I make resolutions every year. And (this is the amazing part) I keep them. Over the years, my New Year's Resolutions have led to some wonderful habits. I exercise at least twice a week. I walk or ride my bike instead of taking the car. I read at least a book a week. I gave up watching tv. I am learning Spanish.
Lots of people make resolutions. Not that many people keep them2. How do I do it?
I set small, do-able goals. I don't resolve to exercise every day; I resolve to exercise twice a week. That's do-able. I don't resolve to read a book every day; I aim for a book every week. That's do-able. I don't resolve to post on my blog every day; I try for posting once a week. That's do-able.
So what are my goals for 2015? Of course I am going to try to keep maintaining some goals: I hope to keep reading a book a week, to keep exercising twice a week, to keep practicing my Spanish, to keep posting here on my blog once a week.
My word for the year is...Play. I want to play this year. Play when I write. Play when I draw. Play when I take photos. Play when I read. Play when I cook. Play when I blog. Play when I work. Play.
We don't know what the future holds, do we? But as St. John of the Cross said, "If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark." So let's close our eyes, shall we? C'mon, grab my hand and let's go play this year.
1"A little nonsense, now and then, is cherished by the wisest men." Roald Dahl
"Combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought." Albert Einstein
2Forbes Magazine says only 8% of people keep their resolutions.
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
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Definitely walking away with some good advice after reading this post Deb. Thanks for visiting my blog earlier x
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you this year, Shanny!
ReplyDeleteI never kept my resolutions so I gave up on them years ago. Your way of doing things makes a lot of sense. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteNot much point making them if you don't keep them. :-)
ReplyDeleteLove it! I am horrible at keeping resolutions... I am good for about a month. :) I do like the word of the year though. Last year I chose "embrace"and forgot about it mid way through the year when like kind of crumbled around me. I need to think about this year.
ReplyDeleteGreat approach for 2015! Wishing you all the best in the new year :)
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you keep your resolutions! You are definitely in the minority :P Some great goals here though! Well done on keeping to last year's ones. And thanks for visiting my blog earlier! I look forward to discovering more of yours :)
ReplyDeleteRachel @ Dashing Good Books
You are awesome, Deb! I'm going to go over my resolutions and make sure they're do-able. With such a busy life, how do you keep your goals at the front of your mind? Sometimes I forget about my goals when life gets hectic.
ReplyDeleteI post them in my journal where I see them every day. Good question!
DeleteI am so impressed that you keep to your goals and I do think one of the reasons is that you set do-able goals. I love that you are adding in "play" for 2015!
ReplyDeleteawesome! I'm all for small resolutions that can become good habits. and can be turned into fun! My goal for 2014 is to try to write my review as soon as I'm done with a book, and also write simpler reviews, with less formatting, when the review is not for a book tour. Should be doable!
ReplyDeletePlay is a terrific year-word!
ReplyDeleteI don't keep my resolutions, or I don't do them adequately so it's the same as failing and that bums me out. I applaud you for keeping your resolve and doing what you set out to do. But even more I love your idea that this is the year to play, to have fun, to enjoy! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThat's totally true, we should make goals that we know for sure we'll go to complite it!! Thanks for visit my blog!
ReplyDeleteGiova @ Corazones Literarios
I love your post and I love your resolution to play.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful word for the year.
Happy New Year!!! May you play in everything you do!!
Elizabeth
I love your word for the year! I'm very list oriented and sometimes I forget to just relax and play sometimes. Hope you have a fantastic year and keep up your goals!
ReplyDeleteI love that your word for 2015 is 'Play'. It's all about making life fun no matter. Here's my link to my TTT for the week: http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2014/12/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten.html
ReplyDeletePlay is a GREAT word for the year. Mine is willingness. Maybe in 2016 I'll lighten up. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI can totally believe that only 8% of people keep their resolutions, and you're right, it comes down to how realistic the goals are. I can't wait to see what creativeness comes from your play! :D Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHaving your 2015 word as "play" is completely perfect. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea -- about enjoying the things you do. Have a great year
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year-this went into my spam folder-that is great you keep your resolutions.
ReplyDelete