Views on Resolutions

Written by

in

Gabriela at Stampington invited a number of artists to share their artful resolutions for 2015.  See the blog post at Somerset Place to read the thoughts of twenty-four participants HERE.

Here's what I wrote:

I'm not one for making resolutions at the beginning of the year.  My philosophy is that I'd much rather reflect on the past year and recognize all I have done.  I find that to be empowering and motivating.  Each January I have a ritual of making a Ta-Da list.  I start with the end of December and work my way back to the first of the year, making notes of everything I that I can remember doing during the year. It is easier to start with the most recent self-imposed assignments.  Eventually I recall a full list of achievements, missions, chores, and projects that leaves me feeling really good.  Sure, there are always things left on my To-Do list….there is always more to do, and ideas that are still in-process. However, when you move items from your To-Do list to your Ta-Da list you celebrate what you've completed – that's much more affirming than worrying about the tasks ahead, and the pledge to make changes with the turn of the calendar page.   Maybe you could start 2015 by patting yourself on the back for all the work you completed in 2014, from art projects to self-improvement, then carry forward the positive energy into the brand new year.  Make a Ta-Da list, because it's way more fun than a To-Do list!  

If you're interested, you can download and make your own ToDo/TaDa lists.

Download ToDo LIST 2014 300dpi   Download ToDo LIST 2015 300dpi

EDIT:  I've had some requests to offer the printable lists as jpgs rather than pdfs.  Here you go, click to enlarge.

ToDo LIST 2014 72dpiToDo LIST 2015 72dpi

 

MW TaDa

 

MW ToDo pages

.

 

Comments

10 responses to “Views on Resolutions”

  1. Eileen Avatar

    What a wonderful, positive idea! I’m not sure about my memory, but it does give me a plan for 2015: to keep track, from January 1 onward, of things I’ve accomplished. Since I’m always writing to-do lists, I think I’ll just save them all and read through them when 2015 comes to an end.
    Thanks for the inspiration!

  2. Kathryn - Collage Diva Avatar

    So positive! I love it! It is so easy to get focused on the next project and the next goal. It is so important to make time to celebrate. Great play with words… you are so clever in that way. May this new year bring you lots of ta-da moments!

  3. Linda Cain Avatar

    I absolutely LOVE this train of thought! Thanks!
    ~Linda

  4. Marjie Kemper Avatar

    I was just telling a friend last week we need to do more of this, appreciating what we’ve accomplished instead of just scratching tasks off the To Do list and remaining focused only on what’s yet to be done. Naming it Ta Da list! is genius. How fun and empowering, all at once, Michelle. Off to pin. Wishing you every good thing in 2015.

  5. michelleward Avatar

    Here’s to celebrating accomplishments Marjie! Best to you in 2015 too.

  6. michelleward Avatar

    Thanks Kathryn – here’s to the TaDas!

  7. michelleward Avatar

    Good idea to save those list Eileen! My memory dwindles too – once something gets done I tend to forget about it. Fun to revisit and celebrate if we can remember 🙂

  8. betsy Avatar

    Thanks, Michelle. I am working on my 2015 list and love that you shared the ToDo/TaDa templates. Wishing you the best in the new year. Hope to see you soon and share our lists!

  9. Carrie Avatar

    I never do resolutions, really. I love this, though, tracking what you’ve actually accomplished!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *