This is part two to my reflection on 2018 yesterday, taking the lessons from the year and deciding on what next year should look like.
While they may not look like the traditional resolutions (or SMART goals as many marketers will start pitching in their blogs now), they are the course I set sail on for different waters.
Get Finances in Order
For many years, my wife and I were ardent budgeters and spent time every week looking over our finances. Even though we made much less than we do now, money was under our control.The last few years felt like somebody put our financial situation in a blender. Although we didn’t end up in a rough situation, we were on course to do so. This past month, we stopped the blending and set a proper course for the year.
Using the lessons and habits from the past (the nice thing about finances is the lessons about it never changes), we’re ready to take charge again.
Write More Fiction
Since my favourite writers post daily (or almost) on their blogs while writing books, I can do it as well, right?That’s been my attitude for the past few years and I realize it’s not working. I’ve come to realize those writers are full-time authors and most of their kids (if any) are grown up.
However, all of them got their start by writing fiction in the moments they had. This doesn’t mean I want to stop writing here (far from it), just that I need to take more time for the stories.
Read More Fiction
Well, in order to get better at writing fiction, it would probably be beneficial to read more of it.Admittedly, non-fiction always has something to offer, but there’s nothing wrong with binge reading a few series from my favourite writers and subconsciously learning a ton of techniques along the way.
I also noticed that while I read way more non-fiction this past year, my books of the year were predominantly fiction titles.
Plus, I have a pile of books sitting on my Kindle that have been collecting dust for a year now
Have More Date Nights
This is a big one.It’s big because the definition of a date night needs to shift in my relationship. Date night used to mean finding somewhere to go and making the necessary arrangements/reservations to get there, enjoying our time and then finishing the night with some TV.
Now, going out isn’t always an option. Date nights sometimes need to happen at home and more time needs to be used on these dates for actual conversation.
As we both transition into the next part of our lives, it’s important to keep that communication open to ask how it’s going. It’s like we’re getting to know each other again and it’s not enough to coast under the assumption the other is getting it.
This is the work of relationships and it can’t be taken for granted.
Minimize My Needs/Make Less Decisions/Automate as Much as Possible
I lumped these all together because they all revolve around the same idea:
Stop burning out on menial decisions when most of them can be automated.
For me, this is going to involve creating time for a weekly review where I can help my wife meal plan for the week, get our budget in order, check the calendar for the upcoming weeks, prioritize projects and schedule things that need to get done.
It also means creating a lot more structure and not straying from it for something that seems better. Right now, I have one physical notebook, one type of pen I like using, a standard work outfit (Steve Jobs wore a black turtleneck and jeans so he always knew his wardrobe and therefore, didn’t have to spend time making a decision about something he felt to be menial), a set standard of programs/apps I use and a goal of tackling one small part of one of our house projects.
The goal is to have as much of my “paperwork life” as automated as possible so I can spend time focusing on a much bigger picture. As technology continues to improve and become laughibly affordable (go check the cost to video conference someone in the 80s as one example), this is going to become a closer reality.
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2018 is done and whatever your wishes are for 2019, I hope you have a blessed and peaceful year!