I don't do New Year's resolutions. I can make a list better than anyone else I know - in fact, creating a to-do list is one of my daily highlights. I appreciate the satisfaction of "checking" off what I've completed and starring the items of most importance. But lists and resolutions are two very different beasts.
For one thing, lists tend to be manageable. And because I love ticking off my accomplishments in red pen (okay, who am I kidding? I love stickers. And stars. In fact, sticky stars are best.), I'll add just about anything to the list. Like eating. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or checking e-mail. If I check off everything on the list, I reward myself with Rolo ice cream. (And if I'm being honest, I eat Rolo ice cream when I don't accomplish everything - what better way is there to drown the failed checklist guilt?)
Resolutions, on the other hand, require a much longer time for the pay-off. Like, "lose weight" doesn't happen overnight. And "write more" is kind of a progressive thing. Chances are good I'd lose the list before I could actually put a big sticky star next to an accomplished goal, and where's the fun in that?
So every year, I resolve not to resolve.
But I also can't ignore that 2009 is over, and while it had its ups and downs, it's time to forget it and move into a new decade. Happy New Year, by the way.
So in lieu of resolutions, I'm prepared to make some sweeping statements of intention.
1. I will write more.
2. I will read more.
3. I will take care of me more.
And this week, Josh Holloway is going to help me.
That's right. Be jealous.
I heart my muse.
The Book In My Bag Today: Gargoyle, Andrew Davidson
I <3 your muse too. When I stopped watching Lost, he was one pleasure I regretted giving up.
ReplyDeleteYou might enjoy this site: http://zenhabits.net/2009/12/the-definitive-guide-to-sticking-to-your-new-years-resolutions/
The most helpful things to me: focus on one new habit, make it daily and triggered by something else, and set the bar so low you can't help but succeed. That's where my mind is at present.
Regardless, happy New Year, Dawn. May 2010 bring you at least one item crossed off your Bucket List!
Hope - I'd all but forgotten him for some reason, which is weird since one of my characters in Absolution was written with the hope he would one day portray him!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. I will check it out. And also, thanks for the well wishes. I have little doubt that with the support I'm lucky enough to have - including you - I'll be able to put a giant star sticker next to one thing on my list.
Looking forward to seeing you. xo