Well, well, January, here you are back already. I know what you’re thinking–that I haven’t kept a single one of last year’s resolutions, and you’re right. But I think I’ve just been going about this resolution thing all wrong.
This year, I’m going to stick to resolutions I can, well, stick to. For example, instead of declaring my intention to exercise every day–which even I know is a joke–I’m resolving to exercise more than I did last year. (Trust me, this is an easy one. Even I can do this.)
Also, instead of adopting some exotic new diet from another region where people eat all they want of certain foods and stay thin, or one based on counting or measuring ANYTHING, I’m simply going to vow to eat healthier than I did in 2011–again, easy.
And I’m going to put first things first. Every day, before I check email, sign on to Facebook, tweet, blog, or any engage in any other form of electronic interaction, I will write. This is easy, because it’s what I really want to do.
For some reason, I’ve gotten into the habit of checking in with all things Internet before my day begins. This is a huge mistake, because once I’m online, it’s almost impossible to get off. I click a link on a Tweet to check out a blog, which leads to reading a few other blog entries on the same site, then clicking a link to something else that looks interesting…and four hours later it’s lunchtime and I haven’t written anything except a status update and a tweet or two. The only thing that comes before words on the page is family.
That’s it, January. That’s all I’ve got. So next year, you can forget all about being smug. I can do this.
Peace, out…
Susan
Hi Susan,
Your post really resonated with me – especially writing before logging online. It’s easy to click on one email link or tweet and lose a couple of hours if you’re not careful.
Recently a family member suggested The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron. One of the first exercises she explains is writing three “morning pages” long-hand every day. Even before I check email on my phone – which is usually in hand 30 seconds after waking – I now make coffee and write out those three pages to start my day. Everything else can wait. So far it’s working, and I have a lot more creativity in the afternoon too. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but I’m going with the flow.
Wishing you a joyous 2012 with much success in whatever resolutions you do (or do not) set for yourself. 🙂
Hi Tracy,
I’m a (hopefully) recovering iPhone addict. I do the same thing–reach for it before I’m even fully awake to check email. I’ll have to check out The Sound of Paper–sounds like Julia Cameron has some great ideas. Thanks for the tip!
Wishing you much joy and success in the New Year as well!
Susan
I have the same issue with logging on first thing. Even at work I get sucked into answering email and all of a sudden it’s 9 O’clock.
I think I will try a simple 30 minutes of getting my day in order before logging on and see how that works.
Thank you for sharing.
Dave