Yep, it’s another New Year’s post

January 1, 2011

… minus all the New Year’s resolutions.

That’s right, I’m not going to make any new year’s resolutions this year.

Why? ’cause I never go through with them for the whole year.

Not making resolutions doesn’t mean I don’t have goals. I do, really!

I have old things I intend to do better.

New things I have yet to do… but I plan to do this year.

And other things on my “I-really-really-really-want-to-do” list – that may or may not happen.

BUT —

After many, many years of sharing my resolutions, I have come to the conclusion that putting those lists out here for all the world to see puts me under undue pressure. If I follow through, then great. But if I fail in my endeavors, then I crash and burn publicly.

SO, this year, I’ll keep my “to do list” under wraps. I’m going to pray and work really hard. And when I achieve my goals, I’ll share!

That being said – what about you guys and gals? Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Do you want to share? Or are you doing like me and keeping your goals under wraps?

16 responses to “Yep, it’s another New Year’s post”

Linda Andersen

January 1, 2011

Hi Donna,
“Resolutions Under Wraps” sounds like a mystery. You like to write mysteries. Maybe you can use this to your advantage. I agree with you about the public announcement being embarassing if the goal isn’t reached. I know you DO reach goals throughout the year and I’ll be eager to hear about them.

My resolutions aren’t totally thought out, but I do resolve to exercise weekly or was that weakly and send to at least one agent this year.

Happy New Year!
Linda A.

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1. Donna Earnhardt
  
  January 3, 2011
  
  I am expecting great things for you this year, my friend. Keep me up to date on all the great stuff that the Lord sends your way! (and I’ll be sure and share mine, too!)
  
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maureen wartski

January 1, 2011

I have spent the last days of the old year re-arranging my workspace, cleaning the closets, and stacking ‘stuff.’ My resolution is to mercilessly toss out everything useless that I’ve saved for the past 100 years. No doubt there will be some dinosaur bones somewhere deep in the recesses of the closet.
NOW: will I be able to keep this resolution? Another question without an answer!

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1. Donna Earnhardt
  
  January 3, 2011
  
  If you do find a dinosaur bone, sell it to a museum. You’ll have enough money to sustain your year so you can get tons of writing done!
  
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V.V. Denman

January 1, 2011

Laura Best suggested making New Year’s Intentions. I like that. It takes so much of the pressure off.

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1. Donna Earnhardt
  
  January 3, 2011
  
  I like that! “New Year’s Intentions”. Very nice, indeed! Hope your year is off to a good start!
  
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Carol Baldwin

January 1, 2011

I like the idea of taking the pressure off yourself. Hope it works! For me, my own “to do” list is more than enough. Hope you have a productive and satisifying and God-glorifying year!

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1. Donna Earnhardt
  
  January 3, 2011
  
  Thank you, my friend! I pray you have a productive, satisifying and God-glorifying year, too! 🙂 (looking forward to seeing you in February!)
  
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Carol J. Garvin

January 2, 2011

I suspect the whole idea behind New Year’s Resolutions (with capital letters) is exactly what you’re trying to avoid… making them public so we’re shamed into keeping them. LOL. Keeping them under wraps is definitely less stressful. I don’t do resolutions but usually have some things that I hope to accomplish or improve on. I intend to continue some pursuits that I began last year… looking for an agent and finishing another ms that’s in the works. I’m also aiming to write more magazine articles than last year with the goal of making enough extra $$ to cover the fees for my favourite writing conference.

Blessings to you in this new year!

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1. Donna Earnhardt
  
  January 3, 2011
  
  I suspect the whole idea behind New Year’s Resolutions (with capital letters) is exactly what you’re trying to avoid… making them public so we’re shamed into keeping them.
  
  You are right! And ya know, shame isn’t something I want to carry around on my shoulders. I expect keeping in between me and Jesus (and my accountability partners) will make it more productive and a “want to do” thing rather than a “have to do so I don’t humiliate myself” kind of thing! 🙂
  
  I hope you have great success in your goals this year! and I do hope I get to meet you one day in person. You are such a great encourager!
  
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Samantha Bell

January 2, 2011

Hi Donna,

I read a great book this Christmas called Bittersweet. In it, the author has a chapter about her “Do Not Do” list — all the things she doesn’t enjoy doing and doesn’t want to spend her time doing, but for whatever reason feels pressured to do. So this year, I made a “Do Not Do” list too!

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1. Donna Earnhardt
  
  January 3, 2011
  
  Oooh! I like that. A “Do NOT do list” is something that speaks to me in a loud voice! 😉
  
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Jean

January 3, 2011

This is a really interesting discussion. A ‘No Resolutions Declaration,” a “Do NOT Do List,” both sound intriguing to me.

Good thing I haven’t had time to make my 2011 Resolutions List yet. I need to re-think it, I think!

Jean
http://www.write2ignite.com

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1. Donna Earnhardt
  
  January 3, 2011
  
  A wise woman I know (who is named Jean) once told me that saying “no” is just as important as saying “yes”. The good thing is not always the best thing…and we should choose the best thing as often as we can!
  
  So, whatever list you make – I know it will be the best thing! 🙂
  
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Lynn

January 9, 2011

Happy New Year, Donna!
I have not officially made New Year’s Resolutions, but I have determined to attempt to accomplish certain things this year. That way I will not feel shame – supposedly – over it if I don’t succeed. 🙂 Maybe I am kidding myself but .. oh well, I will do what I can do.
Blessings!

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Donna Earnhardt

January 11, 2011

From all I’ve read of your posts and such, you are off to a great start with this new year! You finished the NaNo and now you’re doing a poem a day, right? Way to go!

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