I have mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions. On one hand, the changing of the calendar represents a fresh start, a chance to evaluate the last year and refocus on what really matters to you going forward. (Being careful, of course, not to get stuck in the past—see my wise friend Trish’s post on turning from the past and looking ahead.) I’m all for clarifying goals and being honest about what we really want, and I think that writing these goals down is a very helpful step in actually reaching them. That said, so many people (including me!) fail to keep their resolutions for any meaningful length of time that it can be downright discouraging. I’m frequently tempted to not even bother setting any goals because there’s such a good chance I won’t meet them, which, really, doesn’t leave me any better off than when I started.
So this year I’ve decided to reframe things a bit. Instead of resolutions or goals—words that imply I am solely responsible for their success or failure, which is a very black-and-white view that feels burdensome—I’m going to list my hopes for this year. That gives me room to invite others in for help and encouragement when I need it, and it’s a much more forgiving approach. I’m also going to write out several mini-steps I can take to help me along (and to remind me that there are many ways to move forward). Here’s my list for 2012.
I hope to treat writing my middle-grade novel as more of a job than a hobby.
Steps I can take:
1) Continue participating in my awesome writers group.
2) Set aside at least 10 hours a week for writing or related activities (who doesn’t love a plan that counts re-reading The Hunger Games before the movie comes out as progress?).
3) Attend writing classes, conferences, and author events.
I hope to run a race this year.
Steps I can take:
1) Keep strength training and using our stationary bike so that I’m still in good shape when my foot heals completely and the weather warms up enough to start walking/jogging again.
2) Incorporate more bike riding and other low-impact exercise to keep from re-injuring myself.
3) Join (or start!) a running group.
I hope to develop more as a worship leader.
Steps I can take:
1) Play my guitar at least a little bit every day.
2) View that as my own time for worship, even if I’m not leading others.
3) Find a new guitar teacher.
What are you hoping for this year?
[…] my time and energy in the areas of writing and playing my guitar. This is definitely an echo of my New Year’s hopes, but it’s also a declaration that these things are (still!) important to me, and they are worth […]