SOME people have cast iron willpower.

They love the whole ‘New year, new me’ thang and are resolute as they plough through projects, wrestle with workloads and wallow in self improvement, emerging as the best version of themselves at the end of each passing year.

Humiliating failure doesn’t exist in their world.

But ever since I was little I have been utterly incapable of sticking to any resolution I have ever made, so New Year becomes a dichotomy of blind optimism and dread.

For instance, this time last year I was going to swim every morning before work and become the Best Wife in the World.

However, after I was thwarted by several elderly leisure centre patrons in my 20-length challenge (they deliberately got in my way). It didn’t take long for my get up and go to slow down and stop.

And my Best Wife in the World challenge? Let’s just change the subject.

Even more minor plans, like taking piano lessons and yoga, have been abandoned. Epic Fail.

Oh, I meet deadlines (just about), nurture the teen, walk the dog and care for the cats. My house is clean, (most of the time) and my hair is brushed, (more often than not).

I pay my mortgage, cherish my family and make time for friends.

I even bake cakes and occasionally write a letter.

The problem is that while I am a fully functioning adult (mostly), I have a sense that I could be doing all of these things - and some more, slightly better things too.

But I am not going to feel guilty about it anymore because I have come to the conclusion that what is missing from my plans is passion – if I’m not passionate about something, it doesn’t get done.

So in 2014 I have set myself realisable goals: 1. I will see the people I love and laugh with them.

2. I am going to create a herb wheel.

3. I am going to grow runner beans.

4. I am going to write creatively more often.

5. I am going to open my heart and follow it.

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