2019 began with a word: Brave. But that word very quickly changed to: Balance.
I was burnt out from all the 2018 hustle to publish IKYLAM, I’d put aside everything else, including rest.
So I approached 2019 with my only goal being “to return to balance”.
Normally I’m all about the “SMART goal” thing, where it’s measurable and such, but this year I intentionally did not make it measurable. This type A planner personality would have been all “Okay, to achieve balance I need to attend the gym 2x a week, write 3x a week, cook a homecooked meal at least once a week, finish reading 2 books a month, and have 2 lazy evenings a week. Annnnnd, go!” Haha I’d be hustling to achieve it and miss the point. So for the first time ever, I left the goal intentionally vague and amorphous.
Looking back: Did I do it? Did I return to balance?
Maybe not in the way a type A planner personality would want, but overall, yes. Here is a few of the ways I see improvement:
- 2019 started with hardly touching my writing-related life. I was too burnt out. Now it’s a steady part of my week again. I am moving forward on my next novel, as well as regularly blogging for you fine folks and improving my business practices through training opportunities.
- In 2018, I only read 4 books. That’s how “in the zone” I was with the publishing process. In contrast, 2019 I was able to read 54 books. What a jump! I was finally able to relax and refuel my inspirational well.
- I had stopped attending the gym almost entirely, but throughout the year I was slowly able to build that back in to my routine. Not all the way as far as I’d like, but a whole lot closer.
Many times throughout the year I’d tell fellow writer Jenn “I didn’t write before work, I slept in” or “I didn’t write when I got home yesterday. Instead I binge-watched Lucifer, oops.” And she would faithfully remind me “Your goal for the year is balance, and it sounds like you’re achieving that.” Having that reminder, that permission to rest, was crucial.
And now, looking forward to 2020, my new word is: Brave.
It feels like the right time to choose Brave. Stepping out into big things while keeping balance in mind. Here goes!
Now you tell me: How’d your 2019 go? And what’s next for 2020?
Love your posts!
Trish, I’m so glad to hear it ☺️ hope you’re doing well!
2019 was busy! I attended 12 author events, and published two books. Secret Supers and Oops! Tales of the Zombie Turkey Apocalypse. They are in paperback and ebook, and I have an audiobook of Secret Supers.
Andy, you *have* been busy. You’ve done enough for the both of us 😉
But remember, authoring is my full time job, whereas you have a day job. That’s a big difference. I didn’t even try to write and publish when I was working full time.