New Goals

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Goals for 2020

If you follow my blog, you’ll realize I skipped a year. The last goal update I published was in early 2018. Why didn’t I post anything last year? Mostly, because I underestimate the amount of effort and time I’m willing to put into something. Good intentions, I have; discipline, I don’t. Since I tend to be too hard on myself, I’m going to start off with the 2018 goals I’ve accomplished, starting with the items on my 2018 list:

In 2018 and 2019, I:

  •         Published Muttopia #6, Judas Wolf
  •         Published Lilith #1, Lilith’s Amulet
  •         Wrote rough drafts of Lilith #2 and some of #3
  •         Started using an editor and revisited old stories
  •         Renewed a neglected pen name and bought new cover art for future stories
  •         Made meager strength gains in the gym  
  •         Made strides in practicing patience and forgiveness (questionable strides)
  •         Leveled up in Viñas Arnis, weapons training.

Bad points:

  •         Didn’t make the strength gains I’d hoped for. My cardio is better, but my musculature isn’t supporting the work for more gains. Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s my eating habits. Or my brain. Could be my brain’s fault. Maybe my noggin is resistant to resistance training.
  •         I did not blog once a month. Or once a quarter. Hell, I didn’t even blog for my last book release. Oops.
  •         Got a new car but couldn’t pay for it out of pocket. Will pay off the loan in March, 2020. Then, I’m saving for a mortgage down-payment
  •         Did not release books on the worldwide market. Did not buy cover art for the trilogies.

After looking over the last couple of years, I’ll say this:

I’m moving toward something.

My progress might be slow, but it’s in the right direction. It’s mostly the result of a (slightly) more focused effort, a dash of wisdom, and a pinch of FU.

Having plans is okay. I mean, a plan is better than nothing. However, I can’t remember a time—ever—when things have gone according to said plan. Therefore, I’m finding it more effective to isolate ideals, standards. Values can be hard to identify, but if you’re feeling lost, values can be a compass.

Anyway, here’s 2020’s agenda:

  •         Publish #2 and #3 of Lilith’s Exalted story (February and March)
  •         Write and publish Muttopia #7, Hungry Dog
  •         Outline and begin drafts of the Familiar Tales trilogy
  •         Publish backlog on other platforms and release box sets.
  •         Make strength gains. To quote a Viking: “If you can’t deadlift twice your weight, what are you even doing?”
  •         Read all the psychology research necessary for Muttopia #7 without losing my mind
  •         Level up on my Viñas Arnis competencies
  •         Make a daily habit of meditation to combat that blood pressure prob.

Resolutions suck.

There’s a lot of things I’ve said I’m going to do over the past five years. My friend and I made a list, and we’re doing them this year. Here’s most of the list:

  •         Hiking Tom’s Thumb and Four Peaks
  •         a Light rail tour across the valley, visiting breweries
  •         Wearing every formal dress in our closets at least once (one down, sixteen to go—don’t judge me)
  •         Toastmasters or improv
  •         Volunteering

That’s a lot of lists with some big things on it. January’s over, so hopefully we all have the whimsical ‘New Me’ crap out of the way and we’re ready to do the work. I wish everyone the best.

Events I’m attending this year:

  •         Mad Monster Party, Phoenix, June 2020
  •         CombatCon, Las Vegas, August 2020
  •         CoKoCon, Tempe, September 2020

If you’re going to those events, drop me a line! If you want to look at Viñas Arnis, check this out. If you’re interested in the last book, see it here.

life, upcoming