The Dissolution of Resolutions: Or, just get sh*t done.

January 1st is no different for me, in terms of my motivation to achieve, than any other day in the year. (Please, please, please can we stop with this “New Year, New You” stuff?) As such, I resolved years ago to stop making resolutions. For one thing, resolutions tend to be big and significant, because, well, that’s sort of the point, right? But because they’re such big changes, they’re also inherently tough to keep. And what’s fun about starting a new year with a whole whack of guilt?

Instead, I like making “just get sh*t done” goals – I’m a bit of a goal nerd, actually, and have a bucket list of sorts that I’ve been keeping and working on since I was 17. So rather than focus on things to take away (weight, procrastination, carbs, Facebook, stress, chocolate, Twitter, alcohol, caffeine, FUN …), I focus on things I can add.

So for 2015, here are five things I resolve to add so this year kicks last year’s ass (and that’s saying something, as last year was pretty great in terms of achieving writing goals):

1. I will read more. And because “reading more” means NOTHING, I will get specific. My goal is to read 50 books this year, which will make me a happier person AND help with my writing.
2. I will write another book (maybe two, if I can swing it) – I have a good system for writing now, which involves 5 am wake ups, loads of coffee, Scrivener, and a solid outline, and am confident I can turn out at least one great book a year.
3. I will become less of a hermit. What does that look like? Spending more time writing OUT of the house than I have in past few months, going to book events and workshops, plucking my eyebrows and shaving my legs and wearing something other than slippers/flip flops/Hunter wellies … oh, and lipstick. I feel like this is the year for me to start wearing lipstick, at 42. Better late than never! (*this last one has nothing to do with writing, but it will make me feel like more of a grown up, I think)
4. I will attend a writer’s retreat. I have one in the works with some good friends who are also writers, and hope to do this at least annually!
5. I will practice yoga twice a week. (Edited to add: I’m about 80% committed to this one…we’ll see how it goes) Here’s a truth about me: I have a hard time relaxing. But like nearly everyone else on the planet, I’m a nicer/more productive/happier person when stress levels are lower. Sooooo, it’s time to try some yoga and see if it does the trick – especially in the winter when running outside (my best stress reliever) can be dicey — because while I personally like my Type A, DO ALL THE THINGS ALL THE TIME AND BETTER YET, RIGHT NOW, style, I can see how change is good here.

That’s it for me. Short and sweet, and definitely achievable (except for maybe the yoga thing, and shaving my legs daily) — what about you? What would you like to add to make your writing life even better this year?