My pile of journals, diaries and notebooks is slowly growing. I've kept journals sporadically over many years, but it's only this year that I really started to get into a more regular journaling practice. Earlier this year, I read Tristine Rainer's The New Diary, which showed me a whole new way of using a diary, including many different journaling techniques, which were pretty much all new to me. And in September, I began a new journaling routine - writing in my journal every day. And with every new practice comes a new journal to suit that particular practice. I also like my 5 year diaries. I've kept them for the past six years, and it's fun to see, on one page, what you've been doing on a particular day over the period of 5 years.
I also like to take this time of the year to prepare for the new year. To sit down and reflect on the year that is coming to an end, and to write down my plans, goals, and dreams for the new year that is coming. This year, I'm also preparing a special book, a sort of guide to accompany me through the year and help me keep on track, as I tend to lose sight too easily of all the plans, intentions, goals, and dreams as the year progresses. I'm also trying out a couple of special planners to help me get organised and to get things done. I'm looking forward to see how and if they work for me. But most of all I want to take it easy this year. Over the past years, I've tended to put too much pressure on the new year. Too much of the "this year, everything will be completely different" attitude. I'm still going to write a big list of all the things I want to change, achieve, make come true, but instead of expecting big things to miraculously happen, I'll just get on with doing the work, step by step, and trying to do my best.
What's your practice? Do you keep journals, diaries, special notebooks? Do you have a special routine or ritual to prepare for the new year?
Like you Kay, I like to write my goals down and I will be doing this by way of a blog post on New-Years-Day. It's a great way of making myself accountable and they say that if you write your goals down, you are 80% more likely to achieve them than you are if you just have them in your head! I keep my list short, because I don't want to set myself up for failure. Usually I have two or three 'WILL DO' things I set myself. Then I add one ore two extra's I also 'PLAN TO' do, but aren't essential. I achieved all of my 'will do's' and some of my 'plan to's' for this year, even if one of the main 'will do' ones was last minute! I am never very good at keeping journals though. That is always a 'plan to' but one I never seem to keep up! I have several unfinished ones! I wish I was more inclined. Meanwhile I enjoy looking at all of yours :0)
ReplyDeleteThat book sounds interesting! Yes, I do daily journaling and this year I plan to also keep a journal for daily writing prompts. Then I have a regular monthly planner (Franklin Covey) and this last year I started keeping a bullet journal, which I love! I kind of adapted the bullet so it fits me and my life. I love this time of the yearly switch--contemplating the past year and thinking about the new year. I make what I call a goal list, not resolutions. Just a big old to do type list of things I'd like to try or accomplish or make--whatever. I'm excited for 2016!! :) Have a wonderful New Year!!
ReplyDelete