When my dog came home from the groomer with painted toenails, I started fretting that I don’t treat myself nearly as well as I should.
Ginger’s Pedicure
Her glittering purple nails actually got me pondering my new year’s resolutions. There is nothing sparkling or unusual about them because they are the same ones I have made for years. Get published. Exercise. Learn my camera. Garden. Blah. Blah. Blah.
Same old nails.
I admit, I look forward to the New Year because I like the idea of second chances. I like knowing that if I didn’t get it right the first time around, a new year’s resolution can salve the pain of failure, and I can try again.
But there is the flip side. A new year also means time is up, we’ve hit the deadline for resolutions. Game’s over, people. Did you win? And if you didn’t, what now? Are you a failure? Are you chasing the wrong dream? Did you waste time and energy on the wrong goal?
We give ourselves 12 months to make big things happen. We want to lose weight. We want to get promoted. We want to buy a house. We want to fall in love. We want to get published. But what if we can’t make it work? What do we do with those failed resolutions?
Obviously, I recycle mine. But some people give them up, cast them away with the assumption that if they didn’t pan out in 12 months, it’s not meant to be. So, they strike out on new dreams, new ideas, new goals.
Should I have new sparkling resolutions instead of the same old ones years running? Would I try harder with fresh goals? Would I feel rejuvenated, be happier, with a different agenda? Would I succeed on a new path? Would I be treating myself better if I give myself a break and head in another direction?
It’d be great if all we needed was 12 months to make big or difficult things happen. But for some of us, we need more time, extra chances. Sometimes, we need to fail, try new methods, enter different doors, map out a new route, just to reach that one elusive goal. Those chances, that effort, while they may not pan out in success, are steps toward our goal. They all count, even if they wind up in failure. If you turn your back on failed resolutions, then you’re turning your back on all that effort and all those chances that carried you to where you are today.
I’m all for setting goals. I’m all for aiming for the stars. I’m all for making life better, richer, fuller, happier, healthier. But unless you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you have to take steps to get to your destination.
Even though I’m still vying for a publishing deal and still haven’t broken in my snazzy workout gear, and have a jungle for a backyard, I know that I have been trying. So, now I’m standing on a mountain of failed chances, but they’re chances that have lifted me higher each and every time, closer to those stars.
What is your New Year’s Resolution?
Great post and I love the new look blog! I think it’s important to have goals but as long as you try to reach them, you should’t beat yourself up for not reaching them within a set time – sometimes things happen when they’re meant to happen. I know you will get published, keep going!
Hey Victoria, I agree, we shouldn’t get down on ourselves if we can’t reach our goals. It’s more important that we strive for anything at all. Thanks for your encouragement! Happy New Year.
Love the new theme and look to your site (if you changed it ages ago and I just didn’t notice then I apologise!).
I love the idea of failed chances creating a mountain for you to stand on and get up higher and closer to your stars, that’s perfect!
We always start the new year with enthusiasm and belief in what we can achieve this year, and then very soon we lose some of that motivation for some reason. My only real resolution this year is to finish the non-fiction book I started near the beginning of last year, and have barely touched for months.
Hi Vanessa,
No, I changed my blog theme for the new year. The pics are all from my backyard after a snowstorm we had last week. I like your resolution — I’m not sure I knew you were writing a non-fiction book? What’s it about?
Happy New Year!
Beautiful pics, I hope we get a decent snowfall over here soon!
My non-fiction book is a lighthearted look at parenting. I’ve mentioned it a couple of times here and there, but haven’t made a big thing of it, so you may easily have missed any mentions of it!
Happy New Year!
Now I remember your book. It’s all coming back to me now…isn’t that a song? I bet your book is very funny, knowing you.
These pics are part of my “learning my camera” resolution. We’ll see if I improve over 2013!
Great post! The blog looks awesome Kate!
You definitely need to take some time to treat yourself! Mine is to combat my anxiety! x
Hey B,
Thanks, I changed the blog theme to go along with some of my blogging resolutions.
Your resolution is a great one! I have anxiety too, so I can imagine what you go through. Good luck with it and happy new year!
Yeah, it looks really good! Thanks love! I’m trying my hardest!
Happy New Year to you too x
Thank you!
