Sunday, December 27, 2015

A Fresh Start



The New Year will be here in a few days and, with it, comes a fresh start for all of us. Many people make New Year’s resolutions but I prefer to set goals instead. To me, a resolution implies a commitment that, if not met, will lead to disappointment and frustration. How many people do you know who resolve to lose ten pounds by swim suit season and, when they don’t, feel as if they’ve failed? What if, instead of a resolution, they set a goal?

A goal is something we strive to achieve. We can break it down into bits and pieces and, if we aren’t able to completely meet our goal in spite of our best efforts, we still see progress, which increases our self-esteem. So, if that person who wants to lose ten pounds lost five, instead of being down on themselves and possibly giving up, they would recognize and celebrate the weight they had lost.

I write down my goals for the coming year in a small spiral notebook. Throughout the year, I add to the list and, once a goal is reached, I take great pleasure (and satisfaction) in checking it off. I’ve made my first entry for 2016: Finish writing Book 5 of my Malone Mystery series and send it to my publisher in time for publication next year.

Have you made any resolutions or set any goals for next year? If so, I’d love to read about them.

Happy New Year!

6 comments:

  1. Great post, Pat. Very thought provoking. Every year I resolve to write a best-seller, but unfortunately I haven't yet reached that goal. LOL! Maybe I'll just resolve to write a better novel than my last. Now that's a goal at least I'll have a chance at reaching. Hope you have a Super-fantastic new year.

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    1. Evelyn, you made me smile! I think we all share in your "resolve" to write a best seller.
      Sometimes, "life" gets in the way of our writing. For me, the past few months have been about packing up my mother's house and moving the two of us to apartments across the hall from one another. My goal is to get back to writing my fifth Malone mystery next week. I miss writing but we gotta do what we gotta do. :)

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  2. My goal is to finish putting my house together and to get back to writing. It's been a hectic year. Great post, and I with you a productive and prosperous New Year!

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    1. I wish you the same, Marja! After the year you've had, you deserve a fantastic 2016. I'm looking forward to your next Sandi Webster mystery.

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  3. Thanks Pat, as always I enjoy reading your post. I do not make resolutions that I know I will not keep, or they would bug me to no end. So, I don't make them. But, its great to hear that other people actually keep them. I knew I wanted Fanaman Curse to be released, and that dream can true this month. Have a great new year and looking forward to your fifth novel

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    1. Thanks, Augie! Congratulations on the publication of Fanaman Curse!

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