Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013 Wrap Up



(Man, it's been a while....let's see if I remember how to do this.)

In my first post of this year I mentioned that I don't do New Year's "resolutions". For me, the act of 'resolving' to change something is only the first step in accomplishing a goal. Just saying "I'm going to get this done", doesn't really cut it, for me.

Last year I set a pretty easy goal. To be "better"....in many areas.

While I think I did an admirable job (in my own, humble, opinion), I know there's always room for improvement. That's why, this year, I'm going for the same goal....just more of it.

To be better than last year's "better"....if that makes sense.

As far as writing goes, I think I did become a little bit better, but still need work on the discipline thing. Sitting myself down to write has become a bit slack these past few months. Yes, I could blame a new working dynamic, or the holidays, or anything else for that matter, but the honest truth is I've just not felt like writing much. The worst part was, this feeling hit me as I was trying to complete NaNoWriMo. Needless to say (but I will anyway), I didn't succeed...with either of my story ideas. Oh well, there's always next year...no use beating myself up about it. :)

I still want to be a better son, brother, cousin, "uncle/godfather", friend, in-law, and most importantly, husband. In that same area I'd like to add father to that category, so we'll have to wait and see how that turns out.

So, just like last year, pretty simple as far as my goals for 2014.

Too simple, you think?

How about you, anything you're looking to accomplish in the upcoming year?

Have a very safe and Happy New Year!








21 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark .. being better as a goal is a good thing .. and you obviously had lots going on last year. At least you want to write - and that will at the right time spur you on .. a little every day ...

And you're going to be a father - congratulations - I hope I read that right .. but it's brilliant news - Happy New Year and all the best - Hilary

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I think those are admirable goals Mark and I wish you luck. I won't be setting any goals this year bout I do want to publish my 5 book novella series this year. Sacrifice HER is just the beginning. Happy New Year.

Trisha said...

Good luck achieving your new year's goal - I'm sure you'll manage just fine! :)

Happy New Year!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sometimes we just don't feel like writing and that's all right.
Good goals, Mark. Happy New Year!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Mark....

SOOO Good to see you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Your goals are fine. They needn't be complex, just honest and DOABLE....

All the best for 2014!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I make that promise to myself every night before I go to bed. To be better. It's not always so easy in the light of day. I wish the best at being better.

Mark Means said...

@Hilary: You know, I've never looked at it like that...I -do- still want to keep writing, so that IS something....thanks for that insight :) LOL, no I'm not going to be a father, yet, but maybe this year...who knows? Thank you, though :D

@Sheena: Thank you and wishing you the best in your publishing endeavors. Hope you had a great New Years, too :)

@Trisha: Thank you very much and I appreciate that! Happy New Years, as well :)

@Alex: That's true, I suppose, I just need to make sure that 'the time' isn't too long :) Thank you and Happy New Year!

@Michael: Thank you, sir, much appreciated and a Happy New Year to you, too! Yes, indeed, -doable- is the key, for sure. :)

@Susan: Thank you and best wishes to you in your goal to be better. As long as we're trying, right? :)

Robin said...

Being better than your previous better is a fine goal. I think we could all work on it.

I think your writing will work itself out. You will either come up with an idea to make one or both of your ideas work or you will start again with something totally different. Do you write The End right after you start The Beginning? That made a HUGE difference for me in terms of keeping my focus.

Happy 2014!

S.P. Bowers said...

I think it's a wonderful goal, and good luck on the 'father' thing. It's the biggest, life changingest decision of all. :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like you are good at being focused on never staying static but moving forward in all areas. I agree-- growth is always good. May you exceed your own expectations in 2014.

Lisa said...

Don't "they" say simpler is better? I have to agree! Especially this day and age. There is so much out there that is too complicated and confusing. Go Mark! I like your simple statement! Happy new year and I wish you all the best.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Every year I resolve to be perfect and every year I fail. Maybe doing better would be a better goal. Or just attempting some self-discipline...I stink in that category!

Best of luck on doing better yourself :)

klahanie said...

Hi Mark,

Everyday, in every way, you're getting better and better. A simple, yet the ideal goal. A goal I personally try to do without the pressure.

Welcome to 2014, my good friend.

Gary :)

Jeremy [Retro] said...

you can, you will... welcome in the new year as one day at a time challenge... you will win!

my plan is to roll the d&d dice and run blindly into that room of weapons.

Unknown said...

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Mark Means said...

@Robin: I hope you're right, one way or the other and thank you....hope you had a great New Years :)

@S.P: Thanks and we're keeping our digits crossed :D

@Julie: Thank you, though I could use just a tad more 'static' in my writing...hehe. We'll see...

@Lisa:Yes! someone else who appreciates 'simple'...thank you :)

@Elizabeth: Oh, you achieved your resolution to be perfect years ago! :) Hope you had a great New Year's eve.

@Gary: Thank you, my friend, and I think your no pressure approach is an ideal way to get things done. Wishing you a happy 2014!

@Jeremy: I like the way you think, my good man! (runs to find D&D dice) :D

Jack said...

I think that is a great idea, setting a goal like that. And I do hope you have a fantastic year this year.

Jack said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maurice Mitchell said...

I don't do "New Year's Resolutions" either Mark since it seems like any day is a good day to make a change, but it sounds like you're on the right path!

LD Masterson said...

A fresh new year and a goal of doing "better". Yup, that about covers it.

cleemckenzie said...

I agree about keeping those goals and just expanding them. They're worthy of more work. Here's to an amazing 2014 for you.

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