I’ve been trying to think of what my “word” for 2012 should be. Last year I declared that 2011 was going to be the year of focus and for the most part it was. My relentless push in all areas resulted in a pretty darn good year.
But I’m realizing I spent a lot of time in 2011 saying yes to everything. When I say everything, I mean it.
“Who wants to bake cookies for the kindergartners?” Sure, I’ll do it.
“Who wants to go first in presenting your curriculum to the class?” Hey, why not me?
“Who wants to edit this manuscript? It’s 300 pages and it’s due in three days.” Oh, let’s see if I can.
It drove me crazy. You know how they say we only use 10% of our brains? Well, it felt like I was closing in on 90%. All the while I’m thinking to myself, “Why am I doing this? What is the point?” Most of the time I was tired for what felt like no reason, and my self-care plummeted. (As my friend Aja wisely noted once, “It’s almost impossible for me to try to be rich and skinny in the same week.”)
So as I’ve been mulling it over, I think 2012 will be the year of “purpose.”
What does that mean? I dunno. What I think it means is that I won’t be doing anything just ’cause. I want to do things that have meaning, that improve my life, that increase the number in my bank account, that give my kids new experiences. Of course, life throws us curveballs and we must adapt and sometimes do things we don’t want to do.
But I want to 2012 to be more guided. More introspective. More calming. As I approach the end of grad school, I’m almost certain some days the goal is going to be “Just try not to pass out.” But I can do it. And so can you.
What is your goal for 2012?
I love this.. I think (know) this will be my year of focus.. I need to just do it and quit allowing my thoughts to get the best of me!
This is going to be my year of honing in on my strengths and seeking help when I need it. I also need to focus on caring for myself and not always putting my needs on the back burner.
Here’s to a great New Year!
My goal for this year is focus. There so much that I want to do and I’m ready to buckle do and do it.
To be as anxiety & worry free as possible. 2011 taught me some great lesson on making my goals a reality.
Good stuff, Tara! I love that you’re surrendering the the powers of guidance and calm. That has helped me so much as I survive the ebbs and flows of life as a mom/wife/etc/etc! Just saw on Twitter that you have a Survival Guide out–awesome!! Hi-fives! I just finished my survival guide for Execumamas, and it’s due out in March. In the meantime, I’ll take a hint from you and “try not to pass out.” LOL! I love that, because some days, that’s the absolute best we can do!
Wishing you well as you continue to thrive and provide such honest and helpful examples of the Young Mommy Life!
Keep working on building my brand & gaining more partnerships with people who are making big impacts in the world. I will make more time for “ME” & the life I deserve, which means slowing things down & being able to enjoy all of my moments.