Another year dawns, and it’s time to make our personal improvement project goals! Unless of course you’re resolving not to resolve. No judging here.
I personally like the whole New Year’s Resolution tradition because I like to think things can keep improving in the world, and the only way that can happen is one person at a time. The truth is, we can all be better than we are currently, and I like that we begin each year with that thought in mind. Even if our diets are then promptly felled by Mr. Burrito.
Mr. Burrito, why must you be so delicious?? Your accomplices Chips & Guac are not helping matters.
My resolutions for 2011 are (in varying degrees of seriousness):
– No more random gray hairs. Seriously scalp, you have your instructions, get it in gear.
– Happier dog
– Moving it up to level 4 on the exercise bike. Watch out, people.
– Continue to resist computer games. No time. No…. ok just one more round of Civilization.
– Be a better writer and exorcise my writerly tics like the demons they are.
– Finally use one of those tire pressure thingies
– Find three good new bands. No more post-early-20’s-musical-discovering-laziness.
– A more perfect harmony between work, writing, relationships, and fun. My fellow writers, is that not the dream?
What about you?
adamo says
Don't do it! Telling people your goals has been shown to make you less likely to accomplish them.
Write them down, and in the words of Gandalf, "Keep it secret, keep it safe."
https://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_keep_your_goals_to_yourself.html
Heidi says
To write a page a day. And yes, that bit about harmony sounds lovely too. 🙂
As for the musical findings, may I suggest Sondre Lerche?
A.M Hudson says
I like to think that I don't need to wait for the new year to make the changes I desire. I'm one of those no resolution people.
I think it's great if you have them, but I don't need them.
I will, by the end of this year, at least be a better writer…but that will come ultimately from the practice.
Happy new year.
JG says
To stop being distracted by other people's blogs
adamo says
Nate – what bands do you like now? I work at Berklee and I'm pretty plugged in, so I might be able to help you find some new bands you'll dig.
You're on your own with the hair, though.
Andrea says
To be nice I'll give you three bands to check out that I think are amazing (if you haven't already): Jason Webley, Jared Mees & the Grown Children, and The Petrojvic Blasting Company.
My resolutions are simple; to write more, to learn more, to be kinder (or to try to be kind in every situation) & to not eat anything fried.
Have a fantastic new year!
Ruthy says
One of my resolutions is to write at least one letter a week. Heck, I may even mail them. That stationery I bought on clearance isn't getting any fresher. Besides, I hear the U.S.P.S. could use the work.
Tom M Franklin says
instead of resolutions, i follow blogger Christine Kane's lead in choosing a Word for the Year that embodies what i want to work on for the year.
This year's Word for the Year for me is BELIEF.
https://bit.ly/ft2ziB
— Tom
nona says
to crawl out of my own head long enough to make things happen in the real world (ie sell that screenplay). uttered while watching roger hodgson sing "dreamer."
Mattyd says
Don't mean to seem annoyingly self promotional, but I have 21 resolutions for the year (5 more than last year), and a handful are actually writing related and all are measurable.
They are listed on my blog:
https://matthewdicks.typepad.com/matthew_dicks/2011/01/new-years-resolutions-2011.html
And I find that sharing them makes it more likely for me to complete them. There is actually research on both sides of this argument, so it's quite inconclusive.
I am, however, normally inclined to believe anything Gandalf says.
—
Matthew Dicks
https://matthewdicks.com
Read about my writing career and life at https://matthewdicks.typepad.com
Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/matthewjdicks
Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MatthewDicks
KM Fawcett says
Great goals Nathan! Here are mine:
1) Write five days a week.
2) Practice kata 3 times a week.
3) P90X (Day 3 completed today)
I wrote about realistic, measurable goals at Attacking The Page (a blog about martial arts and writing action) if you're interested.
https://attackingthepage.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/new-year-goals/
Happy New Year!
Rick says
2010 was the year I finally stopped making resolutions, and it was the first year that I actually got everything I needed (and a lot of things I wanted) to get done, done.
So in that vein, the only resolution I may from hereon out is the same every year:
Don't quit and don't die.
Ishta Mercurio says
Nathan, I love this post.
Here's to more balance, more exercise, better writing, and new music.
And my personal goal, better discipline, and more submitting. No more writerly crazies for me. At least, I won't let them stop me from subbing my work.
C Scott Morris says
Blog once a week.
Write one short story a week.
Finally build my trebuchet.
The first one should be easy. It's the second that will be a killer. But I have found that the best way for me to get motivated on my longer projects(book 2 has stalled halfway through and book 3 cant get past outline), is to work on other, shorter projects. So far so good, I have my short story for this week already in the can.
And as for the trebuchet, well, who doesn't want a trebuchet? What can I say, I'm a PunkinChunkin fan, and a carpenter, so I have the will, and the skills.
This year, I will chunck a punkin.
Anita Saxena says
I plan to be positive and slow down life. 2010 was too much. Just too much.
Tracey Neithercott says
My New Year's resolutions were going to be to write this idea that's been nagging me. But then I jumped the gun and did it. So I'm going to say: get that story so polished up I'm ready to query.
