I really like the idea of starting a new year with a word instead of resolutions. Applied to me, resolution = failure, so I don’t make them anymore. And haven’t for a few years now. I’ve tried goal setting instead. More failure. But this year, I did find something that helps.
For whatever reason, making a ‘got it done’ list works so much better for me than a ‘to-do’ list (aka: daily/weekly/yearly goals). It’s not like I don’t know what needs to be done, right? But for some reason, accomplishments completed seem to motivate me more than facing each day with a laundry list of things I need to do.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I’ve always been a little rebellious. Or maybe a lot rebellious. It could also be the fact that I always like the way I feel when I’m looking at something that’s finished. Or progressing.
Anyway… Back to the word.
As I was lying in bed this morning, thinking – I know I haven’t even slept six hours … but there’s real snow on the ground that I need to be looking at! … something else kept going through my mind. ‘Eat the Elephant 2021.’
So, I guess I’m not going to have a word this year. I’m going to have a motto.
After I got a quick photo of this…
I determined exactly what ‘2021 the elephant’ was going to be.
Yeah, I’ve blurred everything out – except my newly adopted motto. Sharing everything that makes up this year’s elephant is too much like sharing a goal list. And while – technically – these are my goals, I prefer to think of them more as a guide. Kind of like going on a vacation. I know my starting point, and I know the destination. But what happens along the way … nothing is set in stone.
On day two of 2021, I’m looking at a pretty big elephant. But I don’t have to eat it all today. Or tomorrow. Or by the end of this month. I’ve got an entire year get through it. Looking at the big picture, it seems kind of daunting…
But one little bite at a time, from a not-too-specific list? Totally doable!
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Before I could get this posted, the last of the Feline Breakfast Club was reunited with the rest – and Jack and Shadow. Bye, Oreo. :'(
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I make a list of everything I’d like to do for the year. Then I focus on three months at a time. Will I be able to do everything? No. But, it gives me a place to start and a plan for three months. If 2020 taught me anything, it’s that we need to be kind to ourselves and each other. So, I’ll do what I can and not stress about the stuff I can’t.
Wishing you peace, joy, health, love, and success for 2021.
Shoot. I responded to this – and must have closed the window before clicking reply. I’ve been quite the airhead for the past year. :/
Anyway, great ideas for planning without boxing yourself into a corner! That’s what I’m going to try to do from now on. Set myself up for success with ‘reasonable’ goals rather than overwhelming myself with a crazy lot of goals, which only sets me up for failure.
Wishing you the same for 2021. 🙂