Most of us have probably already looked back on 2014 and evaluated our progress on our careers, our personal situations and perhaps even the state of our souls. Now that we're well into the first week of 2015, should we set goals for this next year.
You might have heard how few people keep the resolutions they make each year. 8% of people making those resolutions actually achieve their goals. Over a third of us never make resolutions. Here's some stats for how those resolutions work out for people. If you do make them, you're more likely to achieve them if you make them public. More than a few bloggers will make their public by putting them up on their blogs.
The number one resolution made by people has to do with losing weight and the second is to get organized. Either of those sound familiar?
Even if you don't make a resolution or set a specific goal, the start of the year is a good time to change a habit or try to create a new one. An exercise habit, a writing every day habit or perhaps a regular blogging habit.
Blogging creates networking connections and 2015 is a great time to increase yours. The signers for 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge will open later this month. Now is the time to plan your networking plan for the year. April too far ahead for you to think about?
Are you part of the IWSG blog hop? This group posts the first Wednesday of every month and shares problems, solutions and some great ideas. If you're not part of this group, this month is a good chance to join. Well into its third year, this month the participants are going to re-introduce themselves to everyone. It's the perfect month to learn about the members of this group, their strengths, their accomplishments and why you'd like to be part of their network. If you're unsure if you want to take on another group, this is a perfect month to check it out and understand who you would be making connections to as part of that group.
For 2015, you might want to make some plans even if you aren't making resolutions. IWSG posts 12 times per year. A to Z posts for one month solid. It's not an entire plan but if you saw Guardians of the Galaxy, 12% of a plan is a pretty good start when you're surrounded by friends.
Are you making plans for 2015? Have you ever made resolutions? Are you part of the 8% for 2014?
April Blogging from A to Z Challenge #AtoZChallenge
I tend to make more goals than resolutions every January, but some are both. For example, that goal I set every year to eat healthier but never quite seem to manage.
ReplyDeleteI'm still finalizing this year's goal list.
I always vow to eat healthier. I try to make small inroads a bit at a time.
DeleteThis year I have made a lot of goals and plans - and I'm determined to see them through! I've broken them down though to make them doable. Nothing ventured! x
ReplyDeleteBreaking them down is how I do it too. Hope it works for both of us.
Delete12% of a plan is a great start!!!
ReplyDeleteI knew you would get The Guardians of the Galaxy reference.
DeleteWell my weight is fine and i'm as organized as can be, so no resolutions needed ever for me haha all ready to go for the a to z
ReplyDeleteIf I could only be half or even a quarter as much ahead as you always are.
DeleteGoals for me get reviewed monthly. I made my last New Year's Resolution in 1986, to make no more New Year's Resolutions. I have successfully kept that resolution no for 29 years :-) Looking forward to the A-Z Challenge this year. It will be my first!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a long time to keep a resolution. It might be a record, at least for people I know.
DeleteI think resolutions are silly because people tend to saddle themselves with the most unrealistic resolutions. I like creating goals. But not too many and one that are within my limit.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the A to Z challenge this year and the IWSG. :)
That's such a good point. People really are unrealistic and set themselves up for failure.
DeleteI make goals, but I'm flexible with them since life loves to through plot twists at us. I'll be doing the A-Z Challenge with the UR group again. It was so much fun last year! :)
ReplyDeleteAs busy as you are, you would have to be flexible. I think I visited UR almost every day during A-Z last April.
DeleteI never make resolutions (they seem cliché and conformist), but I'm releasing three books this year, and have two others to finish. I also want to continue improving as an artist this year, particularly now that I've got a full set of artist-quality oil pastels coming in the mail. They're going to make a great addition to my art supply collection.
ReplyDeleteI continue to have goals, so I don't feel inclined to make resolutions. Love when others do and they succeed. Losing weight? I gave that up a few years ago. Now I'm just hoping I don't expand to the point I can't get into my car. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI'm of the opinion that you should be improving yourself throughout the year, not to mention most of the resolutions I could make I probably won't keep. Anyway, have a great year.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan .. I'd intended to do my A-Z posts over Christmas - no such luck .. and as usual I'm way behind .. tidying up 2014 - before I can really tackle 2015 - still I'm getting there ...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all your projects and yes I'm in the A-Z .. unless life overtakes me ... cheers Hilary
I really need to do more physical exercise... even a little walking would help.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's NEVER TOO EARLY to think about the AtoZ challenge!