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!
