Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's Resolutions

"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other." - Oscar Wilde

According to statistics, 97% of New Year's resolutions are never fulfilled. 40 to 45% of optimistic people use New Year's Day to make resolutions and set goals for the year. (statistics taken from the Miami Herald)

I'm going to be one of the 40 to 45% and hopefully in the 3% that fulfill.

Last year I only set two:

1) Write a book.

2) Be less judgemental.

I was successful with one. 1/2 isn't bad, right?

This year, I'm throwing #2 out. It's me. It's who I am. I'm judgemental, but I don't open my mouth about it so that's like not being judgemental, right? If no one knows that I'm judging them, it doesn't count!


On to this year...

1) Complete the rewrite of Dark Forest (and I mean complete it! so that I am querying by the Spring).

2) Better use of my time. This really needs fixing, folks. I'm not going to lie. Today, great use of my time. Yesterday? Not so much. I'm not in my early 20s anymore so it's completely unacceptable to be so upset over a football game that I spend hours (yes, hours) posting on messageboards about the team, coaching staff, GM and certain players. Not even joking.

3) Vegan. Not 100%. But as much as possible. I have a great start so far! This is for my health!

4) Run a 5k and a 10k. Notice I didn't put marathon. I've been running a bit with Lily, but her enthusiasm wanes after...oh, half a block. It looks like I'm torturing her. She hangs her head and looks up at me as she trudges along as if to say, "Mommy, WHY are you doing this to me?" The last two nights I've waited until the end of our walk, which has worked out better. I've gotten TWO whole blocks...in a row even!! If she can't step it up, though, I'll have to strike out on my own before or after our walks.

5) Finish the rewrite on my Dystopian as well. That will take place the latter half of the year.


I'm pretty good at setting writing goals and meeting them so I'm sure I can be 2/5 in 2011! Although I really will aim for all 5.


I'm tempted to throw in things like Organize the Garage and Organize the Closets, but who am I kidding? Those haven't been done in three years. Not sure they're getting done now. The key to success is setting attainable, realistic goals/resolutions.

Actually, I think I'll throw in one more...

6) Have as much enthusiasm towards everything in life as Pinky has towards her ball.



Wouldn't it be nice to tackle everything with the amount of gusto she has? EVERYTHING? (Even the digging of the hole at the end?)


What about you - any New Year's Resolutions this year?


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

10 comments:

  1. I like your goals! And I'm the same way about being judgmental. I just keep my mouth shut. Unless I'm really angry....*whistling and shuffling my feet*

    If it makes you feel any better, I used to throw popcorn at the TV during football games!

    I'll be cheering for you and happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Better use of time, that's a good one. My non-writing, non-reading goals (those are already up on the blog) are mostly about trying new things in the exercise vein so I can potentially go on a trip to Wales and be a walking, rock-climbing, kayaking beast! Also maybe to be nicer to my mother? That seems like it would be a good idea. And to be more social. Yeah, that's plenty to be getting on with for now.

    See you in 2011!
    - Sophia.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't set resolutions, just goals. My big one is the completion of my book's sequel and the acceptance of that manuscript by my publisher.
    And you can do the veggie thing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ha, yes, keep those resolutions realistic. I set goals/resolutions, and my main one is to finish my WIP, which is 2/3 done. I'd like to exercise more and actually PLAY the piano that sits in my living room. Good goals; we'll see how I do. Good luck with yours, and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love it! Definitely doesn't count as judgemental if you don't open your mouth :p

    Happy New Year! Here's to keeping the resolutions!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My resolution is to get back to my YA manuscript. Everyone who has read the first first chapters loves the character, so I'm letting all else drop to work on it. Starting today!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You want to trade dogs. Mine loves to run but I’m not a runner. I prefer to walk.

    I stopped with resolutions and only have two this year. To write more and to be a better person.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very cute! Here's my wish you make all five resolutions.
    Bobbye

    ReplyDelete
  9. Best wishes for a wonderful 2011! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great resolutions! I try to make my son run with me and often get that same result... though he actually verbalizes how much I'm torturing him :~) I haven't run for months though, so I need to get back into it!

    ReplyDelete