New take on an old saying: “With new year comes new resolutions.”

It’s that time of year again, when the clock strikes 12:00 and millions of people pledge to change their lives.

2014 has descended upon us all with its mighty swift force, and it’s that time of year where writers churn out their New Year’s Resolutions across the blogosphere. It’s a common practice, and one I haven’t participated in until now.

92% of people completely fail at their resolutions and then forget about them until the next December 31 rolls around. Well, I know it’s not time yet, but it will be in the blink of an eye. Whoops, sorry about the cliché; some people never learn! In any case, most people have the same resolutions or goals every year: lose ten kilograms, have a sea change, travel around your country in a Kombi van, write a novel, start an R.E.M cover band…the list just goes on, and most of the time they’re never fulfilled.

That’s why I propose delaying making a New Year’s Resolution. When that clock strikes midnight, and the twentysomethings are chugging more beers than they can handle, make a resolution you know you’ll fail at. Say you’ll do one of those clichéd things I mentioned in the previous paragraph. It’s a well–known fact, if you think you’ll suddenly wake up on January 1st with a new outlook on life, you’re kidding yourself. Make a faux–rez instead. Start that ’90s rock cover band. Open a store that specialises in feline paraphernalia. Laugh about it with your friends or family, and then forget about it just like everyone else does.

“Cat? Tchotchke? Geddit? Okay, maybe I’ll just do away with the whole idea and stick to just getting fit.”

New Years isn’t the best time to make resolutions, but it’s stupid not to plan for the future. We all need them, even if I’m not following my own advice at the moment. And while I’m probably not going to be a rejuvenated I–am–a–new–man/woman when I wake up on Wednesday morning, I’ll still be making plans for 2014. Looking back on 2013, I know I can make some improvements.

It’s not about making 2014 Year of the Perfectionist, but about actually trying to make a difference, no matter how hackneyed the phrase ‘making a difference’ is. I’m going to start following my own advice now, not by publishing a set of Writers’ New Year’s Resolutions (even though they probably are just that), but a list of what I hope to accomplish in the not too distant future—more likely, sooner rather than later.

1. Start blogging more: Yes, I know I’ve had a dismal posting rate this year. That feeling after writing a post and pressing the ‘Publish’ button, and seeing people view your stuff is pretty damn awesome.
2. Finish my novella: Self explanatory, but I think of that oft-quoted “there’s a novel hidden in my closet; I’ll write it one day” phrase 99% of people use. I look forward to showing people more of my work.
3. Write more: With a stressful late–2013, I hope to be able to get back to basics, clear my chaotic mind, and get back to what makes me happy—writing. Whether it be blogging, editing my novella, or starting new works—most definitely all three—I’ll be putting my all into it.
4. Quit my respective addictions to Smallville, Daria, King of the Hill, The Walking Dead and Dexter: Heh, who am I kidding?

See you in 2014!