New Years Words

I don’t really do New Year’s Resolutions. I just don’t really believe in them. If you wanted to make some sort of transformation, why wait until January 1^st? In the past, I’ve made some that don’t stick. Maybe you have, too. It’s two weeks into 2016, so I’d guess a majority of resolutions are kaput.
 

However, I heard about a twist on the traditional resolution. Instead of making a pledge to yourself, choose one word that will inspire you for the year. I liked the idea. It resonated with me.

There are a few changes that I’ve wanted to make for a few months. Those feelings have been bouncing around in my head and they started crystallizing into two specific words- Create and Discipline

Create

I’m an artist. Or, I’ve been trying to see myself as one. I shoot and edit videos every single day. But the routine of performing the same tasks and covering the same subjects can become detrimental to my creativity. I want to push myself outside of my comfort zone and be a better filmmaker. In this case, “create” means to make, produce, craft. I want to have something at the end of my day to show for my work. But creating can be defined much more broadly. To me, it means changing the world, giving something to someone else, producing something of value, or creating or nurturing a relationship. We can impact the people around us so much, I want my time and work to be worthwhile.

Discipline

None of this happens if there’s not a deliberate movement in a specific direction. Discipline will help me get there. At times, I can have trouble focusing and get distracted. I find muscle memory taking over while on my computer. My fingers swiftly click over to check Twitter, news sites, or email and my brain’s out of my work and rhythm. I do it too often. The last two weeks, when I found myself reverting to those actions, I internally cry, “Discipline!” and soldier on with the more important task. I’m working on cutting back any interruptions and not procrastinating anything, big or small.

Both of these words have been on my mind almost every hour of every day the past two weeks. They've been fuel and roadmap. It’s like having a goal, but without specifics. The finish line is always in the distance. There’s always something to chase and somewhere to improve. I hope along the way I’ll discover shortcuts, make connections, and get better. I hope along the way, I find my muse.

I’ve heard that people who publicize their resolutions (for New Year’s or any other time) are more likely to follow through with them. That's what this is. Wish me luck. And, remember, there’s no wrong time to consider the words that will inspire your life.