2012 Rocks - I Can Tell Already

Today I'm headed to the beach to hail the new year with a good friend. She's positive. A yoga instructor in tune with various energies. She makes me feel great about myself. Anyone who knows me realizes that I'm as grounded and logical as they come. But there's something about being around this lady that settles me and helps me see myself better. So to the beach I go, to welcome new goals and a new year, because I think 2012 will be different. No, I can't forecast the future, and I'm not that connected to assume I'll be successful, but I've decided 2012 will rock. Why?

1. I have vision. 

My goals are pretty solid. They are book-related. I won't release them here because I believe that broadcasting your goals takes some of the starch out of them, leaving them less exciting. Many writers announce their goals, thinking they'll be held more accountable by making promises in writing and out loud. Keep your goals to yourself, as if you are planning a surprise. Face it . . . if you told everyone around you what your presents were going to be, the feeling of awe when they are finally revealed feels rather dampened. 

2. I have support.

I belong to a few writers' groups, online and in person. I have friends who like the fact I'm a writer. I have a spouse ready to hit the road with me in 2012 to conferences and writing group visits. This quote rather intrigued me this week as I pondered the upcoming year: 

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”- Jim Rohn

If you spend most of your time with people who don't believe in you, you tend not to believe in yourself. Change that. So you can't alter your spouse, child, significant other or coworker. You can however, make a point of connecting with those who understand writing. Seriously, that sense of belonging and camaraderie with like souls empowers you. You can also educate those around you who don't understand the importance of writing in your life. When they see you taking responsibility for your writing and taking it seriously, they will, too.

3. I have excitement. 

Leading into a goal with trepidation is like trying to dance ballet in hiking boots. You aren't giving yourself permission to be good. Yes, it's easy to be excited on January 1. It's clean, new, without scars and mistakes. However, you can look at each month's 1st as a point to re-energize. Analyze what you did the previous month and make plans to dance on your toes in top form in the next. 

Nothing magic. All attitude. Decide 2012 will rock for you. Take baby steps or giant leaps, it doesn't matter. What does make the difference is how you think about yourself and what you are capable of fulfilling.