I went back and forth about what to do for my New Year’s blog post. It’s seemed like an occasion that couldn’t go unnoticed, and yet, I’m not feeling in the goal-setting mood. So this little reflection will have to do the trick.
Even though my recap didn’t really reflect it, 2012 was a lot about work, and I wouldn’t change that. I got to work with some amazing people, and 2013 is looking incredibly promising as a result. I learned a lot, and I’ve grown a lot.
But I also sacrificed a lot. I went long periods of time without exercising. I forgot how to be by myself without my computer. And then my phone. I lived in a way that wasn’t healthy or sustainable, and in the end I’ve felt like I’ve been limping towards the finish line as 2012 came to a close.
This year I want to enjoy. I want to take time for myself, and I want to do everything slower. Okay, not really, but I don’t want to feel busy or harried anymore. I want to work my butt off in a way that makes me feel fulfilled and excited, not drained and anxious. I want to take it one thing at a time, and I want to relish each project. Because when it comes down to it, I really enjoy what I do. And I love sharing it with all of you guys.
My first act in light of this is to cut myself some slack. Getting everything done for my business just wasn’t going to happen by January 1st, so I’m waiting until January 14th instead. I’m taking these two weeks to really think about where I want things to go, and how to make that happen. I want to get it right, and that takes time.
Last year I made a long list of resolutions, and I’m not going to do that this year. I don’t need any more lists to cross off and stress about. I want to cultivate a rhythm to my life that works for me, and it’s going to be a process. And that’s okay.
The only goal that I want to record right now is that I want to be in a better place this time next year than I am today. Not that I’m in a bad place now- just that I know that things can be better. They could also be worse. But I want to be better.
Happy New Year to all of you lovely readers out there! Did you set goals for yourself this year? I’d love to read about them!
I’m writing my post today. It’ll go up this afternoon if you want to see! :) I think this is a great plan for you this year – you deserve to take some time to settle in + enjoy your work! xoxo, eliza
I am so with you on this one. Here’s to 2013 and enjoying life as it comes and all that’s in between! :)
Nice post! I thought it was difficult to sum up my whole year in one blog post. This year my goals are: to stay organized, walk my dogs more often, eat healthier, complete my project 365 (photo a day), and blog often! Happy New Year!
I’m sorry that 2012 felt rushed to you. That’s how I felt about 2011, so last year’s mantra for me was to simplify. I wanted to cut out all of the time-wasting, mind-numbing things that I did just to pass the time and focus on family, friends and my own self-growth. I think I held up pretty well and it has helped me be more aware of my habits, both good & bad. I plan on using Danielle Laporte’s idea for 2013 – The Desire Map. It’s all about setting feeling/emotion goals for each area of your life, rather than tasks or events. You should check it out if you’re interested! [ http://www.daniellelaporte.com/thedesiremap/ ]
That’s awesome! I’ve heard a lot of great things about Danielle (and I follow her on Twitter!) but I’ve never really delved deep into her stuff- I’ll have to check that out! Thanks Janelle! (and sorry for responding to you eons after you posted this)
I’m not doing resolutions for 2013 either! Instead, I did a post on my blog about how well my readers know me and sort of introducing myself to all of the new readers I’ve gained this year.
For me, 2012 was so overwhelming and a LOT of adjusting. This year I plan on relaxing, buckling down on school, and just enjoying the year! No pressure of resolutions or realizing that goals are impossible to reach.
I totally agree with what you said about 2012! I really want to get back to enjoying the simple things, like reading and just hanging out instead of always feeling pressure to do something work related. Hope 2013 is going well for you so far, Danielle!
“I want to cultivate a rhythm to my life that works for me…” <—LOVE THIS. You perfectly summed up what I've been working on the last few months. I love your outlook on everything…exactly the same way I've been feeling. Good luck!
I don’t find that resolutions work either – they just demotivate me! I prefer to set goals monthly – then they’re short term so I don’t lose focus, but I can tailor them to how much I’ve got going on. It’s perfect!