Mike Koch - Protect The Risen says
I only made one this year; complete book two of my series.
Laura Campbell says
My resolution this year is to get published. My article for MetroKids Magazine will be out in the February print/web issue. But I would like my fiction to gain the same notoriety. Writing down your resolutions and goals makes them more likely to become reality.
Music? My sister gave me The XX: XX for Christmas. I'm really digging them. Or check out Placebo: Without You I'm Nothing.
Anonymous says
I should really resolve to lose about 20 pounds. Instead my New Years resolution is to learn how to juggle, not metaphorically but with balls.
A. Lockwood says
Someone special to me recently said he lies to people a lot. My goal this year is to help him be more honest by being more honest myself.
https://writelock.blogspot.com/2011/01/experiment-in-truth.html
dwkazzie says
No resolution, Nathan, but I can help you with your Mr. Burrito problem — I started passing on the sour cream and cheese, and you knock out more than 300 calories (and minimal effect on taste). Go super light on the rice, and you save another 100 calories or so.
File this one in most ueless bit of advice you get today.
J. T. Shea says
Amen, Nathan! One person at a time is the only way.
Burritos and Chihuahuas are part of Montezuma’s Revenge, gringo! Except they’re not best eaten cold. I think. I’ve never actually eaten a burrito. Or a burro. I like Chihuahuas and probably COULD eat a whole one, but I haven’t yet.
Your exercise bike actually goes places? Wonders never cease. Tire pressure thingies? For the exercise bike?
C. Scott Morris, yes! EVERYONE should build at least two trebuchets. And hurl rotting diseased corpses at any neighbor who complains. THAT’S my New Year’s Resolution.
Teralyn Rose Pilgrim says
I'm going to read twice as many books as last year (so I'm going to read 44 books). I'm not going to write every day or do dishes every day or exercise every day, because I refuse to make a resolution I have no intention of keeping. I'm going to have an attainable goal this year.
Caroline says
I'm a big proponent of making resolutions that I can keep…also not making typos in my comments, so that's why I deleted my previous one.
My resolutions are to lose another 20 lbs (since the first 20 were relatively easy to lose), start querying my manuscript, and work on the important relationships in my life.
Anonymous says
I'm with you on the computer games. I uninstalled all my games (except one) at the new year so I could get more done. They are evil and my biggest time sink to getting things accomplished!
Robena Grant says
I use the New Year break to set my writing goals. These days I make sure they are a stretch, yet achievable. No more wishing and hoping for the unnattainable. My goals must show by years end that I have grown in some way…and not just around the middle.
My critique partner and I exchange them in the hope of keeping each other honest. That reminds me she hasn't sent hers yet. Hmmmm?
beckylevine.com says
I blogged about my resolutions, but the basic gist is Do It All…with Calm. Easy! 🙂
Do you really want NOT-random gray hairs?
Happy New Year. c
M.A.Leslie says
1. Stop talking about finishing the revisions on MS 1 and just do it.
2. Write a query letter that acts as a query letter and not as a written on napkin.
3. Try my best to stifle the blogging addiction that I am finding myself suffering from and allow for time with resolution #1.
Mark Terry says
I have 11, and I prefer to call them goals, thanks you.1. Lose 12 pounds
2. Earn $80,000+ with my writing
3. Finish SINS OF THE FATHERS and get a contract for it.
4. Finish A PLAGUE OF STARS and start to market it
5. Finish FREELANCE WRITING FOR A LIVING and e-pub it
6. Make all my current e-books available on PubIt and in paper.
7. Finish CHINA FIRE and begin marketing.
8. Get at least one more book contract signed.
9. Get a ghostwriting gig.
10. Write a nonfiction book proposal.
11. Run a 5K
Cheryl says
Suggestion in your band search:
The Avett Brothers
MJR says
my husband uses that tire pressure thingy a lot and he's not too mechanical…
resolutions
query novel #3 and see what happens…
lose 25 lbs–but I'm going to try and be creative this year with my cardio–maybe ice skate my way to slimness
try to balance writing and friends/family, ie I need to get out more
start a new project…maybe learn to play the ukelele or something…
Becky Mushko says
Posted 'em on my blog:
https://peevishpen.blogspot.com/2011/01/resolutions-whatever.html
Sonia says
To write, submit and finish the novel.
Samantha G says
Mine are:
-To be a kinder person in general
-Get that book finished and stop daydreaming about endless success i.e stop being so much of a dreamer and actually DO something about my dreams. Basically stop procastinating- is that even possible?
Nathan, surely you don't have to worry about procastinating? You seem to get a LOT done and seem to love writing/blogging/your job. What are your tips?
Stephanie@thecrackedslipper says
Get my blog on (hence my two posts on your blog in two days– whoo hoo!). Avoid exercise injuries. Eat fewer chocolate covered almonds. Oh, and finish books two and three in series by June. Will be a challenge without chocolate sustenance.
Mira says
Nathan, you're so funny. I love your resolutions, especially the tire pressure thingy.