Oh god. Resolutions…write that first draft by end of January. Small steps taken towards big goals…
Yes, it’s those small steps that will get us where we want to go! Good luck with completing your first draft.
Great insightful post, Kate, and a great new blog look. I want to refresh mine, but I’m having a hard time deciding what it should be. (Typical for me.
) Given what you’ve described of your life, I think you need to find some time for a little self-pampering. Even a few minutes here and there go a long way toward relieving stress and clearing the mind. I’d bet it would “spark” your Muse and imagination.
I would tell you my goals, but then I’d be giving away tomorrow’s post.
That’s the indecisive Libra in you. Me, too. I actually have been considering a new theme since October, and I’ve been checking out all the theme options every few days because I couldn’t make up my mind!
I ought to take some time to myself, but I know that a vacation isn’t feasible. So, I guess weekly massages or an extra hour of sleep is a good place to start.
Okay, I’ll let you off the hook and wait for tomorrow to hear what you and 2013 will bring us!
I LOVE the new look honey
Xx
Thanks, Vikki. The pics are of my backyard after a snowstorm we had last week. This is my feeble attempt at that camera I was talking about.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Kate!
I’m like you when it comes to resolutions. It doesn’t bother me that they seem to get recycled each year. I use the new year as a prompt to refresh and reboot everything, to give fresh impetus to the goals I set myself.
That said, I hope that you get that novel published this year so you can at least strike that one of your list.
Keep climbing that mountain though – when you reach the top It’ll be one hell of a view!
Thanks, Darren. I think you’re right about that view. There will be a lot to look at, haha. I’m glad to hear that you’re a recycler, too. I think those resolutions are the most meaningful and valuable. We need to keep at them. Happy New Year.
Such wisdom – you give us all hope – thank you.
Thank you, loony. I hope your new year is everything you want it to be.
Same to you. I’ve tweeted this post and liked it on Facebook. I wanted to share it on Facebook but it didn’t come up so I couldn’t do it.
Much appreciated, loony. The link automatically goes to my 4amWriter Facebook account, rather than my ‘Kathryn Johnston’ account. So, I have to share it “by hand”, which I just did…it’s a glitch in the system that I need to figure out.
I use the beginning of December as a time to set goals for the following year because the holidays are the hardest time to stay focused and my energy level of those goals is most intense at the beginning. It means, by the time the new year rolls around, I am already at a dead sprint. Some goals can only be taken so far on your own before you become dependent on others to carry the torch…like ‘being published.’
You hit the nail on the head bringing up goals that can’t be broken up into 12 month tasks. It sound like you are on the right track. Stay positive.
That’s a great idea to use December as the kick-off point. You’re absolutely right about that time of year — I always fall behind on Life because of the holidays. I think you have a great mindset.
Yes, 12 months is a good span for some things, like losing a bit of weight or redecorating the living room or taking up a new hobby/sport/activity. Not so much for ‘being published’ or any other goals that really involve other people or are at the mercy of other criteria.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
I loved reading this with my little cup of coffee, and it’s a little uncanny after the post I posted today as well. I addressed dealing with a sense of failure after re-entering the work force, having not survived financially off of selling books and teaching dance – the starving artist paycheck.
But hey, I took the plunge…and like you said…”I have been trying”. And, I will keep on trying.
Hi Britt,
Ugh, that sounds really tough. I know that starving artist paycheck. It ain’t pretty.
I’m glad you’re still trying. That’s so important. I’m rooting for you! Happy New Year.
Thanks for your camaraderie, Kate.
I’m glad I went all out. I had a steady job since I was 18, so it was refreshing to not get dressed and focus on creativity for a good year. I learned a lot through the process, as we all do through anything.
Happy New Year to you, lovely! Here’s to a 2013 filled with successful creativity and relentless self-acceptance. : )
It is nice to give ourselves that big shot. Really, that’s what life is all about, we have to be happy doing what we’re doing otherwise what is the point?
Yes, here’s to a wonderful 2013!
Great post, Kate. There is a quote from the first movie I ever bought on VHS. “If you give up on your dreams…you die.” That always stuck with me and was a big reason that I started writing seriously and stared my blog. I may never write a NY Times bestseller. But, then again if I keep trying, maybe I will.
