The same holds true for our beginning of the year plans. Sometimes we are ready to dive in and go full speed ahead on January first. We are determined to keep the resolutions that we’ve set like saying “no” to desserts, exercising three times a week or finally getting control of our chaos. At other points, we need more time to let our ideas deepen before we can move forward.

There are many possibilities. What if you’re almost half way through the first month of the new year and you’ve already indulged in “several” desserts, you haven’t exercised even once a week and organization is nowhere in sight? Or, what if you find yourself halfway though the month and you haven’t yet determined what your resolutions or goals are?

I’m personally straddling the two camps. Several weeks ago, I made a list of possible 2011 goals. I haven’t officially committed to any of them. I simply compiled a list of things that I am considering. The list includes items such as redo my Oh, So Organized! website, design and build a new desk area, try some new recipes and spend more time with friends. Ideas are still being added. No actual resolutions have been made or goals set because I’m collecting and processing. I’m getting closer, but need more time to decide what I want to pursue most.

An odd thing is happening, though. Since the thoughts are on this list, I’m aware of whether I’m doing or not doing any of them. So, when I say, “yes” to a sweet, I’m justifying that it’s fine to eat because I haven’t yet committed to “no desserts.” I am conscious, but not guilty because I’m still in the deciding mode.

Whether you’ve set your goals and slipped, contemplated your goals but not committed or are working hard to keep on track, let’s remove all guilt out of the equation. Remember that you’re human. There is no perfect, especially when it comes to making changes. Give yourself the time you need to figure out what you’d like to accomplish. Along with that, give yourself a dose of forgiveness as you experience the ups and downs of striving towards your goals.

What 2011 ideas are you contemplating?