Sunday, January 11, 2009

New Year's Resolutions? Not So Fast.

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, so you won’t see me posting long optimistic lists to share with the world. I’m even hesitant to write about resolutions, which is why I’m raising the topic on January 11th, when about half the population have probably already given up on theirs.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in goals and I certainly believe in making lists, prioritizing, and self-improvement. I’m a former smoker, I’ve controlled my weight all my life (though it’s gotten harder this past decade), and I haven’t developed any serious vices. But those accomplishments come from decisions that had nothing to do with New Year’s Eve or resolutions.

But other writers on forums and blogs have posed the resolution question, so I’ve been mulling it over. And the best answer I can give is to do what I’ve been doing, only better. To improve at writing, to finish short stories started months ago, and to work harder on promotion. I refuse to put numbers on these goals, though. Too many experts warn about making unrealistic expectations and, for me, attaching numbers to writing goals is a recipe for failure. So, for 2009 I simply vow to do the best I can each day with whatever, time, skill, creativity, and energy I have. It’s all the challenge I can manage.

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1 comment:

David Ebright said...

I'm with you. Resolutions are a waste of time for me. I set goals & make plans, even make lists, but prefer to be flexible.