Hey Dennis,
Great quote. And so true. During the time I quit writing I pretty much felt like that. Death, or very close to it. Maybe that’s a bit melodramatic, but I can’t think of another way to describe that feeling of uselessness.
I’m glad you’re writing and that you started a blog. We have to keep working at it if we want it. Happy New Year!
What movie is that quote from?
I don’t know–I’ll have to check with Dennis…
I really love this. Most of my goals are recycled goals too; but I keep making them b/c I’m getting closer and closer and that’s what matters to me. When I look back on this year I’m happy, even without the book deal
Your blog is beautiful – love the look!
Hey Amy,
Yes, I can see that you’re getting closer also, even if nothing has officially happened, I see that you have grown as a writer.
It’s fun to redo a blog. The pics are of my backyard after that snowstorm we had last week. Did you get that storm? This is my effort at ‘learning my camera’.
Well said! I’ve got the garden thing down, but the weight loss, exercise routine and publishing contract remain elusive. However, I can’t look at it as failure (well, I can, and do — I whine, feel sorry for myself and agonize, then I go on other people’s blogs and yammer on about how it’s not failure) cause in the end, it’s the journey that matters, and without dreams and goals, what’s the point? So I’ll continue chinking away at my mountains of dreams until I draw my last breath … but I intend to have fun while I’m at it. Happy New Year!
Hey Nancy,
Absolutely! I think about people who don’t yearn for anything and I think that’s too bad. It’s kind of like ‘better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.’ I think chasing dreams is like that in a way.
Happy New Year.
Kate;
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Have you ever approached the local paper and asked to be a columnist? After reading so many of your 4amwriter columns, I think you should go for it. Even offer to do it gratis, if you get to write two per week.
I think you’d do very well and attract a folllowing.
Just a thought. Tont Cappasso
Hey Tony. Happy New Year!
No, I have never considered doing anything like that. Partly because I never really thought a paper would want such personal journey stuff. Maybe I’m out of the loop?
Well, you’re very kind to say that. Seriously. I will look into it. How are things going for you?
Remember that they all start with baby steps….I plan to finish last years goals and accomplish a few more! We’ll see…
Hey Susie, yes, they all do start with baby steps. Which is good for me as I get easily frazzled and overwhelmed when things happen too quickly. I need a lot of warm-up time.
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As I read elsewhere – aspirations, not resolutions. Trying, even if we don’t succeed is still trying. Take a peek at http://www.truthandcake,com today. She says it a little differently. Perhaps, you simply are looking at it in a way that makes failure apparent. I will “try”. That’s a better way for me to start out.
Scott
how about http://www.Truthandcake.com ?
Hi Scott,
It’s funny, but I probably have both resolutions and aspirations. My desire for publishing my novel falls under both categories. When I’m working on my novel, or querying it, I’m not reminding myself of the resolution I made so much as this is what I want to accomplish. The resolution just kind of kicks off the year in that direction, I suppose, and then the aspiration is the momentum.
Thanks for the link!
Welcome.
I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions but I do make specific goals for myself depending on what I’m working on. They are not unrealistic goals, but rather time-frames for me to accomplishment particular tasks, whether it be clean the oven or complete the first draft of my book. If I can visualize the goal in terms of a specific calendar date, it helps. But I don’t beat myself up if it looks like I won’t make it. I just create a new time-frame. One never know what’s coming ahead so flexibility is always in order.
Like the new look to your site!
Hi Carrie,
Yes, I use that approach throughout the year with tasks or goals that come up unexpectedly. The method is especially useful for helping the kids through their various commitments that change seasonally.
I never used to be flexible. Then I had children.
Happy New Year!
Oh, yeah, kids definitely require a new-found flexibility!
With two Advil on the side.
I love the new look too–fresh, like a new year of possibilities. Just before the holidays I got a pedicure and had my toenails painted purple–a bit of pampering fun. Didn’t take much time or money and made me feel like I did something for myself for a change. I also like how you keep going forward…a wise man I once worked with used to talk about the value of “making progress.” Especially for longer-term and challenging goals, like getting published.
Hi Jagoda,
Pedicures are fun, especially when they give you foot massages. I love that you chose purple!
I tell myself that my only choice is to move forward, and that helps a lot with the positive, hopeful attitude. Which is really half the battle.
Happy New Year!
Great new look to the blog, Kate and a great post.
My resolutions are just to keep doing the same things. Keep reading more, writing more and see where it takes me. As long as you keep working at the things you enjoy and keep the dream alive, it’s all good.
Have a great 2013!
Hey Pete,
I like your laid-back attitude. It suits you.
And you’re right, the only outcome that really matters is that we’re happy doing what we’re doing. Thanks!
Sometimes I’m laid-back to the extent that I appear to be asleep. I’m generally thinking and just have my eyes closed
Kind of like me staring out the window and working at the same time.
A bold new look for a bold new outlook! I like it, Kate!
I also appreciate the quiet realism you have about your resolutions. We do often get disheartened when another year goes by and we haven’t achieved our goals, whether they’re lofty or more down-to-earth. It’s a healthy perspective to keep in mind, though, that even setbacks should be viewed as learning experiences, and so little triumphs in themselves. Figuring out what you don’t want to do, or what isn’t right for you, is just as important as figuring out what you do want, and what is right.
That being said, even though you say twelve months isn’t always enough time to make things happen, I know you know it only takes an instant for life to change. I also know you’re a proponent of taking a little bit of time each day to keep your momentum going, so I hope you won’t get too miffed with me when I say I’m going to keep my eyes open for bigger, bolder, and brighter news from you in the next year. Even if it’s just you getting that much closer to those stars.
Hi Mayumi,
Momentum is key, I think. The times that I feel the most downtrodden is when I’m not actively working on my novels or doing anything creative.
Of course I’m not miffed! I like your confidence and I’m willing it to rub off on me.
I love your new look! Funnily enough, I just posted my resolutions and I’ve already forgotten them. Your dog’s pedicure really made me laugh. I’ve never gotten a pedicure and probably never will so I’m not so sure how I’d feel if my dog came home with one! It’s true about the failed chances, that they can lift you higher, so then they’re not really failures at all. This will be our publishing year! Happy 2013!
Hi Sheila,
Haha, that has happened to me before — forgetting my resolutions. That’s when I knew I didn’t really mean them. I’m not the pedicure type myself, so I was speechless when she came prancing in the house with those nails! I think she has an extra bounce in her step.
Right on, Sheila. 2013 will be OUR publishing year. Enjoy!
Love the new blog look Kate!
The new year to me means more “keep on keeping on,” more “just keep swimming” and a lot of baby steps. Those are all my favorite mantras when I think I’m not “there” yet. Plus for this year I did something different–set concrete deadlines where it made sense.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, successful, peaceful 2013!
Hey Coleen,
Oh, that’s a favorite quote of mine too — “just keep swimming…” I even have it on my study wall as extra inspiration. And you’re right, sometimes that’s all we can really ask of ourselves, even when we’re facing a new year. We don’t always need to have bright new resolutions and goals.
Happy 2013 to you!
I wasn’t sure where I was for a minute – I love your new theme!
The doggy pedicure is excellent and gave me a good chuckle on this rainy Saturday morning
Happy New Year to you my friend and I love the way you just keep on keeping on with the resolutions
HI Dianne,
Thank you, I have been thinking about changing my theme since October, but I’m a Libra and it’s hard for me to make decisions. 3 months later I finally settled on this one.
I think it would be fun to paint her nails red and green for next Christmas. What do you think?
Happy 2013 to you also, Dianne. I’m sure it’ll be a big and bright year for you!
This is going to be your year!
Thanks, Paul. It’s nice to hear that.
Happy 2013!
I will have to make a resolution to paint my Ginger’s nails. She’s never had it done before. Loved your post. If we don’t reach for the stars, we won’t ever grow.
Yes, definitely paint her nails. I’m sure you’ll notice a difference in her attitude.
Thanks, Char. We just gotta keep trying.
Who wouldn’t feel better with their nails painted?
Absolutely. Especially in glitter or crackle topcoat.
Hi Kate,
Happy New Year to you, hope 2013 bring happiness, love, and success to you. And that publishing deal, I hope you will find light this year..
Take care, many blessings and much love to you.
