To Make or Not To Make New Year's Writing Resolutions

There are two theories about New Year's resolutions. One is that they help an individual improve their health, skills, or make their lives more fulfilling in some way. The other is that making New Year's resolutions is just sitting one's self up for failure. The idea when making resolutions is to make them broad enough or high enough to push yourself beyond your limitations while creating a step-by-step plan to accomplish them by the end of the year.

I have ask myself the question: "Should I make New Year's resolutions for 2015?" If I do, then what resolutions should I make. I know one thing I need to do in 2015 is to follow my low phosphorus, low potassium, low protein diet a bit closer. I also need to improve my writing skills because I have grammar issues, which I do not  catch when I make a mistake.

I have two New Year's resolutions right there. A third resolution is to finish editing one novel and finish writing another so that I can edit it. I now have four resolutions and I am not sure I can accomplish those three things in 2015. As a member of writing.com, I can request reviews and ask that the reviewer's focus on the grammar issues. I may find out that I do not have as big a problem with grammar as I think I do.

I have other things that I want to do in 2015. I could make those resolutions as well, but I do not want to work on too many things at once because I will scatter my energy without accomplishing anything. Perhaps the best solution is to make two or three concrete resolution goals and then put the other things on a list and work on those when I accomplish one or more of my 2015 goals.

Welcome to 2013

Happy New Year 2013! The year that the world was supposed to end is past, we can all breath a sigh of relief or fall on the floor laughing because of all the hype about the end of the world. The planet Earth still turns on its axis and circle the sun, while the planet's inhabitants still make love and war. It is time to make New Year's Resolutions with concrete and measurable goal statements.

Two things are necessary for a person to achieve his or her New Year's Resolutions. First, the resolutions or goals must be written down in specific terms. Second, those goals must be measurable. If your New Year's Resolution is to lose weight, you cannot write "I want to lose weight in 2013." You have to be specific about the number of pounds you want to lose, so  that you can measure your progress though out the year. In order to lose weight a person has to set up a weight lose program, measure his or her progress, and give oneself a reward when the goal is accomplished.

New Resolutions (Goals) for a New Year – Part 2

Only a couple of more days left in 2011. I have to finalize my goals (resolutions) for the coming year. In my last post, I mentioned one of my goals. I did not discuss my writing goals then. I have decided to continue the 2,000 words a day goal.

New Resolutions (Goals) for a New Year – Part 1

As anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis knows, I prefer the term “goals” rather then “resolutions”. Other people prefer the term “resolutions” for goals set at the beginning of a New Year. While there is a slight difference, at least, when it comes to the definitions those terms appear interchangeable. Therefore, I am using the word “resolutions” to refer to my new goals for the coming year.

On December 24, 2011, I turned 65 and I am now eligible for Medicare. I joined a Medicare advantage plan with a nationally know health care provider. One of the advantages, to the plan I joined (besides cost) is a free gym membership. The first goal on my resolutions list is to join a gym.

I spoke to a customer care representative from my health care plan and she gave me the names of four local gyms to consider. The gym I chose must be close to my house, while I do have a working car; I do not want to drive very far for a weekly or bi-monthly workout. I have only two requirements for the gym. First, it must be close to my house. Second, it must have a pool.

To state the resolution concretely, in 2012 I will join a gym within 10 miles of my home that has a pool and will exercise a maximum of once a week and a minimum of twice a month.

Time to consider New Year’s Resolutions or Goals

2011 is almost over and it is time for me to make New Year’s Resolutions or Goals. The first step to making new goals for the New Year is to review the goals set for this year. This means I have to look at the goals I set in January 2011 and at my accomplishments during the year.

One thing I need to do in 2012 is to review my goals every three or four months. I think I prefer reviewing them every three months. Once I have reviewed them, then I need to decide if any changes are necessary. In 2012, I will review my goals at the end of March, June, September, and December. Now that I have decided when I will review my 2012 goals, I need to decide on the goals and write them down.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will decide on the goals and write them down. Making goals for the New Year is a serious decision, therefore I will pray about the goals before I make and write them down. I will put them in my prayers because I believe serious decisions require prayer. I will write my goals down. The deadline for finalizing my 2012 goals is December 30, 2011.

Four Days remaining in 2010

In four days another Gregorian year begins. Friday, December 31, is the last day of 2010. Saturday, January 1, is the first day of 2011. There are four days left to accomplish any 2010 resolutions that remain unaccomplished and to set new goals for a New Year.

I prefer to set goals rather then make resolutions. Resolutions seem to be things that people drop between January 1 and January 31, every year. Goals are a little more concrete and we can accomplish them in steps. Think of the year as a staircase with 12 landings and 365 steps divided into sections leading to each landing. Each stair step contains an action necessary to the accomplishment of the final goal.

I have my 2011 planning calendar set up with the important dates and writing deadlines, I know about inserted. The only I have to do now is decided on the daily steps to accomplish each writing project by the deadline. I know accomplishing my goals will not be easy, but I also know that if I “keep on keeping on” I can accomplish my goals.

Spring is for Poets

On Friday, March 20, at 11:44 Universal Time, the sun crosses the vernal equinox and spring begins. Spring is the season for poets and lovers, it is the time of new births. Spring is nature's New Year when flowers bloom, baby birds hatch and bees make honey.

Spring is a time for fresh starts and new adventures. Spring is the time when this writer celebrates a New Year. I make new goals, what many call resolutions, but resolutions are just goals one has not yet begun to achieve. I refer to my New Year's Resolutions as goals and this encourages me to pursue them.

2008 is drawing to an end

2008 is almost over and 2009 is approaching. It's time to consider the changes that need making in the New Year. Many people make New Year's Resolutions to start out the New Year right. I don't make my resolutions until March 21 and I'm not going to change this year. However, I'm going to review 2008 and see if anything has changed in my life.

I suspect things are getting better. I'm working and bringing in a little more money. My bank account hasn't been overdrawn as bad this year as last year. My muse is becoming more active and giving me some great writing ideas. I've attempted to blog everyday, I haven't always been able to do it, but my blog posts have increased. I'm in a more positive mood most of the time, all though I still worry I'm worrying less.

My mother is doing better. She got a new set of dentures yesterday and so she is smiling again. The next thing to do is to make an appointment with her regular doctor. She also needs to see an eye doctor and get a hearing aid. I'm getting my upper teeth pulled next week and the dentist is putting a set of dentures in.

I'm writing more. I still need to get a car that works because riding the bus is getting to be a pain. I'm talking about the pain in my right knee when I have to walk to the bus stop. Mom's gotten two new sets of earrings this year and she would like more.