my 2012 non-goals

My very sweet friend, Erin Loechner (seriously, you should meet her) shared her "non-goals" for 2012 yesterday.  Erin's non-goals are basically personal attagirls -- a list of things that she notes she's been doing well recently, with a bit of encouragement to keep it up for the coming year.

Seriously, how inspired is this?  A list of things that remind you of what you're doing that's good for you?  And notes to encourage yourself to continue doing what you're doing right?

Man, I am all over this.

So, I came up with my own -- here's my list of non-goals for myself for 2012:

1.  You're doing a great job of eating unprocessed foods and avoiding processed foods -- keep doing that.

2.  Last year you cut down a lot on sugar in your tea, as well -- good on you.  Keep going. (Even though it'll never taste as good as two teaspoons, you know it's probably better for you.)

3.  So about that working out you started last year -- I know you hate it.  I hate it too.  But you're not 21 anymore, and it's good that you've kept focus.  And if you stop?  That's cool.  But then start again.  You can do this.

4.  Keep telling Marcus and Alex how awesome they are.  Because sweet mother of Gumby, they are, and they deserve to know it.

5.  You developed some amazing new friendships in 2011.  Keep cultivating and nourishing them, as well as your long-standing ones.  Those are some good people you have around you.  Don't ever take that fact for granted.

6.  Leaving your job three years ago to live a creative life was one of the biggest risks you've ever taken.  Don't stop now.  Take more risks.

7.  You're passionate about what you do for a living -- don't forget how lucky you are.  And keep ensuring that you work for joy.

That's enough to get me started, I think.

Because I seriously love this idea, I invite you to leave a "non-goal" for yourself in the comments. And because I seriously seriously love this idea (and even though I just recently came off of 12 days of giveaways), I'll pick a commenter at random to win a signed copy of The Beauty of Different, inscribed to whomever you'd like.  Think of it as a way to get a jump on gift-giving for 2012, if you will.

(And once you've left your comment, if you haven't already, I hope you'll consider signing up for gratitude.2012.  There are already many enthusiastic participants -- thank you! -- and if you're into gratitude, photography and doing good, I think you'll enjoy this.)

I can't wait to read all the stuff you guys are doing that you want to keep doing.  As always, this giveaway is open to everyone, no matter where in the world you are.  I'll announce the winner in tomorrow's post.

Keep being awesome, friends.

Song: Minds without fear by Imogen Heap featuring Vishal and Shekar

Update:  According to Random.org, the winner of the signed copy of the book is Wendy, who said, "It's really great that you finally got serious and lost 20 pounds. You can do another 20 this year. Really. You can."  Congratulations, Wendy!  Keep an eye out for an email from me with instructions on what to do next.

Thanks so much for sharing your ungoals with me, friends -- they were all so beautiful to read.  See how awesome you guys are?  Keep it up, friends.