Now that 2012 is upon us, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish in the new year. I toyed with the idea of writing down some resolutions, but somehow that felt flat, like making a bunch of empty promises. I just haven’t found the motivation to do it.
Still, I’ve been setting some mental goals (most significantly: write at least a thousand new words, Monday-Friday, and keep up with my current exercise routine). Then I read a post by my brilliant friend Erin Bowman referencing writer Jessica Corra, who blogged about how she picks a Word of the Year instead of making traditional resolutions. She strives to keep that one word in mind throughout the year. Jessica said: Resolutions are too compartmental, too specific and practical. I prefer a word, an attitude, a way of being.
I love this idea. In fact, I love it so much I want to do it too!
I’d planned to mull over my word for a few days, until I’d settled on the perfect one, one that would express the attitude and mental posture I want to adopt for the entirety of the upcoming year. But, there was one word that popped into my head almost immediately, one I kept coming back to over and over again. What is that word?
RESOLVE
Resolve kind of encompasses all the goals I’ve set for the year, big and small, and it will hopefully help me to accomplish them. For me, resolve means, simply, setting my mind to something and making it happen. Choosing to make responsible decisions even when they’re not easy or fun or popular…
Ordering a salad over a cheeseburger at Red Robin. Walking my dogs even if it’s windy and cold. Writing to my daily word goal, regardless of whether I’m tired or grumpy or uninspired. Starting my day early, with yoga, even when my bed feels warm and cozy. Reading my prerequisite one craft book per month even when there’s a hot new release I’d rather pick up. Walking past my daughter’s M&M treat even though they look incredibly tasty. Staying strong, mentally and physically.
So, that’s it.
RESOLVE.
Hold me to it, would ya? 🙂
And on that note, I’ll be taking a bit of a blog-cation over the next several weeks. I’ve come to the realization that my writing vs. blogging time has become a bit unbalanced, and that’s something I need to remedy. I mean, what’s the point of keeping an “Aspiring Author” blog if I’m not really, um, authoring anything?
I’ve got some lofty aspirations for this New Year, specifically: Finish the rewrite of tentatively entitled Cross My Heart, and complete a first draft of something shiny and pretty and exciting and new. Plus, my husband’s deployment will come to an end in approximately six (SIX!) weeks, and I’ve got lots to do to prepare for his homecoming.
That’s not to say that this blog will be entirely wordless. I still plan on participating in some of YA Highway‘s Road Trip Wednesdays, and I’ll definitely share some Bookanista recommendations, but things around here will be quieter. Sort of like her…
What are YOUR goals (writing or otherwise) for 2012? And what will your one word be?
Katy Upperman ~ Author 
What a great goal, Katy. I, too, dislike resolutions. It’s almost as if they’re made to be broken.
My word for the year is ‘positive’. I am determined to not let one negative word or thought escape my lips. I may think it, I may feel it, but I will not put one negative thought into the universe. That which we voice to the air, to God, to the universe, to another individual, pet, etc. tends to come back to us. Last year was a really rough year for me and my family and I am determined to not repeat it. So, only positive verbalizations for me in 2012. Positive thinking = positive rewards. I will have my novel published this year. That is my number one goal, and it will be a huge success.
I wish you all the luck with your writing and will continue to look forward to your posts. Happy 2012!
This is so inspiring, Jenny! I love your word, and even though it’s not MY word, I still want to strive to lend more positivity than negativity to the world. Thanks so much!
Oh man, do I feel you. I fell into the same trap last year, where I felt like I was blogging all the time and writing … like almost never. Sadly, I am not one of those people who can do both with equal proficiency. I’m just not. WHen I’m cranking on one, the other falls by the wayside. I made a conscious decision last year to put writing first and blogging second, and while now I maybe squeeze out 1-2 posts a week, it’s ok. Because I’m writing. And that’s what’s important at the end of the day.
Happy writing to you!
Totally agree, Meredith! I adore blogging, but I feel I’ve become too caught up in it over the last few months. It’s sucking up all my creativity! I think a post or two a week will be a perfect compromise for me over the next several weeks.
Dude. WHOA. I just sent you an email after reading this.
And, good for you. The writing is what’s most important. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
Alison, your email made my morning! I’ll be responding this afternoon, SWF. 🙂
I love this. I love it so much I may need a word. What, what what will my word be? Let me think on it and maybe that’s Friday’s post:)
Yay! Can’t wait to read about which word you choose, Lindsay!
Fabulous word choice, Katy! I completely know where you’re coming from. May your 2012 be full of RESOLVE 😉
I’m going to quiet down my own blog for the next few months, too…get back into the reason I have a “writer” blog in the first place: writing!
