1. Assist, advocate, altruistic. I 100% believe what you put out in the world eventually comes back around and we cannot survive without the act of giving. I like to think of myself as independent and brave, but I need others. We all do. Altruism is speaking for those who can't speak for themselves, it is giving yourself, your time, and your belongings to others.
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2. This is a big one. I want to finish all currently unfinished/not-yet-revised works I've started on since 2011. I have written and published a book (as most of you probably already know), have written most of my second book and have several tidbits of a third. I published 2 poems through small university publications, and also a anthropological analysis (scientific paper). I am 75% into a screenplay (which is my most recent project.) I am also more than half way through several personal essays (some are complete and revised...just patiently waiting to be sent out). I am still invested in all of these but have a difficult time overcoming writer's block.
3. Next is more of a professional goal. As you folks probably know, I build and teach writing courses through a platform called Udemy. I am unsure if I want to continue actively teaching these courses. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but the input does not in any way outweigh the output. Basically, I don't make enough money doing it to justify spending 8-10 hours a day with my students. My T.E.A.C.H loan forgiveness program starts soon, and I think I will "sign myself out" of Udemy thereafter. From that point forward, 2 of my 3 classes will be free and remain up as self-taught courses. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join. I will not be there though. The other one? I will close.
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4. I want to become more organized. I have this smart phone that I do not utilize. I have programs in which I don't utilize. I could really benefit from a calendar. I could benefit from journaling daily. Even if it's just plans for the day. I find myself to be more absent minded since finishing school. I am used to having several tasks to complete on a daily and weekly basis, and now, I find it hard to get things done.
5. Find balance between work, home, and personal life. The main objective is to become more invested in the moment. I want to learn to be more thoughtful. Also, I want to find ways to be more invested the simple things/joys.
6. Remaining conscious is always a goal of mine. All this means is mindfulness. This means thinking about my thoughts, thinking about my decisions, and thinking about who I am. This keeps me grounded and on the right track to where it is I'm trying to go. Overall, mindfulness is good for all aspects of life. I want to be mindful about everything from the conversations I have to the food I put in my mouth. It can also help me become less judgmental, procrastinate less, budget better, and keep a clean/less cluttered home. It is about being present in your life. Be. Here. Now.
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7. Last but not least -- never stop learning. I've become lazy and less interested in knowing. Thirst for knowledge was a big part of my life in college. I was always prepared for a discussion. It was such a big deal to me that I went into research writing a few years ago. I jumped through hoops obtaining academic research and I valued the work put in by others before me. I still believe access to information and knowing how to think is a big deal. How else will we progress as a society? I spent a lot less time thinking critically in 2015, less time using my brain, and I feel less bright because of it.
And, that's it. For now at least! I hope you are all setting goals for yourself and looking towards the new year with hope and determination.
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