I also think you are WAY too young for grey hairs. So, you are right – put your foot down and stand firm. We have to show our hair who's the boss.
I don't have resolutions this year so much as a pitbull goal where I latch on and refuse to let go. I have two more quarters of this grad program to survive, and survive them I will. I will, I will, I will, and then it will be DONE. I shall SHALL TRIUMPH, and then I will have a little piece of paper with intials on it that I can show people.
I WILL.
And then my other goal is that I want to floss on a daily basis.
And after that, I'll look toward my own writing. But that's after this final lap, so I must focus for now.
Btw, it's wonderful to have you back to daily posting. I hope it's not too much work for you. And I hope everyone's resolutions are accomplished and deeply satisfying.
Kristi Helvig says
I'm not really into resolutions, but that probably explains why I'm still on Level 1 on my exercise bike. 🙂
Happy 2011!
Ann Best says
I know what I want to accomplish, so I just keep doing the best I can!
Good resolutions. Good luck!!
Anonymous says
Actually, Mira, I was kinda partial to Nathan's less regular posting/s, mostly due to the fact that they made you so despondent – the expressions of which were FREAKING HILARIOUS. Sorry, I don't want you to be despondent, not at all, and I much prefer daily Nathan posts as well. It's just that you were so funny.
No, no, in all seriousness, I agree with you, Mira, it's nice to have the day-to-day.
D.G. Hudson says
New Year's resolutions are something I do every year, just as if I'm in control. My writing resolutions I posted on my blog – did that last year too. The result was I improved on some of the goals, but life always get factored in, sometimes to the detriment of goals. It's a simple mantra — write, write more and write better. I may also attend a writing conference this year in my area. It usually attracts a few agents that are well-known.
One personal goal for me would be to acquire more patience, but there is a limited time for that, since I'm not an immortal.
I plan to give the KOBO a test drive after hubby does his own assessment. It's the deluxe model, but much cheaper than multi-function readers. New year – new things to learn.
Good luck to all of us who do resolve to improve. We might just get there.
Anna says
When you find your three new bands, will you share them with us? I need some new music too.
My goals: read and write one hour every day (each). It shouldn't be too difficult and already I'm off to a great start. Also: be a better blogger. Not sure exactly about the game plan, but I'm working on it!
Matthew Rush says
Sounds like you've been going through some similar new music deprivation to what I have. I haven't bought a new album since 2003 or so.
Rachael W says
Nathan, I've been reading your blog off and on for a while, and have been poring through your "writing essentials" posts over the last few days because I'm just beginning to query agents. (NB: I was sad to discover that you are no longer with CB LTD.)
My resolutions are as follows:
1. Find an agent to represent my current novel.
2. Begin work on my new novel.
3. Get into graduate school.
4. Try lots of new things while spending time with friends.
Thank you so much for your wonderfully insightful, upbeat, and informative blog!
abc says
Does your dog need prozac? I had my cat on it for awhile.
I resolve to learn to bake bread, spend less money on things I don't need, get to 50,000 in Doodle Jump, blog more often, write more often, eat less high fructose corn syrup, figure out a better sleep schedule, take my vitamins, swim, finish my license (already!), and take a cool trip.
I second the Avette Brothers recommendation, also Allo Darlin, Deerhoof, Beach House, and my husband says I would like Freelance Whales so maybe you would too.
Mira says
Anon 11:57.
Ah, you jest, but I am seriously addicted to this blog. It's a terrible, terrible problem, and I'm going to get right on it after I accomplish a few of my other goals, like daily flossing.
I'm thinking of starting a 12-step program for it. I was going to call it N.A. (Nathan Anonymous) but I heard those initials were taken. So, instead I'm going to call it N.B.A. (Nathan Brandford Anonmyous) I don't think anyone important is using those initials, so there you are.
You're welcome to join us. I'm going to serve cookies.
Deb says
I don't need to lose weight, but my house does. I commit to spending 10 minutes every day purging/filing/donating.
The hard part will be getting my husband and three kids to part with their crap. But I'm alone in the house often, so maybe it won't be that hard!
Josin L. McQuein says
To finish the books that are so close to being finished they'd be finished if I'd just finish them.
Query one, get an agent, make said agent love said one, then make said agent love the other 2.
Get paid for any one of the 3 (or all of them)
Yay!
Bryan Russell (Ink) says
Mine are here, for anyone interested. I think there would have to be four, perhaps five, of me to actually accomplish everything.
Final resolution: invent cloning machine for maximum time efficiency.
Cheryl says
@Josin – I don't think you need to worry about any of them. I saw you're $h*t-hot query on QS, you'll have requests for fulls coming out of your patooty!
Chuck H. says
I'm with Rick on the "don't quit and don't die" thing, though I must admit to being closer to the end than to the beginning (unless I can manage to live to be 130+). And, Mr. Bransford, I gave up on the hair a long time ago. I still have plenty but it's almost all white. So I try to live by the addage:
Rule One. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Rule Two. It's all small stuff.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!