When considering 2024 Intentions in December, I was noticing how I set artificial deadlines for myself. I assign tasks to be completed, based on an upcoming event. For example, before visiting relatives for a few days, by creating a list of actions to accomplish prior to leaving home.
Actions such as deciding to bake Christmas cookies and sharing them. (The enjoyment and temptation are shared among households!) This year I waited until a week before Christmas to bake cookies, though the homemade rolls were baked just prior to my drive.
Some of my actions need to be completed, but not all of them. I end up finishing only part of them, with the remaining open for a future time.
So maybe I’ll rethink how I create and prioritize tasks and actions.
New Year Resolutions are often created for the start of a calendar year. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past and consider what you want in the future. This is great, though the process doesn’t need to be tied to a year’s end. Some folks want to set goals, while others decide not to decide. Does anyone feel an urge to simplify, clear, clean, and organize at times? Or catch up on sleep?
Living in a cooler climate, I curled up with a blanket, my journal, and some hot tea, reflecting on the year, and considering the next one.
So how does one decide on new year resolutions? I recall listening to Carolyn Myss on a CD, and she suggests making a list of what I know that I should do, but don’t. Then pick one action you know you should do (in unfinished business) and then one positive action that reflects an idea you could do, which would be empowering to you. By initiating an action you know you should do, you are listening to your intuition. Continue with the list.
Another way is to create some positive intentions for the year. With setting intentions, they can help support our actions during the year. In business one often sees S.M.A.R.T. goal statements used. These are often used to create employee review goals for a future performance period.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria
| Letter | Most common | Alternative |
| S | Specific | (Strategic and specific) |
| M | Measurable | Motivating |
| A | Achievable or attainable | Assignable (original definition), Agreed, action-oriented, ambitious, aligned with corporate goals, (agreed, attainable and achievable), aggressive |
| R | Relevant | Realistic, resourced, reasonable, (realistic and resourced), results-based |
| T | Time-bound | Trackable, time-based, time-oriented, time-limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive, timeframe, testable |
So, one can create a positive intention, which can be a positive thought of what you’d like to have more of in your life.. and then identify tasks and actions to support this intention. Refer to them regularly. Anyone can create S.M.A.R.T. goals, for whatever focus area you choose.
Regarding the topic of curiosity as was discussed in my previous posts, are you curious to try something new? Here are a few suggestions:
RISE and Write – Wednesday at 5:30AM EST on Zoom
This is an early morning opportunity. I’ve attended some of the sessions. See Alexandra Elle’s link below in case anyone is interested.
Alex Elle
Hey, everyone! See you bright and early tomorrow for RISE & WRITE. I’ll be adding the prompts and the replay to this thread. In the meantime, if you can join us @ 5:30AM EST, come on! 🙂 If you can’t, the replays are always available for you to enjoy on your own time. Register here (it’s free):
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcuusrDojH9Gdif5uKf5HEle-YzOVF85K#/registration
Nerd Night Pittsburgh
I’d like to attend one of these sometime.
https://www.spiritpgh.com/calendar/2024/2/1/nerd-nite
NERD NITE PITTSBURGH IS A LECTURE SERIES THAT’S A MIX BETWEEN A COMEDY SHOW, TED TALK, AND A SOCIAL MIXER! SPEAKERS PRESENT FOR 15 MINUTES ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS RELATED TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, POPULAR CULTURE, HISTORY, AND OTHER NERDERY WITH A VIBE THAT’S AS ENTERTAINING AS IT IS ACADEMIC! AUDIENCE MEMBERS CAN ASK QUESTIONS, AND BEFOREHAND THERE IS AN ENTIRELY OPTIONAL SOCIAL GAME.