Jan 05, 2012 14:47
My list of 2012 resolutions is basically similar to the one I posted previously. I think it can best be summarized with two verbs: streamline and simplify. As a person discovers more and more who they are, they realize that not everything is equally important, and not everything deserves equal attention. My goal for 2012 is to de-clutter my life as much as possible, by focusing on the significant things in my life, and by trying to be more efficient in general. This works at a practical and at a theoretical level.
I own too many CDs, DVDs, comics, and video games. I have decided to sell off or give away a bulk of my CD collection, and just rip the music from them onto an external hard drive. What I want most from my CDs is the music, and I realize that I don't actually spend any time looking through lyrics or band pictures, or cover artwork, like I did when I was a teenager and in my early and mid-twenties. I will still keep a good chunk of my CDs, but only from bands that have had a profound impact on my emotions and my life. Basically, this means that I'm keeping all of my Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Mogwai, and Explosions in the Sky. (Matthew Good might find his way in there too) However, I won't miss not having a physical copy of stuff by bands like The Goo Goo Dolls, Creed (yep), Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Interpol, The Catherine Wheel, and others. I'll just hold onto my favourites.
In terms of comics, I have decided that the only book I will actually buy single issues of anymore is going to be Daredevil. Everything else, I will just wait to buy in trade paperback format. This means cancelling Green Arrow, Action Comics, and Uncanny X-Force. I love the last book in particular, but I don't feel the need to read it monthly like I do with Daredevil, whom I identify with and look forward to reading. I also have five boxes of comics, and I plan on taking one or two of them to the shop and asking for trade-in value that I could use on graphic novels and trade paperbacks, which are much more space efficient, and cheaper in the long run.
DVDs and games are a different story. I still watch DVDs, and I still play video games. All of them. However, they are not neatly stored right now, so I'll be going to Ikea to pick up a couple of those box inserts for my 5x5 cabinet, and placing my DVD and game cases in them to save space. I realize that I don't need to display them, since I have less and less time to dedicate to entertainment as is.
Other practical areas that I plan to streamline and better organize include my wardrobe, which has been a hodgepodge of randomness for years. Thankfully, I feel pretty comfortable with my style right now, and am finding it easier to let go of things and just live in the present. I need to make another trip or two to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, and to minimize the excess in my closet and in my drawers.
While the above are practical examples, my idea to streamline and simplify will also be applied to my social, married, family, and professional lives. I will learn to say "no" to people if I am too busy to go out. I will focus on improving my professional skills, to become a great teacher, and to take greater ownership of my working life. I want to be more accountable. I want to be a better friend, husband, and a dedicated student of life. I want to narrow my interests and focus, while remaining open to possibilities and being aware of opportunities for growth.
If I can accomplish these things, 2012 is going to be a banner year. A baby in July will also add some spice, and make sure that I stay on my toes. :)