i’m a list maker. rather, i’m a to-do list maker. i would forget half of the things i need to get done in a day if i didn’t write them down.
however, i’ve never really sat down and made a list of my goals before. mental checklist, sure. pen and paper, not so much. i know that i am terrible at planning and working on that isn’t going to end up on any list of goals (it isn’t high on the priority list of things i’m concerned about with myself). so, when i learned that the topic for the month was going to be ‘goals’ i wasn’t sure what i would write about. i suppose that many of my goals aren’t that unusual or even interesting (be patient, eat healthier, get off my ass more, spend less time on social media, blah blah blah, et cetera). but, i did come up with a few goals that might sit a little more comfortably under the title “notes to self”.
1. be more of a hard ass & less of a sissy.
i let things bother me when they shouldn’t. i internalize things (for long, far too long periods of time), this is a message to myself to stand up and have the courage to deal with things as they come at me.
2. trust myself.
lately i find my self second guessing everything i do and being in a state of constant doubt. the internalizing plays a big part in this, i’m sure. time for that shit to stop.
3. get organized.
just kidding. that’ll never happen.
some things in my life are just going to be a mess (like my closet and my desk). if those things get organized it means somewhere else more important things have fallen into serious disarray. i’m fine with this arrangement.
4. experiment more with photography.
i leveled off with my photography sometime last year. it’s time to shake things up, try new things, step up my game and grow as a photographer. my goal with this years 365 is to come up with different ways to push/improve myself each month. whether it’s trying new edits, finding new subjects, using camera settings i’m not comfortable or familiar with or just giving myself a theme to work within.
also, repairing the shutter on this girl falls into the “experiment” category since i’ve never attempted to repair a camera on my own. internets, please be good to me with your how-to advice.
5. be someone who doesn’t take everything so seriously.
Overexposed + Underdeveloped 
1, 2 and 5, i think are inextricably linked, she says with some experience to back her up. progress on one will likely mean progress on all three.
the year my “little word” was act, whenever i’d feel myself getting lost in a gordian knot of my own self-defeating thoughts, i’d scream this mantra, silently, and in my head, of course, “GET! OUT! OF! YOUR! HEAD!!! it was the reminder i often needed to stop thinking and just do something.
yes, i agree they are linked.
it’s a cycle sometimes (the lingering in my own head), but this time has felt different. hopefully, making a conscious effort to shift out of there will help. thanks for the reminder that we can all get into those places.
Your goals are great! And I agree with Damiec in that many of them seem linked. I also made a list of my goals for this year as well as a bucket list. It really helps to get it down on paper than just having your thoughts swim around in your head. Good luck with your goals 🙂
thanks, michelle! and good luck with yours!
yeah, i’ve never moved beyond a daily to-do list. hopefully, this helps.
Thanks, Jess! I’ve had my list for a couple of weeks and have accomplished a few things. I tacked my list up in my room so I see it every day. I’ve found that to be helpful.
My list would be similar, I think, and the sticky note would apply to just about all items on the list. Good luck – I know I can always use it.
yes, i love those sticky notes! that particular message may need to be attached to the bathroom mirror. somewhere i will see it daily. thanks!
My favorite parts about your post are your awesome human qualities and self doubt, makes me feel of course not so alone. Thank you, and your ability to be realistic….about that organizing stuff. Wonderful read. Thanks.
Tracie
I can relate to it all! My mantra has become “Think less, do more.” Just focus on one thing at a time and you’ll be quite alright. : )