Subhan Zein
#PS: My subscription went messed up, so now I am resubscribing, looking forward to reading more of your posts!
Hey Subhan,
No problem. I always appreciate the effort anyone makes to comment or visit my blog. Thanks for your kind wishes. I hope 2013 brings all of those things to you as well.
Thank you, you are one wonderful soul
Subhan Zein
Right back at ya.
Love the new look.
I tend not to make New Year resolutions. I do review how I’ve done over the year, and decide where I need — or want — to go from here, but no resolutions. If something needs changing, improving, or what-not over the course of the year, I tackle it. Although, I have to say, it’s nice to have a “fresh start” so I tend to begin tackling things on Mondays.
I think that’s a great way to do it, and I have wondered about changing things up a bit and not doing resolutions during the new year but reviewing my progress regularly. Mondays are great for kicking off a new goal or task, I agree. There’s something about Mondays that prepares me for a long haul.
This is a great perspective on resolutions. Personally, I no longer abide in the pre-emptive sense. I wait until the year is good and fat, and then look back at how it’s going. So this year, I learned vegetarian over a summer’s yum. I lost the cranky ten pounds I’d been complaining about mostly. I quit smoking (April 22). And I got serious about my running regimen.
May all your resolutions be published and bright.
Wow, Cayman, you accomplished a lot this year. I think that’s amazing. I don’t often hear that people follow through on more than one resolution.
Thanks, I hope you continue on your successful journey!
I think that if you’re trying then that is what matters the most. I really try not to set resolutions for myself because I’ve learned something about myself. If I set a goal I will fail. Then I’ll never try again. I have done it so many times. So I joined the YMCA, and I’m swimming there twice a week now. I don’t have any “weight loss” goal numbers to get to so to say, I’d just like to get in better shape. If I set myself a target weight, I’ll never get there. Maybe if I get down to where I only need to lose 50 lbs or so, I’ll start setting real goals for myself.
I think it’s valuable when we know our limitations, Laura. The fact you understand that specific goals don’t work well for you is key to figuring out how you can accomplish the things you want. Glad to hear you’re swimming at the Y.
Keep it up!
Yep, this pretty much sounds like me. I’ve stopped making new year resolutions… I simply resolve to keep doing. With a general feel for what the year’s ‘theme’ should be. For me this year, it’s going with the flow.
By the end of this year, I wish for you to be standing on top of the heap – with a fabulous view all round
Hey Alarna —
Keep doing. Yes. That’s pretty much my mindset at this point. But I definitely want to add more positivity in there. I don’t want to get into a rut where I’m just chugging along mindlessly. That’s no good either.
Thanks for your kind wishes. Can’t wait to get there!
Happy New Year, Kate! Wishing you love, peace, joy, and a publishing contract. You can do this.
The new blog theme is gorgeous.
Hi Christy! Thanks so much for all the good wishes. I laughed at the ‘publishing contract’. Your enthusiasm is compelling. I had a hard time deciding how to change things up on this blog, and it took me about 3 months to settle on this one. The pics are of my backyard in the aftermath of a recent snowstorm. They are my attempt at ‘learning my camera’. I hope to improve!
I loved the photos.
Thank you.
What a wonderful post and reminder. We put so much pressure on ourselves and often forget to take things one day at a time. I normally make my resolutions or goals in the Spring when nature is starting her own year.
For some reason it allows me to be more forgiving towards myself as it reminds me that if something doesn’t work out as planned, it’s ok, as something will grow in another direction.
I discovered your blog through Britt Skrabanek’s wonderful blog and I’m so glad I did (the story and photo of your dog’s toenails alone made my day!)
Hi Letizia,
Welcome to the blog!
Thank you so much for the follow. I enjoy Britt’s blog, too. She has a wonderfully positive, buoyant attitude.
It’s so interesting that you make your goals in the spring. In some respects, that seems to make more sense, doesn’t it? The idea of rebirth, and growth, and newness would act as catalysts for humans undertaking new journeys. I’ll have to keep that in mind. Living in New Hampshire, I get to enjoy the 4 seasons, and spring always revs me up.
Thanks again for visiting and commenting!
