Yes, I got it; that's two words. Read on and you'll see why I picked those words.
I always craft a banner image which combines a relevant image and my logo to top my weekly newsletter. This picture of Yoda and his famous (infamous?) quote appeared in this week's edition.
When I showed this image to my youngest daughter she first noted that I hadn't seen any of the Star Wars movies and then said that, though she likes the character of Yoda, she didn't care for this quote. She finds it too unforgiving and unappreciative of the value of trying new things.
I acknowledged my lack of familiarity with the Star Wars films, though I know who Yoda is, and pointed out that my reading of this quote is a bit different. I see it as a call to approach "trying" in a different way. Oftentimes when we decide to take on a new task we defeat ourselves before we ever start. We say things like, "I'll try and see how it goes," or "I'll give it a shot." Why not approach a new venture with an "I will" attitude, as in I will do this. You may succeed or you may fail, but I think you've entered into that new something with an expectation of success as opposed to a hope for success and that might make all the difference.
That's how I approach New Year's Resolutions. I resolve. I pledge. I expect.
I can't say I've kept every single one of the resolutions I've ever made, but I've kept most, at least for the time period (usually one year) I pledged to.
So, having painted myself into a corner :), I'm sharing with you all my "I will's", better known as New Year's Resolutions:
1. I will drink a glass of water every morning before I do anything else. I know this seems like a silly thing to pledge, but I honestly don't think I drink enough water, so I consider it a healthy lifestyle resolution.
2. I will exercise every day. I'll be honest. I made this pledge several years ago and have pretty much kept it ever since, but I think it's important to renew the promise. I do have a policy for sickness or emergency, so I'm not a complete nut.
3. I will read at least two books a month. It's important to be specific with your goals and I want to read more, so I picked an amount I felt I could accomplish.
4. I will make or buy thrifted all my clothes. Again I've made this pledge before and kept it, but this year I'm adding a new twist by challenging myself to make as many of my clothes as possible out of my own hand dyed and patterned fabric. I am allowed to buy new workout clothes and shoes. Check out my upcoming post on Monday, January 11 for the first installment on this promise.
5. I will make great customer service the keystone habit of my business. You guys keep me in business. I want to make sure I'm making you feel appreciated.
6. I will keep learning. I have several design programs that I would like to be more familiar with and have even purchased online classes to gain that familiarity. This is the year I will master them.
I auditioned other resolutions, but I think trimming the list makes for a greater chance of success. Also, I think creating accountability helps, thus this post and I'll update you all on my progress. I've got a couple of other tips as well and will share those over the next month.
Ok, I've told you mine. What about you? What "I will's" do you have planned for 2016?