New Year, Old Plans

By Cindy Layton

Ah, the new year. It’s so cliché its absurd. How is a writer supposed to attack that subject? It’s all about resolutions, approaching January First as a clean slate, the sins of the past forgiven, the list of bold new initiatives at the ready - subjects so ripe for sarcasm and cynicism it’s hard to keep a straight face.

Don’t get me wrong – self improvement is a good thing. Goals are important. Forgiveness is important.

But, if you’re prone, like I am, to the oppressive resolution themes of weight loss, de-cluttering, fitness and career goals, remember, these underlying messages come from a place of criticism: I’m not thin enough, my house isn’t clean enough, I don’t exercise enough, my work isn’t impressive enough.

From a writer’s perspective, I’m tempted to (re)create my own list of writing goals. Invariably, these, too, are rooted in the idea of failure: I need to achieve more because - I didn’t write enough. I didn’t read enough. I didn’t submit enough.

Enough!

While any of these may or may not be true, making a change involves more than a robust critique followed by a self-induced kick in the pants.

How can we embrace the opportunity of the new year without also internalizing the failures of the past? I’m no psychologist but I have a lot of experience with sub-par performance.

Do a realistic analysis of what is perceived as failure. Oftentimes our view of the success/failure continuum is skewed toward the fail side. Successes are minimized or overlooked. At the end of the day I often tell myself that not much was accomplished – until I run the inventory of tasks. Maybe I didn’t get through the to-do list, but much was scratched off. And who’s to-do list is slated for one day only?

Strip goals down to their purest form. Is this a resolution born from critique? There’s likely some hidden emotion attached that has to do with self-worth, fear, or longing of some kind. When that becomes exposed, the real goal involves, not money or a slim body but instead, a higher level of self-acceptance or a conquering of some masked fear.

We all know words have meaning. If we can edit our goals, we can phrase them in a kinder, gentler way. Write This, Not That:

    “I will build on my success with short story writing by submitting to five more publications.”

    “This year I’m going to write one short story every month and submit each to ten publications.”

The first is concrete and specific but non-judgmental. The second recalls past failings (i.e. this year) and sets goals that, while specific and enthusiastic, may be lofty.

There are many articles about goal setting for writers. They involve strategies, tactics and tips for achieving them. But knowing the root of the goal, the why of it, will help identify what might be holding you back.

My resolution this year? Be kind to myself and to others.

To my family, friends and fellow writers, peace and a Happy New Year to you all.