Every year, I sit down and make two lists: the goals and the non-goals. The goal list is obvious: things I’d love to change about my current self, routine or surroundings; things I’d love to incorporate to strive for betterment. Yet the non-goal list? That’s a bit more complex.
Non-goals are action items that I’ve already put into practice, or things about myself that I want to stay the same this year. It’s my way of praising the good habits I’ve formed over a lifetime, or maybe just over the past few weeks. Either way, I find that it’s so important to balance change with stability, especially stability in the things you love about yourself. And it’s dually important to praise yourself and embrace your positives, yes? Here we go — my 2012 non-goals:
1. You’re working really, really hard taking care of yourself. Keep it up (especially those leafy greens and evening yoga!).
2. Your marriage is a huge priority. I love that about you.
3. Last year, you managed to juggle a billion different things. Well done. Feel free to slow it down this year (if you want!); you deserve it.
4. Keep protecting yourself from influences that don’t have your best interest in mind. Follow that intuition.
5. Great job doing things that scare you last year. Keep raising your hand and saying “Yes!”
6. You’re committed to sharing unique things that raise your eyebrows daily. Don’t stop!
7. Good job saving money and curbing impulse spending in the past few months. It’ll pay off; I promise!
8. The house is looking cozy and beautiful; keep working hard on those last few renovations.
Happy New Year, friends – let’s keep being ourselves in the best way we know how.
[image credit: vivre sa vie]
Love the idea of non-goals! You truly inspire me:)
Xx
Callie
Oh Erin! Thanks for sharing these – I’m inspired to write my own non-goal list!
so, i love love love this idea. it’s been an emotional few months for me, which is probably why this list almost made me cry. thanks for being my internet friend, erin.
Great list, Erin. Go, you! I did my own “good job” list in December. I think it’s so important to recognize and be proud of all of the things that we accomplished and did well instead of just focusing on what we want to do next.
awesome list! it’s good to give yourself a little credit every once in a while.
loving. this. SO SO SO important! ox
oh thank you sweet friends – i can’t wait to hear what your non-goals are for the year! :)
i always enjoy these and need to do a set. i’m so hard on myself sometimes and forget the good stuff.
funny, i just found a list of stuff i wrote for myself over the summer… and totally forgot about…in a book last night – it’s weird because it was like finding a list of resolutions.
One thing I liked was: “I will be more certain I have what It takes.”
If that fails…there was a recipe for pasta with anchovies and olives written on the back. so.
hey, you’ve shown me a new perspective from which to see/evaluate/ congratulate myself…will try it!!
This is SUCH a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing…and you really should be proud of those non-goals!!
What a wonderful idea!
Thanks friends – I highly encourage you to make a list of your non-goals, too! It’s a wonderful practice. :)
Oh Erin, I love this. Such a sweet way to reward & praise yourself, with a lasting effect, too. :)
Awesome idea…love this! Will be doing it for sure :)
This is my favorite “goal” list for 2012. I love the method of reflecting on the things you’re doing well. A refreshing change from the tendency to start with a clean slate.
Non-goals are such a beautiful idea, Erin. I think we all get so caught up in regrets and obsession with fresh starts, but continuing down a few good paths is even better.
That number 7 is a bit of a stickler for me…. : )
aww, thank you friends – i can’t wait to read all of your non-goal lists! :)
I love this post – and the concept – so hard. So good to be kind to yourself, both in action and in retrospect.
I love the fact that you write that list in the third person there is a level of warmth and self love that is so kind.
What a delightful antidote to perfectionism and over-striving. Blessings to you there.
I’m with Lindsey, the third person makes it sound so affectionate. Thank you!
brilliantly done. I am loving all that kind self-talk!
Love this! Those are some great accomplishments, it’s awesome to give yourself credit. Here’s to more in 2012!
This is a brilliant, brilliant idea. Well done.
WOW. lovelovelove this. what a wonderful twist on the crazy lists we make every january.
xoxo
I absolutely love the idea of setting non-goals. One of your non-goals could be how wonderfully positive and inspirational you are. That’s something I need to work on but your positive attitude seems to come so naturally. Happy New Year!!
your non-goals make me smile!
It’s so clear to me, when I read this list, as to how you’re able to praise and love the people in your life so genuinely. I think it’s because you start with yourself. It’s really impossible to do it from any other place, isn’t it? I love this list and this concept, and most of all the light you are in the world. You are the real deal my sweet friend.
oh maile – you always make me cry! thank you so much for this encouragement!
e.
Late to this, but you are so inspiring, positive, fun and charming! I decided to take this year to truly enjoy my freedom and my husband! To take the time to explore the things I want to do, and not pressure myself to create and be productive. Though I will be producing my Life List this year! Happy New Year to you, and congrats on your non-goals, girlfriend!
P.S. I’m with you on the intuition. When I follow that and fly my own freak flag to feel genuine, things just seem to click in to place. ;)
i love this! i’m totally making a non-goal list this year! and i love that you actually wrote them as though you were praising yourself. it really makes you give yourself positive reinforcement :)
Love this post! What a brilliant idea and what lovely words you use to praise yourself. Have been in a big worthiness slump due to house renovations cost and timeline overruns (sucks having people traipsing through your house all day when you have introvert tendencies!). Think I will have to try this…
(Elise Blaha linked to your blog about working with your husband and I am following your popular posts trail… :-))