Do you make New Year resolutions and set goals? If you do, and all you do is write them down—or even if you write out some of the steps and actions involved—then you are doomed to failure. Doomed.
Why? Because new goals and changes require an environment to support them. Otherwise, it is too easy to slide back into old habits and old ways. It is too easy to act as the old year you instead of the New Year you.
So, here are some tips to set you up to succeed with your goals and changes for the New Year.
- Throw the old and unused out. Old, unused stuff weighs you down, keeps you stuck in the old year you. Creatives hold onto stuff because it might come in useful…someday. Suddenly, instead of a studio, you have a warehouse. Look around. I bet there are items you can pitch. Magazines you intend to read (from the beginning of the year or even last year); books you’ve read (or haven’t) but don’t need any more because you and your work are changing; cards, letters and supposed keep-sakes that are more dust-collectors than anything else; and odds and ends of old or deserted projects. Let go, let go, let go. If the items still have value or service to them then sell them or give them away. Getting rid of stuff you don’t or won’t use makes space for new items or opportunities. You’ll feel lighter. Energy will move again.
- Clean up the clutter. Even if you are obsessive compulsive about keeping your space clean, I am sure there is a least one area in your workspace where clutter reigns. But that clutter in your work space can create clutter in your brain as well so there is no room for the Muse when she comes to call. Check out your nearest office supply place for containers and organizing systems, and, if you have the money, hire a professional organizer, someone who understands the creative mind so that the organization works with your creative style.
- Create areas and containers for the goals or changes. You have to make space for the new goals and changes, not try to squeeze them in amongst the old. If you prefer working with printed material, create file folders for research, or a binder for printed manuscript pages, or find a lovely box to keep it all in. That way, you’ll know where to find your material when you need it and the clutter of papers and leaflets, etc. will be out of sight. If you do everything online, then create new folders online and be sure to keep your material organized there. Clean out old emails! Organize books by topic and keep reference books closest to hand. Designate certain areas for certain activities such as reading, research, spiritual centering, or creative playtime.
Don’t forget to give your work area a good cleaning and vacuuming. Smudge your space with some favorite incense to release old emotions such as lingering frustrations or disappointments. Bring in a vase of flowers. Set up a picture of one of your goals, a story character, a favorite author, or your self-created cover of a current work-in-progress. And make sure your tools work well, are clean and close at hand.
Don’t doom yourself for resolution failure, especially when it comes to your writing and creativity. Whatever your goals and desired changes for the New Year, support them and yourself by setting up your environment for success.