This year, I’ve decided to not make New Year’s Resolutions. It’s not that they haven’t worked for me in the past, so long as I kept them small and not overwhelming. I view New Year’s Resolutions as a “don’t do this list” rather than “try something new.” Although that’s not totally accurate, it’s how I’m looking at it for 2021. Here’s the difference between resolutions and goals I found online:

Essentially, a resolution is something you will constantly be working toward, while a goal is specific and finite. Resolutions are made up of goals. While there is a difference between goals and resolutions, they are relevant and intertwined.

These entertaining guys hang outside my office.

I’ve decided that I’d rather make a list of goals, not resolutions. Mostly it’s learning new things, seeing new places. In my new home, I want to learn about the birds I’m seeing, the plants, the trails and mountains.

One of our first hikes in AZ at Cave Creek Regional Park.

So, a few of my goals — besides getting my house unpacked and in order — are:

1. Start birdwatching — I already put a bird feeder in the backyard.
2. Learn about saguaro cactus and other species of native plants.
3. Hike on a new trail each week.
4. Experience more sunrises and sunsets.
5. Explore areas like the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
6. Take a photography class online.
7. Sketch or paint some of my new scenery.
8. Begin a new manuscript, in a genre new to me.
   

   The sunset from our street.

   Do you have a list of New Year’s Resolutions or goals to share?