A New Year at Your Discretion

A lot of people like to trash talk the new year and make a mockery of resolutions. Not that I'm saying people aren't sincere about welcoming in the new year, sharing in the spirit, or adding to the fanfare. What I mean is that people trudge through the day-to-day uninspired and suddenly get clear-headed on the day of their new year. And by new year, I mean anyone and everyone who has a new year and landmark for the life cycle, regardless of when or how often it is. On the subject of time, I now approach the point I wish to make, and that's how I approach this.

I celebrate the modern new year along with much of the world. From catching a clip of the Australian celebration in Sydney, to catching a random clip of some other international celebration, to the ball drop in Times Square in New York City; I like to celebrate this day with the rest of the world. Sometime on or around new year's eve/day, I like to list out everything I've done and compare it to the list of goals I have set for short-term, as well as long-term. From here I can answer a set of questions I ask myself: Did I do everything I wanted to? What did I fall short on, or did I achieve everything? What did I do that exceeded even my own expectations? This is when I can really get a grasp on everything. And remember, I don't just do this on a yearly scale, I do this in increments of 2, 5, 10, (and so on) years.

But there's more. I also like going back 12 months from any day of the year. For example, 12 months ago from today is Sept. 29, 2008; What have I done in the past 12 months from today. I don't want to lose sight of is that every day can be another new year. Ask yourself - What did you do 12 months ago to the day? Now go back 12 months - What have you achieved that you're proud of? It can really motivate you to take a few minutes and remind yourself of who you are, what you're doing, and how your progress is coming along. If you think this is a good idea, then here's what I recommend doing:

Think of something that's inspiring to you. Maybe it's the ocean, maybe it's the moment you notice one season changing from the rest, or maybe it's a 3-day weekend where you go camping. Whatever it is, let that little bit of inspiration lead you to a pen and paper. Let your mind wander, and write what you may - but just make sure you write a little bit about your goals and what you've done in the past little while compared to what you've wanted to be doing. This awareness you'll have over your goals/plans/etc. will be more than enough to get you planning for the next wave of success.

I've done this for a while now and have a random collection of pages I've written on. This is fine as long as you can keep track of everything. If it helps, you may benefit from picking up a writer's journal from you local bookstore and keeping your thoughts here. And don't be afraid to write in it. Pages can be torn or cut out of this as easily as a 3-ring binder or a legal pad. I do recommend finding a notebook like this though so that you can use this as a means of inspiration. For example, check them all out and find the one with the best design on the type of paper you'd like best (lined, blank, or grid - it's what you prefer). I would suggest going with either an amazing design that feels like it's perfect for you, or getting one that feels like it's fit for a king/queen (only you get the honor to write in it). There are some quality European designs, such as those from Italy: this is what I'd recommend. If your budget only allows for another kind (even a non-covered refill), go for it and have no doubts.

Ok, so I've rambled on enough about the journal. As I said, I've used just random papers; as long as you can manage it. Now go and write your goals. If you've done this sometime in the past, take some time to assess yourself since the last time you wrote. Don't get down about what you missed the mark on - set a new course if it's something you still want or is still in the realm of possibility. And it's on from here until you're reminded again to look and see how you're doing.

Until Next Time - T