“It’s about a better and more thoughtful life. That’s the real goal.” I am blind as a bat, minus the sonar. Even my contacts are thick. My hubby thinks I am glaring at him in the mornings, but mostly I am trying to determine if it’s him or the wall that I am about to run into. Still every New Year, I squint and try to focus on a better future. I love the future. It’s mine to be had, all shiny with possibility. 2020! What’s your perfect vision? This is the third year that I’ve made a list to inspire my year ahead. I first heard this idea on the Happier Podcast—by happiness guru Gretchen Rubin and her crafty TV-writer sister, Liz Craft. First, it was 18 for 2018. Last year, I wrote about my list and encouraged you all to join me for 19 for 2019. We picked 19 things, big and little, we wanted to accomplish. That’s us, a bunch of goal-diggers! I remember a day last January when my little sister texted me to say she was working on her list. (Some of you know her as AP, aka Aunt Peggy.) Yay! I inspired her. I asked how it was going. She said she’d walked up the street to her local pub to focus on it, and she was stuck after her first two goals: 1. Make the list. 2. More day drinking. Ha! That’s not the life-enhancing habit change I was thinking of, but I think it’s safe to say she got ‘er done this year, among other harder things. So…let’s get back to 2020. What’s it going to be for you this year? As you ponder your list, here are four tips based purely on hindsight (a type of vision I can rely on): 1. Add fun and delight. I love rocking chores and this list is meant to challenge you, but make sure you have some new, cool life experiences on your list too. Last year, I went paddleboarding for the first time. It was a great evening that probably wouldn’t have happened without my list. 2. Focus on things that don’t require burdening others. Last year, I put “Update the basement” on my list. This is one of those projects where I say, “We should really do something about the basement.” But to be honest, “we” meant mostly the Handsome Bald One (HBO). He just loves when I say, “We should do this DIY-thing…and by we, I mean you.” I can envision a new look, and pitch in with plenty of opinions and clumsy efforts, but I really needed his skill sets and all-in to make this one happen. In the end, we prioritized other projects and the basement waits. It’s still on our list, but it’s not on my personal one this year. I know my limits. For 2020, I did put a monthly mini-adventure with the HBO on my list. I vetted the idea with him and he liked it, so I am even more excited about the year ahead. 3. Be flexible—it’s your list, after all. If you’ve read this blog much, you know I am big on leeway and making up your own rules. Ain’t no one the boss of your personal life but you. So, let's say mid-year or next week, you decide something on your list doesn’t speak to you anymore. Mark it off and add something new. For example, I put “Make Instapot risotto” on my list last year. How’s that for overly specific? My daughter mentioned her husband had made it and in the moment, I thought it sounded good. It’s still a weird goal and I never felt inspired enough to try it. In the fall, I gave risotto the boot and put in “Get a new job!” That was a huge goal for me in 2019. When it was actually in sight, I realized I hadn’t even put it on my list. What?! I did it and I decided I was definitely getting credit. Do I still think making risotto could be satisfying? Yes, but I am not fooling myself that putting rice and liquid in a pot is list-worthy, even if it’s a high-pressure situation. In 2020, I am also leaving a couple of openings at the bottom of my list—for when inspiration strikes. I like to be nimble like that. Again, my rules, right?! 4. Let go of perfect. Be like me. The idea isn’t to necessarily complete the list in full. If, at the end of the year, you had a good and reasonable goal (or eight or ten) that you didn’t get to, that’s OK. You can consider whether they should be on your 2021 list. It’s about a better and more thoughtful life. That’s the real goal. Here’s my completion rate for the last two years. I was far from perfect. 18 for 2018: 12 out of 18 (67 percent) 19 for 2019: 11 out of 19 (58 percent) For 2019, I was clearly overambitious, but here’s one goal I ruled: Write 19 thank you notes. I was closer to 30. I have so many people to be grateful to and for, including you all. I am wishing you an incredibly happy and productive 2020. Eye on the prize, people. xo and ready, go! M. Fun batty fact: Bats aren't actually blind. In fact, bats sometimes prefer using eyesight to sound when hunting. So that makes me blinder than a bat and a terrible hunter. OH, before I go ... Let me know if you're interested in keeping each other accountable. I am thinking about creating a private RYC Facebook group, so that would be the perfect place to share our triumphs and trials, along with tips and inspiration. Who's in? Comment below or message me.
4 Comments
AP
1/27/2020 12:32:03 pm
You do inspire me. :) And I managed to complete 17 of 19. I did start off with some easy wins. You can count me in.
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Margie at RYC
1/27/2020 09:24:10 pm
Wow! 17 of 19. Impressive, sister!!
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Laura Hawkins
1/28/2020 10:08:17 am
I feel inspired! I am working on my list right now!
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liz
1/28/2020 02:19:37 pm
I'm in! Posted my first goal on Facebook... https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience
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Hello!I am Margie Reece. I am here to help you rock your chores and have some fun doing it. Categories
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