No New Year's Resolution This Year: Just Resolve

The end of the year often brings with its closing a rash of well-meant intentions. Those intentions, or resolutions as we like to call them, are usually forgotten long before the last of the champagne has been poured and the final notes of Auld Lang Syne has drifted away.

Instead of empty promises, let us begin this brand new year with new resolves. The changes in life that are the most profound almost always began with small steps, simple decisions, and the resolve to continue on the chosen course regardless of feeling, inspiration, defeat, or despair.

I once heard that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing while expecting different results. I think that particular pearl of wisdom describes writers well. So often, we wish that our writings would simply "take off" without our having given those writings wings by practice, polishing, submissions, research, or any of the other elements that are necessary in order for the words that we compose to reach the heights that we so long for them to attain.

Success is not accidental, neither is it elusive. It is achieved one step at a time. One determined stride after another, until the destination of resolve has been reached.

Nothing can alter the past, and the future is promised to no man. However, today is a slate that can be drawn upon and shaped in any way that we choose. Each decision made, no matter how inconsequential it may seem at the time, determines the course and direction of our futures.

What is your dream? Do you want to be a better writer? If so, start taking the steps necessary to accomplish that goal. Improve your writing and grammar skills, a bit at a time. Read more. Write something every day. Show your writings to someone that you can trust to be both compassionate and honest and use the feedback that you receive in a positive manner.

Whatever your desires concerning your writing, start taking small and determined steps towards that goal. It is not the length of the journey that is important. The journey itself is what yields the most fulfilling rewards. Savor every step of the journey because this particular journey can never be traveled again. Enjoy the views, embrace the challenges, and gather keepsakes of the passage. If you do that, your journey is a success no matter the outcome.

Resolve, not resolution, is what will carry you through the dark, stormy, and often scary perils and uncertainties that all writers experience.

Copyright 2003 by Lynette Scott

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