A new year is on its way, and I'm ready for it with my 2013 goals. I'm also ready, to the best of my ability, to eliminate the mistakes I committed in 2012. What won't I be doing in 2013?
Taking the path of least resistance
Laziness doesn't do a damn thing for me. It doesn't get my house clean. It doesn't get an article written. It doesn't get a chapter in a novella completed. It doesn't get the laundry done. It doesn't get an exercise routine achieved.
Some people enjoy laziness, and some are even proud to be lazy. I'm not one of those people.
I'm a hard working person, and I want to remain a hard working person. Yes, there's relaxation time in my life, but most of the time I'm working, a lot of hours - and I like that. It keeps me going and it keeps me moving forward. In 2013, I'm keeping away from the lure of the lazy life.
Befriending nut jobs
Sometimes a person needs to be on medication. Sometimes a person needs counseling. Sometimes a person needs to do whatever is necessary to fix their fucked-up situation. If you friend a fucked-up person who is aware that he or she needs to make changes, but he or she doesn't want to do much to achieve changes, you've got a nut job on your hands. If you tell the nut job you don't want to listen to them whine anymore, or if you finally decide to ignore the whining, the nut job probably won't take it well.
I've met a number of nut jobs on Facebook or in writer's forums. Most of them are no longer "friends." I have about one or two left. That's more than enough. In 2013, I don't intend to friend anymore nut jobs, because dealing with such people is exhausting.
Getting involved in the wrong situations
"Life is the sum of all your choices." ~ Albert Camus
Many of the mistakes we make are due to our own goof-ups. In 2013, before I enter into a situation, whatever it is, I want to make sure I think it through. There's never a reason to have an unorganized, unfufilling, unhappy life if you make the right decisions.
Spending too much money
Budgets are good for me. They keep me on track and prevent me from spending more money than I should. My husband and I don't have money problems, but that doesn't mean I should spend willy-nilly. In 2013, before I spend money, I want to make sure I should be spending it.
Waiting too long to submit the next book
Conan, the second book in The M Series, should be out by now. It's not, because I took too long to write it. This has been a lesson learned. If you're writing a series, be sure to get the books out in a timely manner. Your readers will be asking for your next book, and if you don't have it ready, that's not a good thing. In 2013, I plan to stay on track and stick to my schedule for writing books and submitting books.
What will you work to avoid in 2013?
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17 comments:
I think the "what not to do" resolutions are just as valid and doable as the "what TO do" pledges - in fact, I think I like them even more. Yours are very noble. My big resolution, which ties into a few of yours, is to say "no" to others and "yes" to myself more often. Or rather, I will NOT say "yes" to others and short-change myself.
Good luck and wishing you a wonderful 2013!
Hi Jess,
Yes, say "yes" to yourself more often. People don't like it when you tell them "no." But those who learn the value of the word "no" are free. For me, the older I get the less I care if people are pissed at me for taking care of my "own" needs.
Sorry dear Lady to have been a "bother" ... Have a blessed Day
I'm with you on that first one. I'm the queen of procrastination. It's kind of depressing. I really have to work on my motivation. I really want to finish a novel this year.
Dr. Theda,
Anyone who knows me knows there's not one human on this planet who I'm afraid of. Monsters? Yes. Humans? Hell no.~~ You told me what you wanted to tell me. I told you what I wanted to tell you. But I'm 50 now, and too old for drama. (Been there, done that.) Just keepin' it real.
Hi Stephanie,
The lack of motivation comes from how hard the process is for authors. I want to improve in 2013 when it comes to procrastination and writing, but I'm also trying to be kind to myself. I need a kick in the ass on some things, but as long as I don't quit, I know I won't fail. My best wishes to you in 2013!
Asking what I *won't* be doing is excellent. Off the top of my head, I want to *not* give in to feelings of exhaustion when I get home from work, but stick with the plans I'm making for 2013 and do the creative work that makes my life worth living.
Some Dark Romantic
That sounds great, Mina! I really think we'll have a good year!
I like this take on new year's resolutions. For one, I won't worry as much about, well, anything. We survived the zombie apocalypse, right? Things can only get better from here on out.
Things WILL get better from here on out. I just know! I can feel it!
I'm kind of with you on all of those accounts. I am probably lazier than I should be, but then again I'm always doing something--need to do more of the right things. Since I stopped bringing any income into the household I leave the overspending to my wife since it's her money. I do go a little overboard with the grocery shopping though.
I wish tons of success for all of us in 2013.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Hey Arlee,
My husband makes 90 percent of the money right now. However, I intend to make more money writing in 2013. Every year, my writing income increases. Some day, I hope to give my husband a run for his money! LOL!
Great list, Jolie! You've always been a hard workin' woman, so I know you'll keep it up and meet your goals for 2013! I also plan to stay busy, keep an editorial calendar (and actually follow it!!) and plan better for time off so it's not a financial pain in the rear. Being a small business owner is great--until you take unpaid time off! :) ~ Angela
Hey Angela,
Thanks for stopping by. I need to check your blog out again Thanks for the encouragement. I know we'll both reach our goals for this year!
I like you decisiveness and I'd be surprised if you didn't accomplish a lot this year. Nut jobs are the basic Facebook population indeed. Sometimes they're funny but I've started to unfriend them, too. I just wish they'd come with a tag, so I could recognize them in advance ;-)
Best of luck!
BTW, you have a very interesting blog. I'm a new follower.
Hey Georgina,
Thanks for following my blog. (I follow yours too.) The funny Facebook nut jobs are not who I mean. I mean the unfunny, dysfunctional ones. I don't need anymore of those. LOL! Good luck to you in 2013!! We can do it!!
So you are my age dear Lady... on a note... The "Rumor-Mill" has started back up here ... this time I am being accused of "witchcraft" ( they have said that one before).. and best of all ... growing "demon-possessed" pumpkins in my garden ... its "laughable" but there are many in this small town who will actually believe this ... Small southern towns Suck... be glad that you live in the City...
Have a blessed weekend dear Lady ...Stacey
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