Another 1/1 date appears and yet again I feel tired. Both mentally and emotionally, it’s just been another year of best efforts paired with god knows what types of emotions. Creativity just goes so far when you look at the good ol’ New Years Resolutions.
Maybe you’re a fan of the Gretchen Rubin approach of picking an annual theme then listing a solid 20 something achievable goals for the year. Which is a fun approach if you’re looking to change how you build up your habits.
But this year, I’m starting tired. I could barely stay up long enough for the New Years Thunderstorm that rolled through. There was no way I was going to come up with 25 actionable habits when all I crave is a good night sleep.
So I’m doing 2025 in my best version of a resolution free fall. This year is one of Design, crafting a pattern of habits and qualities that will come out in their own shape and sound. For this is the Year to Listen.
Listen… it’s simple and elegant. A promise to myself and to others.
It is the cue for the mind to stop, and the heart to come front for writing. Save the chatter for editing as you cut the shape of your work. I choose to Listen to the intent of my piece before I write. I want to Listen to more of wordcraft from others from podcasts and events.
I just want to breathe and listen. And I want you to join me.
Listen to the world around you, take note of the nature that crawls about. To the conversations small and deep, listening closer for what they mean. It is an invitation to reflect with intent, without judgement.
Share what rings close to you, and I will also do my part to listen to you too.
Wishing you all the best and calmest winds for you in 2025.
One response to “Choosing Design Over Resolution”
I fully empathise with starting out feeling tired, so tired that even thinking about goals seems impossible. Your idea about having a theme of Design is cool – makes me think of the Design Council’s Double Diamond approach to goal setting. Paired with your idea of choosing to listen implies that maybe a good approach is to simply ‘listen to’ or ‘reflect on’ the design that naturally emerges, rather than forcing an endpoint. I’m very curious to see where this theme takes you this year. I hope you feel more energised soon!