
This is a photo of my daughter (center) swimming with two club teammates
I wrote this January 2015. There’s not much I’d change nine years later. As far as my New Year’s Resolution that year to swim with my kids’ club team in their Master’s program, it took me until April to get up my courage. But I did it. (Master’s is swimming with a coach for 18 year olds and older.)
Kick It up a Notch! Or How to Build on Last Year’s Resolutions
This year, I might start swimming Masters.
I sat down to write my New Year’s Resolutions story for my blog when I got distracted by checking out FaceBook. Just for a few mintues, mind you.
What did I see? An article written by a friend of mine, Susan Murphy, published in a local wellness and health publication, called Desert Health. She wrote about New Year’s Resolutions, too. You can read her article HERE. Susan’s a Ph.D., life coach, business advisor and author of several books.
I tried a couple of her tips last January. I made goals that were small. They weren’t overwhelming. And, they were specific.
Too many people fail at their resolutions. Last year, I managed to make four of my goals happen.
My successes: writing, exercising and reading the Bible every single day. I’m proud to say I did it! I also started bleuwater a year ago. I posted at least one story a week. It’s rewarding to look back on my work and know that I didn’t give up.
I also have a list of failures. But, I don’t care to discuss them right now.
So what am I going to try to do this year? As Emeril would say, “Kick it up a notch!”
I write my morning pages without fail. I have several writing projects I’m consumed with. But I want to do more. Make more progress.
My exercise is very consistent, but not challenging enough. I am getting stronger, but I need to kick it up. I walk several miles every morning and then in the evening with my husband. I am thinking about either joining a gym or swimming with masters.
What are your New Year’s goals?
How did you do with your resolutions last year?
A look at a goal for 2024:
FYI, I want to revise my rough draft of my NaNoWriMo project from two years ago. I struggled with it in 2023. I took a suggestion from LA from Waking up on the Wrong Side of 50 and signed up for an online writing class. It begins in two weeks. I’ll be off and going on one of my New Year’s resolutions.


Happy New Year and congrats on reaching your goals!
Oh, what writing class are you signing up for, if I can ask. I just wrote on LA”s blog how I want to challenge myself to do more for my writing and was thinking about classes. I am taking a short class that starts next week. I almost forgot about it!
7 miles is a lot! Good job.
I am taking a short class on plot. I’m sure it will be helpful to get me going on my revising. What class are you taking?
That sounds good. I hope you enjoy it.
It’s a 10 day free online course called “Do what you Love” You can do it at your own pace. Every session is recorded. There also is a private FB group to interact with. I’m looking forward to it.
That sounds fascinating.
I was glad to come across it! She is an author from the UK that usually charges for her courses, but because of so many facing hard times now she offered it free this year. There are so many good-hearted people in the world! ❤️
That’s wonderful! Good for her.
I hope the class gives you the push you need EA! I think it helps to know that others in the blogging community have common goals to bounce ideas off of, or share input and encourage personal steps in others. Happy New Year 🙂
I hope so too! I get bogged down in revisions and it’s hard to see the big picture. We have a great community.
Yay for you — signing up for a writing class. Love it! Happy New Year, Elizabeth! 🥰
Thank you! I hope it’s the push I need. Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year, Elizabeth! Love that you are doing a writing class. That’s great! Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2024!
Thank you! Best wishes for a great year ahead for your family, too!
Happy New Year. I make a set of vision cards every year instead of making resolutions that I won’t keep. This way if I get even one thing done in that category I can call it a win!
That’s a great idea 👍🏼
I walked away from resolutions years ago. I switched to selecting One Word for the year to focus on to shape and guide my attitude. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail! I wrote about last year’s word here: https://peripheralperceptions.wordpress.com/2023/12/29/december-photo-challenge-have-a-merry/
I have not selected a word yet for 2024. Hope you and yours have a bright and promising year. 💜
Oops. Wrong link!
https://peripheralperceptions.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/2023-one-word-recap/
Thanks for sharing. 😊
Thank you!
Oops. Wrong link!
https://peripheralperceptions.wordpress.com/2023/12/27/2023-one-word-recap/
👍🏼
LA suggested I work with a writing group or coach too! I’m going to look into that this year. I wish you all the luck with your writing class. Proud of you. Here’s to a successful 2024 whatever that might be. Hugs, C
Thank you! I chose a three-week class on plotting. I need help with plot and I can get through anything for three weeks.