Most of us stop at this time of the year and reflect on the year gone by. Where have we been, what did we do, and did we miss anything? But I find that I do this two other times of year as well and not only on the New Year.
I actually start my year in September. Ever since I was a little girl we started a new year in school in that month. It felt like a new beginning and a fresh start. I think that stuck. Each fall I gather my eggs and take account of my life then make new goals. Within these plans is where I want to be in January.
On the New Year I re-evaluate my situation. I go back out to the chicken coop gather those eggs again, see what’s rotten, what feels right, and sweep up any shells. The clock counts down and while most start with their resolutions, I plod out my next steps in my goals.
My birthday arrives in summer and I’ve almost come full circle. By now I hope my goals are almost done and if not, I use the rest of the time until fall rushing to get them accomplished. This works for me. I’m not a resolution kind of person but I am a doer.
With this attitude and simple plan, I put myself through college. Moved to another country and started a family. Created a successful career and started a new one. It worked for everything else in my life so I used it to write my books.
So this weekend I’ll be putting on my boots and heading out to check those eggs. I about one chapter behind in my novel but I did get another unexpected novella written and contracted so bonus.
What about you? Are you a goal setter? Do resolutions work for you? Is there a different part of the year that feels more like a beginning for you?