New year, new goals

Happy New Year!

When I decided to go back to college and earn my master’s degree in the early 2000s, I remember laughing out loud at the goal. It seemed so brazen and outlandish. I had a demanding job and three small kids. My wife and I were already busy, how would I ever find the time? Despite the obvious challenges, I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. I knew it would help me in my job, but that was secondary. I wanted to challenge and accomplish something for myself.

Fortunately, I took the first step and then another and another. I turned up the volume on the voice in my head that said I could accomplish anything I set my mind to achieving and hit the mute button to the one that said I was crazy. I kept taking small steps and followed a plan until it didn’t feel so crazy. I think that’s how most goals are achieved: one small step after another.

My plans for 2024

In 2023, I posted throughout the week and then a few quotes each Saturday. My goal for 2024 is to ease back a bit, to post three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The content will be my same mix of personal stories, essays, and opinions. What will I be doing with my free time? I’ll still be writing, just in a different format. I plan to work on my novel.

I’ve attempted several over the years, but they’ve usually been fit in between everything else in life. I’m going to try to dedicate myself to working on one of ideas — it seems there are a million floating in my head — and coming out with full-blown completed novel.

Similar, but different

Writing and posting a blog three days a week is still a huge commitment, but it’s still lighter than what I had been posting. Before I get too far into my novel, though, it’s still fun to look back at the past year.

I found my 2023 schedule busy, but exciting all at the same time. Readers seemed to agree. Here’s my posts that fared the best in 2023:

• Making our getaway! — My wife and my impression of the gangsters, Bonnie and Clyde.
• Writing myself into a corner — I write about the challenges of getting stuck, figuring out the ending to one of my previous novel attempts.
• This I know – Version 2.0 — Here’s what I believe.
• A good question — My reminder to myself that everyone is carrying around a burden that we might not be able to see.
• Changing your stars — Life is about more than money and fame. It’s about how we live our lives.

Thank you!

Where will 2024 take me? I suspect a number of crazy and maybe quirky places — that’s my shoutout to my blogger friend Victoria Atkinson, who wrote eloquently this week about the lighter side of life and the importance of being true to yourself — but wherever I go, I’m taking small steps to get there.

Yes, one small step after another.

Before I get too far into the new year, though, I want to say thank you for joining me. Readers have a lot of demands for their time and I’m always touched that they find time to read my blog. I never expected to love blogging as much as I have and and have found so many amazing and talented friends from the experience. I appreciate all of your comments, feedback, and encouragement.

Here’s to an exciting 2024 and a Happy New Year.