We’re probably past the threshold for “My Goals in 2014…” posts, but that’s just too bad for you, dear readers. Although I didn’t share any specific resolutions at the beginning of the month, I thought it might be healthy and fun to set a few goals for Bikram.

Let me just say that I realize yoga isn’t about competition, pain, punishment, or criticizing my body and its abilities.

Bikram is a practice—and one that changes daily, depending on my mental and physical state (which is in a constant ebb and flow). It’s a mindset—and a lifestyle—one that involves compassion, reflection, and constant improvement.

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With that said, I do have a few things I’d like to achieve as I continue along my Bikram journey.

1. Continue practicing at least 3 times a week

Since Bikram is expensive (at least relative to my income), I’m rarely tempted to just skip out on practice (when I was paying only $10/month at a local gym, that was a much different story!). Sometimes, though, the holidays or weekend trips leave me with just 1 or 2 sessions a week. I practice best with no more than 3 days in between classes and want to ensure I’m getting the best value, so this goal shouldn’t be too difficult.

2. Improve my hip alignment

I still haven’t figured out exactly what’s going on there, but I think my hips have been misaligned since I was a child—as my back-walkover in gymnastics was always crooked. My right hip flexor (pectineus, specifically) is tight from sitting all day, so I’m going to slowly and carefully try to heal this. Since I’ve read that overstretching can sometimes lead to hip damage, I’m going to take it easy in the hot room but supplement my practice with lunges and other hip-opener stretches at home. It’s so goofy how crooked I bend in camel or bow!

(A few hours after I wrote this post, I had one of my best practices. Oddly enough, my hips behaved for me. I think I actively tried not to over-stretch them, and by extending out of my hips before lifting, my bow pose was much less difficult than usual. Crazy!)

3. Make a few friends

Apart from saying “hi” to my instructors and chatting to one other person sometimes after class, I usually enter and leave the hot room quietly and quickly. I’m an introvert and pretty much fail at small talk, but just like in my every day life, I need to step outside my comfort zone and get to know the people I see half-naked and covered in sweat multiple nights a week!

4. Stop (or at least, decrease) the fidgeting

I’ve always been a person who fidgets, especially when nervous. Whether it’s straightening out my shirt, smoothing my hair, or biting my nails (which, thankfully, I don’t really do any more), I just can’t seem to stand or sit still for any length of time, especially when eyes or ears are on me. During Bikram practice, I adjust my clothing and wipe my face way too much. Likewise, I almost always reach for the water bottle at the same times, even if I don’t need a drink. I really need to focus on being still.

5. No criticism

As a self-critical person by nature, this one’s a toughie. Intellectually, I know that my practice (and life) will improve if I treat each class as an achievement, regardless of whether I hold a posture longer or deeper from one day to the next. Some days I may be shakier or stiffer than others, but just by doing what I can, I’m achieving balance, control, and flexibility. It’s about adapting to current circumstances, as nothing in life is perfectly linear and upward-moving.

6. Keep my damn palms together during half-moon pose

This is probably the easiest thing for most yogis, but because of my stiff, broad shoulders and hours hunched over a keyboard, it’s difficult for me. I’m going to make an extra effort to hold my palms tight—and eventually they’ll become more comfortable.

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So…I think these goals are achievable!

More than anything, I want to continue enjoying the practice. I’ve made it to my 8^th month (seriously?!), and I don’t see myself quitting any time soon. The yoga is as challenging and fulfilling as on day 1 (well, maybe not day 1, since I seriously thought I’d pass out or throw up half-way through class that first time!), and I feel so much better getting my sweat on. I can’t wait to see where my practice takes me in the future.

What are your fitness goals for the new year/future?