TCL 021 - 2023 A Year of Moving Sideways
Distilling ancient wisdom for modern times so we may all benefit.
Another year passed and I feel younger! I will tell you how in a bit.
But before I do, please note...
If you are going to read only one section of this letter, read the section titled: Write Daily - Keep a Journal
It's New Year's Eve as I write this letter so I will try and make it short. Not because I have something better to do but because I am sure you do.
I have an important announcement.
Welcome to this edition of The Contemplative Life Project.
2023 was a year of moving sideways. It felt like a busy year—one in which I seemed to get a lot done and yet as I sit here and reflect, not much got done.
It is easy to feel like you are achieving a lot with "busy" work. But it's all an illusion. As a result, I spent a lot of the year starting and failing. Busy with little to show for it.
So how can I make certain 2023 is not repeated?
I spoke with a friend about this recently. We came to the same conclusion—without firm goals and deadlines things can easily slip by months or years.
In the past, I have always been quite averse to goals. It always felt restrictive. But in the next year, I will set hard goals, with deadlines, and attempt to achieve them.
I will also make these goals projects, so to speak. And for those paying attention, you may have already noticed a slight change in this letter/email.
I've tacked on the word "project" to the end of "The Contemplative Life." It feels quite a bit different as a result. It gives the phrase more oomph...and feels more active as a result. Does it feel that way for you too?
It also feels more inclusive—allowing you, dear reader, to participate.
I said I would be brief but I can already feel this letter getting away from me so let me focus. I will do this by briefly explaining the plan for the next year and in the coming weeks I will unpack it all and set deadlines.
Ok. first off...