Is it too soon to start posting about next year’s goals? I’ve just been thinking about them lately — mostly things I wanted to do or should’ve done in 2012 that I didn’t, because I was either a) lazy, b) didn’t have the money, or c) couldn’t get it planned around my work schedule. But 2013 will be different. Why? Because I’m looking at 2013 afresh. People always use the words New Year’s Resolutions, and I’m sorry but they scare me. I am scared of the word “resolution.” It just sounds like some mystical Harry Potter spell that do could eerie things. Instead, I’m using the word GOALS. Yes, goals. The word goals is less threatening, less accusing of “HEY, YOU SUCKED LAST YEAR, MAKE IT RIGHT!” Goals feels encouraging and motivating, and I like to be made to feel encouraged and motivated, like I’m working toward something. Makes one feel accomplished in life. So, here are some things I’ve thought that I would like to do in the two thousand and thirteenth year of our Lord, should it not spontaneously combust, of course:
1. Attend an author reading/signing.
2. Attend a blogging conference.
3. Meet a blogging friend in the flesh.
4. Read 50 books.
5. Use the library for at least half of those books.
6. Finish my novel.
7. Stretch/workout three days a week.
8. Write two new short stories/articles/other writing projects a month.
9. Participate in VEDA and actually vlog every day.
10. Attend the Fall Literary Festival at my alma mater.
11. Move my blog to self-hosted WordPress and get a snazzy new layout.
And that is where I leave you. I don’t want to get too ambitious. Is that bad? Shoud a person admit that she doesn’t want to be too ambitious? I just know how I am. I want to set manageable goals. If I was feeling really ambitious, I would’ve shot for more. But, right now, I’m feeling manageable. See, I’ve never been much of a goal setter. Every time I’ve made them, they’ve fallen through, unaccomplished. But, Melissa, who I’m going to refer to henceforth as the Goal Genie, has me wanting to take goals more seriously. I think goals are a wonderful thing and can be very rewarding, and Melissa has shown everyone through her blog just how amazing setting a goal, going through the process of reaching it, and then actually saying “Donzoe, accomplished!” can be.
So, what are your goals for the new year?
P.S.: I’d actually like to start working on some of these goals now, such as using the library, working on my novel, writing short stories and other writing projects, and stretching/working out three days a week.
