A Personal Resolution Revolution

It’s that time of the year again - when “everybody” writes out their New Year resolutions.  All over the news and social media, people are going crazy about declaring resolutions, only to whine by mid-January about how they either didn’t mean to set them or knew they would never be completed.

With only 10% of people who set resolutions ever achieving them, why do we bother? Some create resolutions because they have specific goals or dreams they want to accomplish.  These resolutions are somewhat aligned with their dreams, even when they are not measurable or attainable. 

Others set resolutions as an annual tradition. It’s a new year with opportunities to try something new or to improve, yet there may be little commitment to reaching a target. 

A vast majority make resolutions because of FOMO (a “fear of missing out,” for those who aren’t as familiar with acronyms).  When you see friends, family, and others declare their resolutions, it may be hard not to want to feel included in these conversations. All of a sudden you have three or more resolutions you’re not committed to, motivated by Taylor Swift or an arch-nemesis (who may or may not be the same person).

I have never been a fan of RESOLUTIONS. From previous experiences, I find them to be demoralizing, demotivating, and pre-set for failure. Yet I am not against setting clear goals or intentions. And I will admit to nearly joining TEAM FOMO this year (insert gasp).  Many writers I admire publicly announced their 2024 goals and resolutions before Christmas. Their goals seemed fun and intriguing to try out, but I don’t want to copy theirs’ or fear taking risks to create my own.

Specifically thinking about my writing journey, I spent time this month thinking about goals & resolutions to determine:

• Do I need goals or resolutions to succeed with writing? 

• Must I choose between a resolution and a goal? 

• Where do intentions fit in? Are they all the same thing?

• Do I have to set goals or intentions before the new year to feel like I am part of “the team?”

• Is Taylor Swift my arch-nemesis?

Before December, I didn’t think at all about Taylor Swift. I’m not a hater, yet not a fan (or “SWIFTIE” as her fans are called). A quote I saw last month triggered thoughts on how we all define goals differently:

A very SWIFT… I mean, broad goal to say the least.  I wanted to know more yet she’s a tad busy with a world tour at the moment. I will contact her agent in a year or two.

In addition to generalized goal statements, it is common to hear people interchange the words “resolutions” and “goals” at this time of year.  And I have mistakenly exchanged the words “intentions” and “goals” in the past without much thought. 

 I was unclear about my writing goals when I took that first step on February 1, 2022. I wanted to write daily, so I stated to myself the goal was to “write daily.” Looking back, this was more of an intention than a goal (today, it’s a natural part of a daily routine). The first goal came once I passed my first week… I kept moving the goal post from one month of daily writing to 100 days, to 6 months and then a year.  

Once I passed the one-year mark, I wanted to set bigger writing goals for myself. I created new intentions & other goals without a clear plan of action other than to “enjoy the ride.”  I found myself looking at other writers’ goals and wondering “Why don’t I want this for me?” I tried emulating their goals to feel more like I was heading in the right direction.  The problem was it was somebody else’s direction, not mine.

Many writers and motivational speakers adjusted their perspectives on goal-setting throughout their careers.  Wayne Dyer is one of my favourites. He believed in the power of intention in combination with goals: 

Wayne Dyer also reminded us to enjoy the journey toward achieving our goals.  I want to live in the current moment and learn as I go rather than always striving for a future where nothing I accomplish will be enough without another goal.

Today is the beginning of my Resolution Revolution. My focus will be on setting writing INTENTIONS instead of goals or resolutions (for now). I am grateful to be able to move beyond FOMO and set the path that works best for me.

I did not create New Year Resolutions for 2023.  Instead, I had annual goals starting in February to align with the annual recognition of my WRITERVERSARY. By February 2024, I will have new intentions I can break down into actionable goals. 

I’m sharing this as a reminder to myself - my writing journey is unique and it will not have the same goals and intentions as others on a similar journey or even my own. Even Taylor Swift agrees on being true to ourselves. Maybe she isn’t my nemesis (still doesn’t make me a Swiftie).

As we enter a new year, it's natural to reflect on the dreams we want to achieve. The traditional approach of setting New Year's resolutions can lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, attempt to set clear intentions and/or goals aligning with passions and values. This empowers us to take action in the present moment while also working towards a brighter future. The key to success is not only in the plan behind the goals & intentions, but in cultivating a mindset of growth and compassion along the way.

I wish you all the best on the path you choose to take in the new year, fellow creatives.

Naddy / Nadine