This is the Only New Year List You Need

It's a new year. I've never been one for resolutions, but I do love a good round of reflection. This year I may have discovered the list I should have been making all of my life at the transition of a new year: The Keep It Up List. I don't know about you, but I've always been driven to "be better" and to "do better." I'm not sure where this need to continuously improve began and, while it has been helpful in my work life, I'm not sure it is necessarily the healthiest practice generally. What if instead of reflecting on what we are not "yet," we pause and think about all we are that works? 

Sometimes it seems we live in a culture that constantly tells us we are not enough. However, if we look closely we might be amazed by all we really are - and all we really do. This is why I recommend the "Keep It Up" list. Since the beginning of December, I have taken time to reflect and write what works for me so I can keep it up in 2023.

Across the days, I've made a list of 10 things I plan to keep up in 2023. Here are three of my favorites I'll share with you:

The Keep It Up List

1. 500-Mile Jalk Goal: Yep, last year I signed up for a 500-mile virtual challenge goal. The plan was to track running and walking miles to reach 500 by the end of the year. I met the goal in November surprisingly. Most of the miles were running miles too (ummm, I use the word "run" loosely). I decided to keep this goal for 2023. My hope is to reach the 500-mile mark at an earlier date than in 2022. I have used Moon Joggers Virtual Events which was recommended by a friend. I have appreciated the ability to track my miles and join different virtual races. I will advise those interested that this website is a bit tricky to use. It's not super organized or intuitive, but it works. 

2. Morning Writing: What is better than a morning cup of coffee and your favorite habit? Yes, a good pairing is always the way to add habits. One of the changes I made in 2022 was to put writing first. I really wanted a better writing habit so I decided to begin each day with a pen in my hand. I had been starting my day with the newspaper or social media. You can imagine that writing was/is a much calmer start. 

3. Using the Passion Planner: I really can't say enough about this tool. Now that I am retired, I might like it even more; I guess I have more passions to plan. I could write an entire week's worth of posts about how I use it now - and you'll likely see those here on occasion. (Here are a few posts I've written before about it.) I recommend you follow their Passion Planner Instagram account. Whether you have their planner or not, you'll find a lot of smart ideas for organizing, creating, and reflecting. 

4. ...

You Try It

Go ahead. 

Grab a piece of paper and give it a try. I'll wait.

Am I right? Isn't this the list you have always needed? Call it the "Keep It Up" list --- or the "Give Yourself a Pat on the Back" list. Ha! Whatever you want to call it, these are the things to keep doing in 2023. 

Tell Me About It

In the comments, I'd love to hear about something from your "Keep It Up" list. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year doing more of what brings you happiness.