Annual Lists

Today is New Years Eve. In many ways, this year was the wildest one yet for me, a crazy roller-coaster of emotion and life changes, including both major events and more subtle shifts. In the time that has passed since last December 31st, I have married my best friend, sold my business, and finished my masters degree. I also became a proud auntie, read some good books, cooked lots of delicious food, and fulfilled my life goal of finally getting a perm.

I do not believe in New Years resolutions. Resolutions are just too vague, and they seem to have the quality of shaming and forever putting us on the defensive. However, I do think that the spirit of renewal that New Years inspires is a wonderful energy to engage with. In this darkest time of the year, with the very worst months ahead (I’m especially looking at you, March), it’s good to have an excuse for some quiet reflection. The future always seems especially ripe with possibility on New Years Eve, and its a beautiful moment to evaluate things and decide what we can and want to change in our lives.

So, instead of resolutions, I believe in the power of annual lists. This is a tradition I have upheld for the past several years, and I invite you to join me in this satisfying and empowering activity. As someone who has never really enjoyed ‘watching the ball drop’, I consider this my favorite part of New Years Eve.

To make an annual list

Reflect. Sit down somewhere quiet and write down every important thing that happened during the calendar year. ‘Important’ has a flexible definition here- it can be anything from moving to a new home, taking a class, starting a new job, or quitting a harmful habit. In past years, my lists have also included life shifts that are harder to quantify- lessons learned, etc.

Set goals. Goals are different from resolutions- I feel they are more specific while at the same time more flexible. Make three or four goals for the next year. I generally like to include some that are highly actionable and obtainable, and some that are looser and more conceptual. Sometimes I’ll also include one that is kind of out there, just to keep things interesting. This is why, for example, I can usually be found attempting to learn a new musical instrument or something in January (which without fail I will quit within a month or so).

Keep it to yourself. I keep my annual lists in a folder in my desk drawer. I do not show them to people- they are for me alone. Although it always feels great to achieve one of your goals, this exercise isn’t about creating a to do list, or a document to hold yourself accountable for life progress. It’s more about recording the things you are proud of and thinking through the changes you’d like to make in your life. Writing these things down gives them power, but keeping them private also allows for flexibility. We all change so much every year of our lives- priorities shift, circumstances are constantly in flux, and these are factors that are important to recognize.

As part of my tradition every year, I also spend some time going through all of my previous annual lists. Taken together, this growing document is like a very condensed diary- a record of personal growth. It is empowering and a great reminder of how exciting and limitless the future can be.

Here’s to a glorious and peaceful 2016! Have fun, stay safe, and do NOT begin a gym membership tomorrow or start some stupid juice cleanse. Trust me.