​Radical New Year No-Plan

Have you ever done that thing with your email inbox where you hit ‘Archive All’?

Suddenly, where a minute ago there was a crowded, clutter of intentions, now there is just a clean, empty space.

​Of course, you know the mail is still there. If you need something urgently, all you need to do is search for it. ​

​But just for a short while, you’re left just breathing. There’s nothing to do. The clamouring voices are stilled.

My radical plan for next year is to do this with my to do list.  
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On Jan 1st I’m going to start with a clean slate.

I’d like to tell you I’m doing this because I’ve completed all my projects this year, but it’s not the case. The truth is, I grossly over-estimated what I could complete this year and I’ve fallen a long way short. 

Normally I’d start the new year with lots of resolutions for completing all the projects still hanging around from the previous year.

I’d make lots of lists and timetables.

​I’d set milestones and target dates.
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This year I’m daring myself to do it differently.

I’m curious to see what happens if I remove all the expectations I normally pile on myself. What might grow if I clear the ground?

Of course the unfinished projects, like those archived emails are still there. 

• Which unfinished projects will I feel drawn to ‘search’ for and put back onto my plate?
• Which will external circumstances force me to pick up again?
• Which will I feel totally relieved to have shelved?
• Which will I forget about altogether? 

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And more importantly, what will I feel drawn to instead?

I’ve been downsizing my living space and getting rid of massed of accumulated stuff. I don’t want to start the new year dragging so much history with me. 

Even if it’s only for a moment, I want to start the year just breathing in that clear, empty space.
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What happens when, instead of resolutions we choose to make space?

What are you dragging into the new year that you secretly would rather not? 
​What happens if you lay down the burden, even momentarily?

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