Bang! Fireworks explode louder than a starter’s gun, and I panic. Am I ready? Have I compiled my New Year’s Resolutions, and do I stand any chance of completing them? Or will I trip, fall, and gasping for breath, collapse on the ground before I reach the quarter-mile mark? I bet some won’t make it off the blocks. They say most people abandon them by February. I suspect the problem lies in only preparing for a 100-meter dash instead of the marathon our self-improvement laundry list demands.
My checklist is short, simple, and stacked to ensure victory. I also have a one or two-word annual theme. My mantra for 2020 is “success.” I developed my resolutions by asking a single question–How can I find success this week? My writing goal is to write 1,000 words each week. Not 52,000 words this year. My brain sees the big number, and immediately says, “no.” But 1,000 words? Sure, it is doable in either a marathon sitting or spread across a few days.
I rely on a habit and a little encouragement from my friends. Every Sunday afternoon, I schedule the coming week’s tasks. Can I walk five miles, lose one pound, plan a healthy meal, spend less money, transfer $50 to my savings account, organize a closet, or read one chapter in a book? Chances are, if I start, I will do more than I planned, multiplied by fifty-two. That’s how we win marathons.
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?
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Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer
I normally do make several resolutions, but as I never seem to make any of them come true, this year I will keep them in my head. That way only I will know the results.
I too, have decided on a mantra and mine is determination. This has always been my way forward and has helped me to achieve the impossible on occasion. Not sure when I stopped believing it, but that will stop next year!
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Determination is a great word, one that pulls reserves from inexplicable places. It strips limiting emotions and lame excuses from the thought processes and lets us get on with the work. I am betting on your success in the coming year. 👍
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I like the sound of that!
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Loved your analogy of preparing for a 100-meter dash versus a marathon. I am excited for 2020, time for new break throughs, it will happen! You’ve been determined, it’s a matter of time before you find yourself “right where you want to be.” Here’s to a GREAT start of the year.
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So glad the words resonated with you. 2020 IS going to be a fabulous year. Cheers 🥂
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YES, for BOTH of us. How is your remodel going? Is it done? You sound calm and happy, so I am thinking it is finished.
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Hahaha. Nope not done. We are close to rough-in completion. The new, big support beam went in last week. Valentine’s Day is the target for getting our keys back. I’ll post pictures when its done. Thanks for asking. ❤
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Since we don’t get the new year all at once, it’s really smart to have not only achievable plans as the year progresses but also (thus) a way to enjoy the time.
Happy New Year!
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Yep, they say the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. I have never understood why anyone would want to eat an elephant. 🐘
Happy New Year. 🎇🎉🎇
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you for sharing. 💕❤💕
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