I like talking about my New Years Resolutions almost as much as I like making them. In fact, it’s often a struggle for me to avoid getting over-enthusiastic and making a bunch of super ambitious plans for the year ahead that I know I won’t be able to keep.
In 2016, I managed to keep my list of resolutions simple and short, which is probably why I had so much success with them. Here’s a quick rundown of my 2016 resolutions, as well as a list of new resolutions for 2017:
Once again, I failed to reach my goal of querying Facing the Music by year’s end. However, I am 2/3 of the way through my final revision pass prior to querying, which is almost enough to make up for the fact that I didn’t actually send out any queries. I know I’ve been saying this for a while now, but next year is my year. I’m sure of it.
That said, I did complete a (very) rough first draft of my mystery WIP, which has been one of my biggest creative hurdles to date. I also prepped, outlined, and started drafting another WIP that I’m eager to dive back into once I’ve gotten my revisions out of the way.
I had some success cutting unnecessary negativity out of my life and reducing my stress levels, but this particular resolution is one I will always have to work to stay on top of. Whether it’s my own over-achiever tendencies or my anxiety disorder, or something else entirely, I tend to invite stress and stressful situations into my life without even realizing it. I have begun learning to say no to extra work or extra responsibilities if I’m not 100% committed to them, which feels like major progress.
Last but not least, I crossed another state off my list when my boyfriend and I took a vacation to Colorado this summer. I’ve never been to the American Rockies before, and I absolutely fell in love with the mountains and the huge, blue sky. Also with Boulder, where I will be making a return trip at some point. Here’s to more travel in 2017!
My 2017 Resolutions are:
1. Begin querying Facing the Music. No really. It’s happening.
2. Finish drafting a new WIP.
3. Complete one round of revisions on my mystery and get CP feedback on it.
4. Practice being a good ally and learn to be a better one. Stay politically informed and politically active.
5. Donate to at least one charity every month.
6. Focus on being more present and spending less time with technology.
If you’re making resolutions for 2017, I’d love to hear them! Send me a link or drop me a comment and let me know what new challenges you’re planning to take on next year.
I hope you accomplish all of your goals for 2017! I’m also working on being more present in my own life, although my method of doing so has more to do with trying to manage my mental health better. I spend a lot of time wrapped up in a swirling mess of my own anxious thoughts and I need to try harder to set them aside so that I can truly focus on what I’m doing at the moment and who I’m spending that moment with.
Happy New Year! See you at the IWH in a few weeks. 🙂
Right back at you! I was reading your lists of both last year’s goals and this year’s goals, and they all sound like wonderful, productive things to spend your time and energy on. When I was reviewing the past year, I felt the exact same need to prioritize time with my friends and my mental health. It’s funny–when I’m around other people it’s much easier for me to put down technology and shut out or turn off the anxious, overly reactive part of my brain. It’s when I’m by myself that both of those things become a lot more challenging.
In any case, I understand where you’re coming from and I wish you the best of luck. It’ll be good to see you again, once you’re back in town.
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