Our theme, “Get a Plan,” seemed like a tidy, ambitious topic to kick off 2020 when we hammered out our editorial lineup for the year.
Plans are good. Plans are necessary. I like plans in theory. Execution is another matter. Plans are fine for other people but my failure rate is too high to embrace much planning.
Privilege and Plans
Clutter is a first-world problem. I’ve read about people in other parts of the world who collect cigarette butts, separate the pieces, and sell the bundles by the pound — you read that right, by the pound, to earn a bare-bones living. I’m assuming that’s a clutter-generating enterprise.
I’ve got first-world clutter; too many shoes and coats and casserole dishes and — I’m just realizing — a significant collection of drinking glasses. I planned to clear things out after reading Marie Kondo’s, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.” I skimmed the book (too busy), fast-forwarded the show on Netflix (too impatient, ) and dove in (too hopeful).
I ruthlessly bagged up my castoffs and dropped them at donation bins. I rolled sweaters, sorted clothing by colors, and rethought my casserole dish collection. The dogs thought they were the next to go.
The minimalist lifestyle suited me, but only for a minimal amount of time. I soon was back to my old habits, cruising consignment shops and hitting estate sales. I was a junkie who craved actual junk. My decluttering plans sputtered and then died in a heap on the closet floor.
That’s just one example of failed plans. Each January, I plan to carefully pack away my Christmas lights so I never have to untangle them again. Eleven months later, I’m untangling Christmas lights.
Here’s another: I plan to watch higher-quality TV — more PBS less Bravo, but deep down I’m drawn to the Kardashians and “My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.” My DVR has hours of “Beachfront Bargain Hunt,” “Botched,” and “A Very Brady Renovation” waiting for me. I’ll watch every episode. I have lots of time for bad TV; I’m too busy for an exercise class.
I planned to write this column two weeks ago. I was sidetracked by junk stores and junk TV. Don’t get me wrong. “Get a Plan” is a great topic, despite my personal failures. It’s important to make plans to stay healthy, financially secure and intellectually challenged. And, so what if the reality falls short of expectations? No one plans to fail, they only fail to plan (I forget where I heard that but it was worth stealing).
Since starting this column, I’m rethinking my plan to not make plans. I don’t want to be disloyal to this issue’s theme. I’ll start small and build from there. A few early successes might be just what I need. I’ll start with drinking more water and let you know how it goes.
I have to finish this column. “My 600-Pound Life” is on TV now and I haven’t seen this episode. Here’s to a great 2020 filled with successful planning and minimal failures. I hate water. Wish me luck.
Marie Elium, Editor
P.S. Our “Get a Plan” section starts on page 26 with a package of stories that I hope will inspire a few plans of your own. No pressure.
