Since getting my first job in 2012, I started assigning themes to my new year. For 2012, the theme was Hope because with getting a job, I hoped that my circumstances would improve and I would be able to manage my student loan payments. I forgot what the theme was for 2013, but for 2014 it was Progress. I wanted to build on what I attained in 2013 and continue to move forward.
For 2015, I wanted to Improve. I did well professionally in 2014, but not so great in my personal life. I needed to improve my health, relationships, and finances, and though I tried, I failed miserably in some areas and by the time 2016 rolled around, I was so angry with myself that I constantly berated myself for my failures. By reading Pema Chödrön’s Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better, I learned that such internal dialogue isn’t healthy and that failures can help us to improve. Sometimes they are blessings in disguise, but it’s all a matter of Perspective, which was the theme for 2016.
Changing my perspective on things or simply taking a step back and considering circumstances from a different angle has greatly helped me in 2016. Many of the hang-ups and heavy goals I carried with me since college fell away in 2016 because when I took a closer look at them, I realized that I didn’t want those things anymore. It made me feel lighter and allowed me to focus my attention elsewhere.
The huge mistake in 2015 that made me feel like the biggest, stupidest failure in the universe was rectified in 2016. Actually, I’m still working on it and am two months from completion, which makes me immensely proud of myself. I also realized in 2016 that I need to start doing things that make me happy, things that I really want to do.
Friends and family members always have suggestions for what I should be doing and how I should enjoy myself, but no one has ever asked me what I want to do or considered that the things I like are fun, like attending a book conference. So in 2016 I considered my life and decided to take everyone’s advice to start enjoying myself and I did so by attending events that everyone I know believe to be boring but were fun for me. And I plan to continue doing so in 2017, even if I have to go alone (because I really don’t know anyone IRF who’re interested in the same shit I like).
So my theme for 2017 will be Persevere. I suspect it was the forgotten theme of that mysterious year, 2013; but I need to Persevere so I can continue to improve and attain the goals I do want to reach. I’m not good at staying focused so I usually give up on my pursuits halfway in the chase when I get distracted by something new and shiny. I’d like to see things through to the end because the few times I’ve done so, I felt immensely happy with myself and felt a great boost of self-confidence.
So Persevere. That’s what I’ll do for 2017.
Happy New Year.
Z
Those were some very original goals. Perseverance definitely sounds like a good step in the right direction. I do hope the best for you in all the challenges to come. Oh, and I couldn’t agree more with your statement on doing things YOU enjoy; even if others find it boring! And man, so true that finding people IRL who like the same stuff as you do is almost always impossible. I too would definitely love to see more book conventions this year. After having went to YALLWEST, I thought maybe checking out the famous BookExpo at NYC this year would be pretty cool. Although, I also heard (like you’ve mentioned to some other peepz) that it might be much harder to enter as a book blogger now…
– Lashaan
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Thanks 😊 and I wish you all the best for this year too.
I think the weeklong event Bookexpo will be difficult, but the Bookcon that’s held on the weekend might be easier for bloggers n vloggers to attend. I went Bookcon last year but would really love to the entire Bookexpo. I plan to make it to one or both this year. If you decide to go, lemme know. 😊
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I’ll definitely drop you a message! 🙂
– Lashaan
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Cool! 😀
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Wow you’ve definitely set some goals each year. You know what you want and need and I’m sure you’ll persevere this year ! Happy reading too !!
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Thanks! 😀 Same to you.
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Thanks for the thoughtful post. I’m hoping this is the year I go to BEA, is that what you’re thinking about? I hear you about deciding to do the things you really like, even if no one else does. That’s kind of what blogging does for me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also tried to accept the things I don’t like to do, and be comfortable with that too.
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Yea, I think acknowledging what you like and dislike is part of getting to know yourself and accepting who and how you are, which is pretty liberating.
And yea, BEA. I’d like to go again this year though I’ve heard they’ve made it hard for bloggers to attend. I might just go to only the BookCon instead. And since getting into comics, I’d like to go the Small Press Expo again, which is in the DMV.
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What book things are you thinking about attending this year?
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For this year, I’d like to go the Small Press Expo again because I doubt I’ll make it to a comic con and since BEA/BookCon will be in NYC this year, I’d like to go that too and any other cons I can find, especially fantasy-based ones. Hope about you?
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Oh neat! I’ve never actually been to one so I need to do a bit of research first. Totally up for going to one though if I can find one nearby.
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Cool. They are fun but they’ll make you spend loads though, depending on the event.
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Hey, happy new year zezee with books,
xoxoxo
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Thanks Steeeve 🙂 lol Happy New Year!!
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Very inspirational! I actaully feel that I need something like this. Focus on one thing and try to reach the goal ❤ Thank you and all the best wishes for the new year!
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Aw thanks for stopping by and Happy New YEar to you too.
The one-word goal tend to work better for me. And I recently read a blog post that linked to others who do it too. I didn’t know it was a thing.
http://www.booksuniverseeverything.com/2017/01/01/my-word-of-the-year-2017/
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This is such an insightful post with some good subtle advise for everyone… I wish you a happy new year! 🙂 Here’s to personal happiness and continuous improvement! 🙂
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Aww thank you for such kind words. All the best to you in the new year!!
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