I have a confession to make: New Year’s resolutions don’t work for me. So I don’t make them. GASP!
Instead, I set small goals on a monthly(ish) basis and try to complete them. This article discusses why New Year’s resolutions are often doomed to failure, so I feel vindicated in my approach. Over the years, I’ve stopped biting my nails, started reading more nonfiction, and taken better care of my skin. Lest you think it’s all rainbows and cotton candy over here, I’ve also failed to curb the email inbox monster for several years running. Hey, it’s a work-in-progress.
One trick to goal-making that has really helped me is realizing that sometimes, a timely reminder will prompt me to complete a task to keep up with my goals. My iPhone’s Reminder feature really helps with this: I get cued every two weeks, every month, or every three months, as needed, to back up my computer (now automated, thanks to Dropbox) or wipe out my fridge or clean out my makeup brushes or whatever. Though it’s not a perfect system, more tasks get completed because of these reminders than used to before, so I call it a win.
Big goals for this year include the release of Dark Empire – I’m wrapping up the last handful of scenes before I send my manuscript to an editor and have been working with a cover art designer. Still looming is a big battle scene that I’m looking forward to writing from scratch. Little habits to improve my life start with getting upstairs by 10 each night so I can get a good night’s rest and start the next day in the best possible way.
Do you prefer habits or resolutions? Have any resolutions you’ve made over the years really improved your life?