Goals for 2025
I’m not one for resolutions, but I do like to set goals. Quantifiable is better; otherwise, how do you really know if you’ve achieved it? But I also reserve the right to shift, move, and/or change my goals as I go. I think flexibility is key.
Reading
In 2024, I set a goal of 42 books and managed to read 43. For 2025, I’m going to go easy on myself and start with a target of 40 books. If it starts to look like that’s too easy, I’ll increase that number. (Move the goal post?)
I also do a reading bingo board each year. This year I filled all but two squares! Here is my board for next year:
Feel free to adopt this board if you feel so inclined. I post occasional updates on my bingo via my Bluesky and on my YouTube channel.
Writing
I did almost no writing in 2024, so beating that shouldn’t be difficult. Then again, I’m now out of the habit of writing, so it might be very difficult. My goal, then, is to finish something. Anything. A short story or one of the dozens of partial manuscripts I have in my files. Maybe I’ll write another play or film script. It doesn’t matter, so long as I finish something. (Okay, except poems. One poem wouldn’t count. I’d need to write, let’s say 30 poems, for this goal to be considered achieved.)
Posting
I have no problem posting on Bluesky, and I’m semi-regular on YouTube. I should probably have a more set schedule there, but I figure as long as I average a video a week (so, 52 in a year) that’s fine. However, I’m clearly not very good at posting here on my site. So my goal is to ideally post once a week here, too.
Editing
I’d also like to embrace freelance editing a bit more. Two to three jobs per year is ideal for me. I already have one, so I’d like to do one or two more. (Interested? Check my Editing Services tab at the top of the page.)
Personal
After a pretty rotten 2024, I’m entering 2025 with new boundaries. People who have used me, taken me for granted, abandoned me when I needed support—I’m excising them. I will no longer waste valuable time and energy on people who aren’t worth it. Many people who are used to me be soft and forgiving, available at any and all times, are going to hit a wall this year, and I’m not sorry for it.
So what are your goals in the coming year? No worries if you don’t set any. Sometimes, the only mission is to survive, and that’s fine too. If things get rough—and in this world climate, they very well might—any and all other goals are disposable. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones first and foremost. Do what you can, and don’t feel pressured to be any more than enough.