New Year’s Resolutions get a bad rap because of our tendency to give up or forget about them by February. Still, I find something hopeful in the chance to try again, to imagine how you’d like to be and what you’d like to do in the next year.
More often than not, I set goals and make plans that are all about how I’M going to accomplish something. All by myself. Because I don’t need anyone else. But here’s an idea I’ve been testing lately.
By now, most of us are familiar with a basic goal-ing template.
1. Write down your goal.
2. Break it into smaller steps.
3. Set a date for when you’d like to accomplish each step.
If you’re feeling brave, there’s one more thing to do.
Next to each goal or even each step, write down who your partner(s) will be.
For me, it’s no small thing. I don’t like asking for help or acknowledging that I can’t do everything alone. Stating my needs doesn’t come naturally. Vulnerability makes me sweaty.
I’m doing it anyway.
Partners can take many forms. For example, I’ve set a goal to complete a draft of a historical novel in 2020. I’ll need many partners for that single goal.
my husband-protecting my writing time
my critique group-motivation and feedback
the Women Writing the West organization-resources for research and standards
Asking for their help doesn’t take away from what I’ll accomplish. It won’t diminish my satisfaction.
It will keep me humble and increase the likelihood that I’ll meet my goals.
Do you have big goals for 2020? Who will be your partners?