It is the beginning of the new year and many of us welcome the new year with resolutions of all the things that we want to accomplish in the next 365 days. I have never been a fan of resolutions mostly because I don’t feel like I have anything to resolve and lastly because by the time February rolls around most of us have already forgotten about those resolutions.

I instead like to use the start of a new year to set goals, to make a list of everything that I would like to accomplish with specific deadlines. For me, goals are more realistic and when I set a goal I find that I am more likely to accomplish it. For the past few years I have been very specific about the things that I wanted to accomplish throughout the year and as I reflect on the goals that I set for myself I am pleased to know that I have accomplished each and every one.

For 2014 I am committing more time and dedication not only to my writing, but to getting my writing out into the literary world on a grander scale. I will be submitting to literary journals, applying to residencies, marketing and promoting my work in every outlet that I can. 2014 will be the year that I get discovered by some huge media/publishing house because my work should and needs to be read on an international level. One thing that I have learned is that if you set an intention, believe in it wholeheartedly, and work your ass off the Universe opens doors for you that you never knew existed. I am putting it out into the Universe today January 1, 2014. This time next year I can say “I told you so”.

I encourage you all to make a list of goals, set deadlines, and then do whatever you have to do to accomplish them. Those who work hard always reap the benefits. I wish you all a very healthy and prosperous New Year and may 2014 bring you all that you desire.