It’s been lovely getting to know you throughout 2011. Happy new year 🙂
Glad I’m not alone in my need for a blogging break. I adore my blog, but it sure does require a lot of time and creativity! And thanks again for inspiring THIS post, Erin. 🙂
This is a fantastic idea and I love your word. I resolve to hold you to your word, Katy!
Yes, please do! So far I’m doing fantastic with RESOLVE, though it is only January 3rd. 😉
I love this one word idea too! And resolve seems like a perfect one. I may have to use that one too…
Yay! I’m glad I’ll have a partner-in-crime with RESOLVE. Solidarity always makes things like this more fun!
I like the idea of choosing a word. You’re right about bogging versus writing, too. Writing has to come first. Enjoy your blogcation!
Thanks, Kirsten. It’ll be hard to step back a bit, but I look forward to finding my writing groove again. 🙂
Awesome! I’ve never been one to write down a big list of things. If 2011 taught me anything, things change at the drop of a hat. So, I have a few ideas of things I hope to strive for in 2012, but I’m just going to take it a day at a time. 🙂 Great post, thanks for sharing.
I’m a big fan of one day at a time, Lynn. Here’s to lots of accomplishments and met goals for both of us in 2012!
I hear you on the blogging v writing thing because I went through the same thing and it’s nice to know I’m not alone on it. One word sounds brilliant, I’m definitely going to look into it.
Yes, this blogging thing–while fun and totally worthwhile–does suck up a lot of time and creative juice. I’m ready to dive head first back into some writing! If you decide on one word for 2012, I hope you’ll share it with us, Alicia!
Love your word, Katy!!! Not an easy one but it´s all about the challenge 🙂
Wonderful post 🙂 as always…
Enjoy your blog-cation, your writing time and the time with your family!
Thank you so much! And I intend to. 🙂
I love the idea of choosing one word and think of it the entire year instead of a bunch of resolutions. I love the idea so much that I’m going to run off and think up my own word of the year, too.
But before that, I love YOUR word- and I hope you get that shiny first draft done! And YAY, your husband’s going to be back pretty darn soon!
I hope you’ll share your word when you decide on it, Rida. I find this idea so much more inspiring and manageable than a long list of goals. Good luck!
I love this idea and I might hop on the word bandwagon later this week.
I totally get where you are coming from with the blog-cation–that’s where I was in December, trying to juggle work craziness with revisions with holidays and much-needed family time, and the blog/twitter needed to jump down on the priorities list. Go you for putting writing first. That shows great . . . resolve! 🙂
Oh, December was so crazy AND it was one of my busiest blog months! That’s probably why I feel so compelled to step back a bit now. 🙂 I hope you’ll share your word when you decide, Rebecca.
Ooh shiny and pretty and exciting and new sounds so… shiny! And yay for your husband’s homecoming!
My word for the year is ‘more’: more awesome, more hard work, more challenges faced etc. etc. Good luck with your year of resolve, Katy!
I love MORE as a word choice, Sophia! How about: More ice cream? 😉 (Why am I ALWAYS thinking about treats?!)
These are really great goals for 2012, Katy. I decided to do a post on the Word for 2012 as well because it’s just a great idea 🙂 Here’s to a good year of reaching our goals!
Just read your post, Jaime… Love DETERMINATION as a word choice! So glad you’re on board with this One Word for 2012 idea. 🙂
I made resolutions already, but the idea of coming up with a word is really cool. I’m already thinking my word is going to have to be “optimism,” because I’m in that awkward place between finishing college and starting a career, and since I don’t know how long that’s going to last…I might as well keep it positive instead of feeling depressed and worthless because I’m working assorted minimum wage jobs.
And good for you for taking a break to focus more on your writing! I hope you get a lot done!
Sounds perfect, Stephanie! You know, I think either OPTIMISM or POSITIVITY will be sort of side word. Who can’t use more of either in their life?
And good luck with that in-between phase. It is tricky, but I think we all have to go through it to figure out our place in the world. For me, those several years following college rocked. I bet they will for you too! 🙂
I totally know what you mean about blogging. I love it, but I get so caught up in it sometimes that I become more of a blogger than a writer, and that’s not what I want to be at all. I’m trying to set aside time on Sunday evenings to do most of my blogs for the week so I have time at night to write, but that’s not working out as well as it could. Ho hum. I need to figure this out.
Good luck with your resolve this year. I know you can do it!
I like “resolve”—this seems good and appropriate. I am so excited for your husband’s return. And so very excited to read your next project!