UPDATE: The winners are Sheryl Stark and Theresa Piper!
*~*~*
Does this picture stress you out? The Christmas tree branches beside the notes that will fill up a New Year’s resolutions list…?
My professional background, before I became a writer, was as a project/program manager. So, lists, plans, goals are kind of in my DNA. I know, I’m one of those people. A “To Do lister”, a planner. Not that having a plan guarantees I’ll follow it. Still, I love this time of year. The decorations are coming down. My “mind map” for the coming year’s work and personal goals is starting to take shape. For years, I ran online workshops, teaching other writers how to construct a mind map and a project plan to get them where they wanted to be. I kind of miss teaching, but a couple of years ago, I decided to pull back from online teaching. I wanted more “me” time.
However, I still do the planning—even if my plans go awry. Having a vision of what I want to achieve keeps me moving forward. Yes, my plans are less aggressive now. They allow for lots of downtime. This year will have even more, since we’re in the midst of the pandemic and this household has moved toward supporting the kids’ education from home. There won’t be any travel plans that include overnighters anywhere. If we can’t go somewhere that’s within a couple hours’ drive, and where we can keep isolated from other people, we’re not doing it. Yes, safety is part of this year’s plan. It wasn’t anywhere in last year’s goals but we adjusted rapidly. To me, that’s how plans roll. There has to be room for adjusting to unexpected events.
So, if the thought of planning your New Year’s goals doesn’t make you break out in hives, when do you begin? Have you been jotting down notes already? Do you have home improvement plans? Online classes you want to take? Places you want to visit (which I hope include safety measures!)? Work goals you want to strive to achieve?
Share a few of the things you have on your list or in your mind for a chance to win your choice of one of my downloadable stories! I will choose two winners!
Comment
Every year since I was in college a friend of mine and I go away for a weekend in mid January and that’s where the New Year’s goals get made. I’ve already started to think of some things I want to accomplish in the New Year but nothing gets written down until my weekend away. 2021’s goals will be more simplistic. 2020 as taught us we need to take pleasure in the small/simple things and I want to be sure to continue that.
Happy New Year!
Comment
I just want my family healthy 💟
Comment
Peace and health for our world. That is the main thing. C-19 gone and more peace.
Comment
I retired a few years ago so my planning list doesn’t have much on it. There are places I’d like to visit (Biltmore in Asheville, NC & Seagrove, NC) but with covid I think they will need to be moved to 2022. My living room will be getting new curtains & a new chair, maybe some pictures for the walls. I’ll spend a lot of time babysitting my grandkids so their teacher mom & dad can work. And I’ll do everything I can to keep my family & me safe from covid. A happy, healthy New Year to all!!!
Comment
just time with family, staying healthy…
Comment
Plans are never written down for me…. But this year my main goal is to continue my pole journey and pass inter prep… Other then that it would be to relax and save money for a trip to japan
Comment
peace
Comment
I’m working on getting a job so that’s a big one. Yes, I’m one of the millions looking for a job but I have a positive attitude that 2021 is going to be my year! I also want to clean up my basement. It’s a thorn in my side.
Comment
Only plans I have are to read. And work on artwork on my healthy enough days. Around doctors and VA hospital appointments.
Comment
Continuing to declutter!
Comment
I want to travel again and visit with friends.
Comment
Denise! How fantastic is it that you have a planning buddy! I envy you!
Carol—you and me both!
Linda, yes!
Comment
Sheryl! Ah, enjoy your retirement. But it does sound like you’ll have plenty to do in 2021 anyway! I love sharing the care of my grandkids, too!
Colleen—it’s not “just”, it’s everything, right?
Katherine, I’m not sure if you’re talking about working with horses or pole dancing… 🙂
bn100—amen, and beginning at home.
Comment
Jennifer, I wish you all the luck in your hunt!
Beckie, I’ll wish for many healthy days for you.
Fedora! Ack! That word!!!
Debra, me too. Would love to take a trip to see my son’s family in Virginia.
Comment
Sell my big house for a smaller one. Since all the kids are gone and my mom has been living with me for 17 years due to her stroke. This will make things easier for her and my family to know that she does not have any stairs to climb. I wish to have a healthy, joyfull and full of love New Year.
Comment
Theresa! Bless you. It’s so hard getting ready for a move like that. Whittling down possessions to fit into a smaller space isn’t easy. I hope you and your mother have plenty of help.
Comment
Thanks to everyone who posted!
The winners of their choice of one of my stories are Sheryl Stark and Theresa Piper! Ladies, email me at delilah@delilahdevlin.com to let me know which story you’d like to have!