I always feel a sense of anticipation as the new year approaches. I just know that all the things I planned to do will suddenly become achievable when the calendar turns from one year to another. It doesn't matter if I somehow got stymied on my goals in 2008 because 2009 will be THE year.
Except I didn't get stymied for once. Oh sure, I may have regained 5 of the 10 pounds I lost, I may have failed to jog 6 miles a week, and maybe I didn't organize my office and files — but I SOLD my book. I still get a thrill when I think of it.
So as I move into 2009, I have to make plans that have to do with sustaining a writing career. It's no longer just enough to say I'm going to finish a book or query editors and agents. No, I have an editor and an agent now. It's time to consider the next step in my goals.
In order to be more productive and move forward in my career, I have resolved to spend less time surfing. That's a hard one, and I know you're laughing. Heck, I'm laughing too. But I'm determined.
I'm also resolving to work smarter, not harder. By that I mean I have to waste less time and focus more. I have a tendency to scatter my attention among projects, or to put off focusing on one thing because I have lots of time to get it done (hello, I'm the girl who wrote the paper the night before it was due all throughout college). I'm of the opinion you can't force the muse, but I do believe you can coax her. Regular work habits will help.
And yeah, I also have the usual resolutions to lose weight and get more exercise. Nothing wrong with a little ambition, right? 🙂
So what are your resolutions this year? What do you plan to change or do differently in order to reach the goals you've set for yourself?
I must finish the book so I can pitch it this summer. I must lose weight and get in shape. I must stop wasting so much time so I can get the above done. Surfing is a large part of that big time waste. Guess we’ll be hanging up our boards together, huh?
I’m looking forward to you pitching that book, Marilyn! So yeah, you have to finish it. You’re too close not to.
We’ll start a support group for addicted surfers — except we can’t take time to have meetings, LOL. 🙂
I think 2008 was pretty good to you!
I have plenty of resolutions, but I no longer publicize them because I’m tired of the shame that follows when I can’t keep a one of them…
I agree, you had a fantastic year, Lynn!! Be proud and know that this year will be even better. 😉
I don’t normally make resolutions. But I like to make lists, even if they’re only mental, to set goals for myself. I did do much more than expected last year in some ways, but got bogged down in others. If you can see improvement as you look back upon the previous year, you’ve accomplished great things.
So… in keeping with tradition, I resolve to fulfill whatever tickles my fancy as the moment inspires. 😉
Good idea, PC. Notice mine weren’t too specific. 🙂 I’m doing okay on the surfing ban. Not stellar, but okay. Weight loss plan commenced, exercise accomplished. Must stick with it.
Happy New Year Lynn,
My new year’s resolution is to journal –I figure writing things down will help me tackle my other goals. And journaling seems less daunting than saying I’m going to lose weight or get an agent etc.
I know semantics…but hey, words is what I do. 🙂
Rashda
Writing them down does cement them in stone, so to speak. Makes one accountable. Hmmm… Maybe that’s why I won’t do it. LOL!
Okay, now you’ve got me thinking I need to make a list. 😀