The Resolution to Stop Making Resolutions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

So it falls to me to be the first blog of the new year. To join the billions of other blogs talking about how this year is your year to shine. Yadda Yadda Yadda.

But, that just wouldn't be me. Yep, I am the black sheep that doesn't believe in resolutions.
BAAAAAA!!!

If you were going to do it, you would have, so a resolution is useless. A device that makes us feel fresh and new in January, but guilty by February. Okay, maybe March for some of you.

Instead I propose a new approach (and it doesn't even have to be January to do it.) If you want to accomplish something, it is well within your reach. Here's the secret. You ready? Make a plan.

Yep it is that simple. Make a plan, anytime of the year, to accomplish any task.

You will succeed, if you stick to the plan.

Here's how it works:

STEP 1.) Define your goal with things you have complete control over.

Do not make a plan to get published. You do not have the final say so at the publishing house, do you? If you do we got to talk, email me at… okay focus.

Instead define the goal as 'I will complete a novel this year, polish it to the best I can and send it out and re-polish it until somebody picks it up'.

That, you have control over. That you can do until it's done. That is an obtainable goal.

STEP 2.) Break it down.

You don't start at the end do you? SO just saying I will finish a book won't be enough. How will you finish a book?

Make a plan.

For example:
a) I will have the outline, or if you are a pantser define Point A and Point Z (right? you gotta know where you are headed vaguely with a story if you ever plan to get there, even is you don't know what the middle holds), I will have these done by the first of next month.

b) When the first comes re-evaluate, look at your progress, add more time if need be. See…no failure, no giving up, and no need to overdose on chocolate 'cause you feel like crap. Look at what you did do, is there away you can do more? if yes, plan it out, if no, then woo hoo you got that much done.

See how this works?

STEP 3. Keep Going!

Even if you have to re-evaluate and adjust your goal a million times, as long as you keep going, it's progress. It's success. And eventually you will get it done, whatever the task. Look at all you've accomplished, without guilt.

WOO HOO! Go You!!!!

Here are the top five New Years Resolutions:

1. Spend more time with family.

2. Find time to exercise more.

3. Lose weight.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Get Organized.

Are any of these on your to do list?

Not one can be done just by saying it, even wanting it with all your heart.

I challenge you all,
this year don't make a resolution…Make a Plan.