You raise some really great points here. I think a year may not be enough time to accomplish big picture goals. Three years may not be enough time. I want to be a published writer. That may take 2 years or ten. But if the goal matters, I will keep trying. I try to set big picture goals yearly and then try to set monthly/weekly/daily goals. That way even if the big picture doesn’t happen, I know I accomplished so many of the smaller picture goals. That’s what keeps me going.
Hey Kourtney, I like your idea of monthly/weekly/daily goals. Maybe if I set short-term resolutions that could be accomplished in a year and then set some long-term goals that I know will take a lot longer than a year, I would feel better about my progress. I think you’re right that accomplishing lots of smaller goals buoys us.
Sometimes the big picture goals are beyond your control too. Like getting an agent or a publisher. That can happen fast or take ages. The only thing you control is the number of queries you send out per day/week/month.
Last year some goals were met and others not. But I think goals require daily commitment to inch them forward. 
Yes, we never know how certain things will evolve. And as long as we tend to our goals daily we have a better shot at accomplishing them.
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Love Ginger’s manicure. I was debating whether I should get one today and seeing hers has sealed the deal.
For the new year, I signed up for an online course on self love which is something I normally roll my eyes at, but for now it seems to be what I need to be more productive. This week we’re giving ourselves points for things we do for ourselves. So things like joining (and going to the gym), organizing my workspace, and working on unfinished projects are things I award myself points for and when I reach 100 or 1000 I give myself a big treat which I think is going to be a personal writing day or my own writing retreat (a weekend where I get to spend working on my novel).
I admire your dedication. One year is not much time to accomplish huge goals, but it is enough time to get you some steps up a ladder, or over a bridge or further along the road towards your goals. This blog is inspiring and encouraging and I enjoy reading it
Hi Kim, oh yeah, now isn’t that something — that’s the kind of course I’d roll my eyes at also. But I am really proud of you for realizing that despite the hokey sound of the class you know it might be something you need.
I would love to go away on a retreat. With kids it’s tough, so right now it’s just a dream. But I agree that sounds like a great treat to yourself.
Wow, thanks for your kind words, Kim. Sometimes I feel like my posts get too down in the mouth because I am usually referring to the fact I’m not published yet. I’m glad that you are feeling inspired and encouraged by what I write. That makes me feel better. In fact, your response inspires and encourages me! So, it’s a win-win.
Good luck with your online course. Let me know how it goes.
ah by my own writing retreat I mean a self created one, as in a me taking over the living room on a saturday or sunday (maybe just a half day) and telling hubby I get some space for the morning or afternoon and then spending it writing, maybe ordering take out or taking a break for starbucks – from China it would be too expensive to try to find an organized writing retreat, even if I was back home going to an “official” writing retreat would probably cost too much; reminds of when I was a kid and used to build blanket forts, only this would include a laptop and some writing time
I get ya. We have a camp that is about an hour away that I could easily turn into a weekend retreat and it wouldn’t cost me much except for groceries and gasoline for my car.
To me, life isn’t as much about the destination as the process of getting there. Goals are great & good and important, but it’s not failure if you didn’t get there in 12 months. A resolution is based on resolve. You “recycle” yours so you are still resolved, aren’t you? Just because it’s not finished doesn’t mean you didn’t start. Some you have more control over, some less. That’s why I prefer things like, “improve my health” to “loose 15 pounds” or whatnot. One is a path, the other a goal. My daily life is about goals (get kids to school on time, in appropriate clothes, make lunches before lunch time, finish laundry, etc.). Resolutions are a chance to step back and lay out the broad strokes. Or at least that’s what I think they should be.
I actually stopped doing new year’s resolutions awhile back. I found that to me they were just too artificial. If I want to change my path, the best day to start is the day I realize it, right? Or maybe the next week if I’m sick or something
Hey Shannon, I like your laid-back perspective. Daily goals, for me, have become so mundane that they are no longer goals — just things that need to get done as a part of my job as a mom or as a writing teacher or whatever. So, maybe I need to spice up the daily goals to make them more interesting. This may even take some pressure off those big resolutions. I’ll have to think about it.
Thanks for swinging by!
