I’m not big on resolutions, because I’ve always thought that if it’s good enough to focus on for a year, it should be a permanent part of your life. But when you’re starting a new year with a new (ad)venture, it seems like the right time to identify a few priorities that will help shape the next 12 months.

Cultivate relationships. This year, I will try to use technology as a tool to support my relationships, instead of using it as a shortcut. Sure, sometimes texting or Facebooking is acceptable, but I want to use these options as a way to start more meaningful conversations. I want to take the time to really talk to people and listen more. I will stop interjecting before people are done talking.

Try things that are scary. I want to really get outside of my comfort zone this year. I like stability a lot, but maybe I’m missing the next big challenge or opportunity. I want to search out the unexpected and push myself to try new things (start a new company: check.). I’m not talking about setting off on a Wild trip, although my husband does (unfortunately) seem interested in the prospect of hiking several hundred miles at some point. Whatever happens, this will not be the year of normal.

Read more good writing. Iron sharpens iron. I want to read more things that are funny, things that are smart, things I don’t agree with, things that make me think, things that will inform me — anything written well. I want to read with real hunger, and I’m not just saying that because some of my favorite blogs are cooking blogs.

Plan less, do more. I’ve got to spend less time thinking about things I want to do and actually do them. This means less time Pinning. This year I will cook, reorganize, craft, create, decorate. I will pitch fearlessly. I will work with people I care about doing things I think are important. I will learn how to say no to let me say yes to things that really matter.