Happy New Year to you, Happy 50th Birthday to me, and welcome to my first (annual?) New Year’s “Not Resolutions” post at Alphabet Salad!
Why NOT resolutions, you might ask?
Personally, I’m not so much a fan of New Year’s resolutions – the very word brings out my inner rebel and dooms me to failure, year after year. That said, I’m a BIG fan of both intentions (see My 2017 Word of the Year + Linkup) and checklists (see The 50 by 50 Project: The Final Update), both of which help me to succeed in a way that resolutions don’t. (Perhaps I’m only fooling myself, and the two combined are actually the same as resolutions – but I know myself, and have come to understand that I’m more apt to stick with my goals if I package them as NOT resolutions!)
Since I’ve shared my intentions for 2017 via my word of the year, it’s now time to put my checklist into writing. I’m relieved to say that it’s not anywhere near as ambitious as my 50 by 50 Project was (not even close!), which means that I should have a much better chance of actually getting through everything on the list!
So, in no particular order, I present to you…
Laurel’s New Year’s “Not Resolutions” 2017 Checklist
- Write more regularly than I did in 2016 – not daily, but aiming for three or four blog posts each week, with the probable exception of the three-week period that I’m away in Italy (yes, Italy!).
- Reconnect with some of the blogging network groups in which I am (or used to be) a member.
Creativity
- Learn and practice using the features of my new point-and-shoot camera before my trip to Italy (yes, Italy!).
- Finish learning all the designs posted on TanglePatterns.com.
- Create art for a second colouring book, aiming for publication in the fall.
- Create a new design for a Christmas/holiday card, both to sell online and send to family and friends.
- Participate in a craft fair to sell my art products and to promote my Zentangle classes.
Health
- Lose 40 pounds.
- Participate in a 5K walk (NOT a run!) in which I earn a medal on completion.
I know I can do it… now on to a fresh new year!

What are you hoping to accomplish in 2017?
Please share!

Twitter: Texasebeth
January 1, 2017
I am thinking about joining a Virtual running group. You track your kilometers on your own time and can earn medals that way.
I am also considering my own 50 by 50 Project this year. I turn 49 on the 22nd.
Elizabeth recently posted… Covering His Bases
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2017
The running group is a fun idea – love it! And I’ll definitely follow along if you decide to do a 50 by 50 Project!
Laurel Regan recently posted… New Year’s
Twitter: mayuraamarkant
January 1, 2017
My resolutions for 2017 are similar to yours. Especially losing weight and writing regularly. All the best to both of us. And yes, enjoy your trip to Italy.
Do take a look at my latest post for UBC: https://diaryofaninsanewriter.wordpress.com/2017/01/01/my-husband-i-are-incompatible-is-my-marriage-successful/
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2017
Thank you so much, and all the best in 2017!
Laurel Regan recently posted… New Year’s
Twitter: amummyslifenz
January 1, 2017
I don’t do resolutions either. I call mine goals.
Patricia recently posted… Happy New Year!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2017
Sounds like a good idea!
Laurel Regan recently posted… New Year’s
Twitter: mahathi_ramya
January 1, 2017
I too dont set resolutions every year Laurel. Iam planning to do more freelancing, user testing and blogging this year.
Ramya recently posted… 5 New year resolutions that everyone should take
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2017
Sounds great! All the best with your goals!
Laurel Regan recently posted… New Year’s
Love your idea of tagging this as “not resolutions”. Thats the only way this checklists of yearly goals can actually be accomplished. I think I will take “inspiration” from your post and make my very own today!
Cheers
SHALINI BAISIWALA recently posted… #TBR : To-Be-Read
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2017
Thank you! Good luck with your own goals!
Laurel Regan recently posted… New Year’s
Twitter: parul2411
January 2, 2017
I missed you around and so happy to be here. I am also not a resolutions person but I go have some goals like health, focusing on self and being fearless. I wish you achieve the ones you have set for yourself.
Parul Thakur recently posted… #WomenAtWork – An Artist
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2017
Glad to see you, Parul! All the best with your goals this year. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… New Year’s
Awesome post.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2017
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… New Year’s
I want to create fun and adventure for the upcoming year! Best of luck on your goals for 2017! You will accomplish them all.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2017
That sounds wonderful! Thank you, and best of luck to you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 123 – Fresh Start
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