Working in my studio.
Happy New Year!
This is the time of year that traditionally we make our resolutions for the new fresh year. Some people ignore this tradition while others make a Grand List but hopefully most of us fall somewhere between these points and make a list of what we want to accomplish in the coming year.
Personally I think some type of list is a positive thing. It can serve as a daily reminder of where we want to be and what we want to be doing. This doesn't mean we can't delete items or add new items. I think the list should be a "living" thing which can be refined as you move along. The list is a kind of safety rail. Think of a child's toy racetrack. The track is build so the independently propelled car has room to speed ahead but if the car gets off track, the rails keep it from flying off the road all together.
Just as important as the list of what you want to accomplish is a little look backwards to see how the past year played out. Did you achieve any of your goals from last year? Did you accomplish more than you ever dreamed? Did you leave some items on the table? Are there items that are perpetually on your lists and are never addressed? Reviewing your past lists can be a real AhHa moment. Acknowledging your accomplishments is a "must do" as who knows better than you what it took to achieve your goals and dreams.
As to the items that weren't achieved, maybe you weren't really ready to tackle those items. There was a slogan a few years back for a wine maker that went something like, "Drink no wine until it's time", meaning maybe it's not the right time for a particular dream to materialize in your life. Maybe you haven't done what it takes to be prepared. It's ok. The dream or goal doesn't have to die. You may just need to approach it in a different way. In today's world we all want everything immediately. Slow down and savor the dream. It could be that it will be even more tasty when it is achieved.
Fear is not a topic we like to talk about but I think it has it's place in this conversation. There are fortunate people who were taught from childhood how to set goals and how to dream. For those folks, making resolutions and setting goals surly is a different experience compare to people who are afraid to list their desire for fear of failure. It sounds trite but there is truth in the saying, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Be brave. Go for what you want. It's the only way! (In case you are wondering about me, anything I write for you to read, I try to apply to myself.)
My thought is that you write your list as a private letter to yourself in whatever form feels right for you. Read and re-read the list. Act on the list in small and large ways. Decide what you can do now and what you can work toward in increments. Make note of your successes along the way. Make note of where you fall short. Savor your list. Be brave and make 2014 a year that you will remember.
Happy New Year to each of you. I appreciate your stopping by.
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