What are your goals for 2012? Do you set resolutions? Or do you just go with the flow?
I’m typically not one to set resolutions at the start of the year, but I do love to set goals – on my birthday, after getting home from conferences – just about any time.
But after much thinking the last few months on goals and whether they work for me, I thought 2012’s theme would be a little different this year. (And yes, it’s still a goal, but a very open goal that’s not always easy to grasp.)
2012 is the Year for Happiness.
Yes, that’s right. The goal? To be happier.
I’m not saying that I’ve been unhappy until 2012 – hardly – I just mean that rather than make lists and lists of goals and things to do, I want to think about what makes me happy. And how I can try to achieve that.
Like today, I’m on a major blog writing kick. Because I feel like it. And because it makes me happy to watch the words flow across the page. Yesterday I didn’t feel like blogging at all, and spent the day doing the other things I felt like doing – going for a walk, networking, reading, and researching jobs.
And that’s what I mean. I don’t want to get rid of goals all together, or avoid my responsibilities. Of course not. I just want to live with more passion, doing the things I want to do when the mood hits, instead of following a set list.
I also don’t want to worry about thinking of how many books I’m going to read this year, or how many recipes I’m going to create, or whatever. If I feel like cooking and creating a new recipe, I’ll do it. And if I’d rather watch a string of Woody Allen movies this winter instead of reading all the classics, then I’m doing it.
So no more of my monthly mini-missions at the start of each month, but I may end each month with things I did that made me happy. Maybe. Or I’ll just live it. I do have a new blog series coming up that I’m really excited about – expect the first post later this week!
2012 is about living. With passion. To find happiness.
For more thoughts on happiness, check out these Lisa’s Foods posts:
And check out Gretchen’s blog, and her book. It’s another spin on this whole happiness thing.
How can you make 2012 the Year for Happiness?
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this as a goal!! Happy New Year to you!
Thanks, Heather! I feel like everything from 2011 has really led to finding more happiness. Happy New Year!
watching woody allen movies will make you a more cultured and overall awesome person as compared to reading classics (says the english major). and you will have a better sense of humor for sure. love your happiness focus. do ittttt.
Hehe. Love it – so true. (And I could make a goal of watching every Woody Allen movie, but nope. No long lists of goals this year.) Bring on more happiness!
Being happier is a daily goal of mine…good luck to you!
Thanks! To you too – here’s to happiness!
I think that is a GREAT goal for new years! Hugs, my friend!!!
Thanks, Tiff! Hugs to you too! And I’m super excited about all of the new things you’re doing on Como Water.
Love it! Happy 2012!
Thanks, Gina! You too!
I wish you all the best for 2012, you have an amazing goal. I am going to try to take over the intentsion and be more happy. I can be very frustrated when things are not really up to the level I expect. I will remember your words but I sure it is not going to be easy.
Greetings,
Filip
Thanks, Filip. You too.
And I agree – it’s not going to be easy. I hope to write at least one post a month on how to stay more focused, more present, and more willing to find happiness over all of our usual goals and high expectations. I know how you feel. Hope you find much happiness this year too!
Happiness takes some work, catching on to the flow of the universe helps
(Can you tell I’ve been watching too much Kung Fu Panda?)
Happiness is giving someone something unexpected. My goal for my blog this year is to do some giveaways, the first one is up and running… http://midnitechef.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/kitchen-toys-electric-cookie-press-cuisinart/
Hehe. I like that you mentioned Kung Fu Panda. But you’re right – that sometimes we have to follow our instinct, and the opportunities that present themselves, and go from there.
There are so many ways to be happy, and going with the flow helps with that a lot. Love that you’re doing more giveaway – fun!
A fine goal,Lisa, and one that should be your goal always. Have a very happy new year!
Thanks so much, Anita! And you’re right – finding happiness is necessary, always. Happy New Year, and thanks so much for your comment!
Lisa – this is a TERRIFIC goal! I love it! One of my goals is to have more FUN with my blog and the writing of it. I usually am pretty straight forward, but it’s time to have FUN!
Thanks, Ann! And I love your goal. Blogging should always be fun, and it’s always fun for readers to hear more of your voice in your writing.
I like what you said about “living with passion.” That’s something that I’ve always aspired to as well. Living with passion and without limits or fear.
On the radio yesterday, they were asking people what their future self would tell their current self if they could. I think it’s an interesting thought, and I decided that I would tell myself to not take life so seriously, that fear is just a road block to my dreams, and that I should spend more time on the things I love and am passionate about versus the things that don’t really matter all that much.
Great post, Lisa!!
Thanks, Sarah! Yes, I definitely agree with your thoughts on not taking life so seriously. There can be so much pressure to do certain things, but at the end of the day, life is short, and it’s important to do the things we love, not necessarily to do the things we feel like we’re supposed to do.
This week I’m starting a new feature here that may interest you – it’s about finding unconventional jobs and living through your passions. The first post will go up tomorrow!
Lisa – I think that sounds WONDERFUL! Here’s to a happy 2012! It’s funny – this year is a year that I’ve actually set some goals. Not necessarily resolutions, but just things I’d LIKE to see happen in 2012.
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