Hey New Englandah, I just nominated ya fa an awaaad. If ya don’t like the bad accent I’m throwin’ at ya . . . blame Affleck and Damon for teaching it to me. Othawise, come ovah and pick up ya awaad.
http://drinkswellwithothers.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/guatacular-is-officially-a-word-i-just-made-up/
I am honohed to stop by yah place and pick up my awahd. Thanks fa the gestah.
Latah.
I never tend to do NY resolutions. If there’s anything I want to change, or feel should be different, I do it right away instead of waiting for the new year. I feel that it’s easier to incorporate new things into your life if you do it on an ordinary day. Most people are on vacation when they make resolutions and feel, at that point, they can do it because they have time but most fail once they start to work again and the “old life” creeps back on you (at least in my experience). For me New Year’s is more about the prospect of what is to come and the future that awaits rather than the promise of change.
I hope you get a publishing deal soon!
This sounds like a common theme as I notice other bloggers say they don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but set goals based on ‘as needed basis.’ I think that’s a great way to eliminate the tremendous pressure of doing something in 12 months. I also like your viewpoint about vacation and the mood of the person making the resolution. I think you’re right. If we get caught up in the moment, we’re not thinking things through, and don’t realize we might be setting ourselves up for disaster.
I believe many people miss the whole point of resolutions, goal setting, and bucket lists. These titles were created to entice the idea of trying or moving forward. The New Year Resolution was a wonderful creation- a goal with a built in clock.
There is no doubt in my mind that Coach KJ would resolve to keep trying, because it’s undeniably a pivotal part of life for humans.
Thanks, BBK. I think you’re right. Sometimes the romantic notion of New Year’s resolution gets in the way of the fact we’re trying to accomplish a goal that matters, that will make a difference to our lives in some way. And we need to set goals that are appropriate for a 12-month span if we’re doing a New Year’s resolution. Great point!
I’m more focused on the progress than the end result. Of course I would like to accomplish my goal in the time that I estimated, but it rarely happens. I’ve learned a long time ago, when it comes to time, I have very little influence- nope correction- I have no influences over it. Time primarily lets me know when have I reached my goals. I only set deadlines to push myself. After I reach that deadline, I check my progress, and then set another goal. That’s all. Anything else would be uncivilized.
I hope to be more like that this year. Progress over end result. That’s a good plan.
A wonderful resolution indeed, my friend…and all the best in your resolutions, both new and old.
Thank you! I wish the same for you.
I’m going to reiterate what everyone said about the new look, its great!
Also, I have to say I try to change myself all of the time. Often I feel I am spinning my wheels, but there comes a time when I realize something stuck, or I don’t think the same way I used to.
Einstein said (or someone pretending to be him on the quote site I saw, said), “You never fail until you stop trying”.
Keep reaching and working and moving. I’m sure you’ll get a little further down the road this year!
Hi Bob, great quote, and really, so true. The trying can get ‘trying’ but it’s the only way to reach our goals. Thanks for stopping by!
I like the theme here, Kate — in my experience, change is always going to occur gradually, no matter how many drastic things I try to do to face my fears or go for it or whatever. For now, what I can do is stay my course and trust that any change that’s needed will arise.
Hi Chris, I think that’s a powerful way to look at it. Any view that helps us move forward and stay positive is the right view, I think. Thanks for swinging by!
Very nice!
Thanks, Naomi!
What is at the core of our New Year resolves that allow us to achieve a few of the resolutions but not the others? What is it that makes our energy flow in certain directions and not in others? The answers my friend is blowin’ in the winds……..
Shakti
Hi Shakti, wise words indeed. Thanks for swinging by.
Kate,
Somehow I missed this post! But I like Tony’s idea about the newspaper column… I write two a week and enjoy it immensely.
Good luck with your resolutions!
Thanks, Anne. Yeah, I should follow up that idea to write for a newspaper. It would be different enough that I’d feel challenged and would probably take my mind off of my writing woes.
One thing about newspaper writing is that the projects are short-term and give you that satisfaction of completion. Novels (as we’ve discussed) have a wonderful feeling of a finish line, but because they take so long, that feeling is very delayed. It’s nice to have a combination of short- and long-term projects.
That’s a really good point about the satisfaction of completion. I think you’re right that we need to balance the short- and long-term projects in order to meet our various needs. I’m still waffling, but you’re certainly selling the idea well, Anne.
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