Resolved

Like many people, I hate New Year’s resolutions. They are made to be broken. My approach last year was to choose some easy things. I believe reading for pleasure was on that list–yet I did not increase my reading at all during 2010. This year, I’m tossing the resolutions and setting a few goals.

What’s the difference? Goals are just as easy to ignore, forget and avoid. I know, but  I’m going to make these realistic and allow myself the resources to accomplish them.

In fact, that’s my first goal–to devote more time to my own work. In the past year what little “me” time I had, I managed to blow watching TV, sleeping or staring into space. That was because I was mentally exhausted from all the little (and big) stresses that crept into my life. I spent a lot of time dealing with problems that really have no solution. That kind of stress can be all-consuming. The challenges are still there (no real solution, remember?)  I’ve decided not to allow myself to be consumed any longer.

It’ s a matter of changing priorities. My first priority will be to get my work done each day. Next will be to take care of myself–doing all the things that promote sanity–exercising, cleaning the house, preparing healthy meals, reading, attending church and so forth..

Here is a short list of more specific objectives–some of which will need to be refined as the year progresses.

Work

1. Finish 2 novels. That is not as daunting as it sounds. I have several partially written manuscripts that have been languishing. Two of these babies are going to reach “The End” before the year is over so that I can move on to other projects.
2. Enter the world of self-publishing. I may end up self-publishing some fiction down the road, but my plan is to write and self-publish a couple of non-fiction books based on workshops I’ve presented many times. It’s an experiment, but we’ll see how it goes. My objective in writing and publishing these books is to turn all the work I’ve invested in creating these workshops into a real money-making venture. The sad fact is that presenting workshops is not profitable (at least it hasn’t been for me). I enjoy helping people and sharing my expertise, so I will continue to present workshops–but not for the money.
3. Get website up-t0-date and use online resources to promote my books (those soon to be published e-books) and the online workshops I have scheduled throughout the year.

Personal

1. Get more exercise. I need to get to the gym at least 3 times per week. There’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to do that, assuming I spend the majority of my time at home rather than on the road. Last year, I was on the road so much I never developed the “going to the gym” habit.
2. Get moved into the house. This is a biggy and I’ll break it down to a few more specific objectives.
   1. Reduce Christmas storage to two boxes. I bought two plastic boxes to replace the several cardboard we’ve accumulated through the years. One of the cardboard boxes was water-damaged, so that gave me an excuse. Now everything will fit in less space (and I’ll get rid of whatever doesn’t fit).
   2. Go through a box a day, unpacking, sorting, organizing and weeding.
   3. Get accumulated stuff out of the house via donation, e-bay, recycle, e-cycle and trash!
3. Get my clarinet out and start playing again. (Yet another activity to help maintain sanity).

Unleash Your Story

We’re bringing this back in 2011. I have a lot of ideas for making the event better than ever. I’ll be sharing those ideas as soon as we have our plans finalized. Watch for further announcements!

That’s the list!

Okay– there’s more, but I want to keep this list short and realistic. I can always add to it later