Did you shower today? You've already started on one.
There are a lot of words in the universe. Many of them are stupid. But if you make a little tiny effort to consume more print, you’ll likely stumble onto thoughts and ideas you hadn’t considered before.
I wanted to write a book last summer. Then I realized what a terrible goal that was and modified accordingly. Version 2.0: I will write 100 pages of a first draft of a novel.
You’ve heard all the bossy business about goals before — that they need to be specific and measurable; blah blah blah. I know. The problem is, new year's resolutions usually aren't all that specific and/or measurable: Read more. Get organized. Travel. See what I mean? What resolutions can you get started on right now?
In the spirit of helpfulness, here are some goals that go one step further — they’re actually achievable by us mere mortals.
Take a shower every day. This one is specific, measured by regular calendars and not fancy gadgets, and gives you plenty of freedom about the length of the shower/time of day you shower/bath products involved.
Read. You can get more specific if you want, like read something on paper or read a boring article every week. There are a lot of words in the universe. Many of them are stupid. But if you make a little tiny effort to consume more print, you’ll likely stumble onto thoughts and ideas you hadn’t considered before.
Drink less. Everyone else talks about drinking more water, like there’s something so special about it. Hello? Drought in California? Did we forget already? Make your resolution to consume a smaller quantity of liquid than you did in 2015. Make this goal your own by choosing exactly what beverage to decrease: water, soda, tea, coffee, booze, green shakes. All viable options.
Replace a light bulb.
Go outside more. I work from home, so one of my bad habits is turning into a hermit. I set this goal for myself this year. Not just to leave the house when I have to pick up kids or do an errand, but to have the sky as my only roof for at least some time each 24 hours. I’m basically assuming this will change my life, so stay tuned.
Buy a new album. Not all of us are good at keeping up with changing music. If you don’t want to be that gal who complained about Elvis ruining Big Band, you’ve got to make a little effort. Just one CD or download or whatever the kids are listening to music on these days. No cheating and getting a greatest-hits collection or sad Old Band Needs Money for Retirement Healthcare CDs. Push yourself. Just a smidge.
Love something about yourself. If you can do daily affirmations without throwing up in your mouth, good for you. All of us, even the most unhappy or socially maladjusted, can figure out one thing. One way in which you are not the worst. Me? My neck isn’t terrible. You might have cute baby toes. Or bake perfect sugar cookies. Maybe there are tons of things you love about yourself already. Find one more thing.
2016 is going to be long — like more than 300 days if my math is right. I am confident you can soar with these completely reasonable aspirations.
