I have two feelings on New Year’s resolutions. The first is that they shouldn’t be quantifiable or have a highly specific end goal. That’s a big way to disappoint yourself, and to negate any work you put in simply because it didn’t have the end result. Rather, I feel they should be habits to cultivate or ideas to pursue. Something that’s a small success every time you do it, rather than one big end result that either hits or misses.

My second feeling is that it’s never too early to start considering them.

For me, before the holidays are in full swing is often the best time. We’ve still got one foot in the year we’re still in, rather than looking completely ahead of us. For me, at least, right now tends to be the perfect time to start making my list. 

Not everything I come up with relates to work or health, though. I engage in fandom both for work and for fun, it’s a huge part of my life. And that comes with its own sets of rewards and challenges. And with the ever-changing landscape, there’s always something new to take into account.

So, for now—before Christmas kicks in and eats my final brain cell—here are my Fangirl Resolutions for 2019.

Retweet More Creators

I know, and know of, lots of amazing people online. Artist, writers, crafters, performers, and other content creators are all kicking ass year-round, often on spec. Some have a comfortable Patreon or Ko-fi cushion to fall back on; others are fortunate enough to either have made good on their craft or be in a safe financial situation.

This isn’t the case with everyone, though, and we can’t always tell at a glance who’s in what category. For some, our interaction is a drop in the bucket. For others, it could be the deciding factor in making rent or achieving a sales goal this month.

I do my best to buy from indie creators whenever I can, but sometimes it’s just not in the budget. When I can’t do that, though, I try to at least share the post. Who knows? Someone I know might want exactly what’s being sold.

It’s tempting to think that giving creators a signal boost won’t do much. Or that a boost wouldn’t fit your carefully curated social media. But I’m making it a point to share at least one sales post a week that I might otherwise skip past.

Anyone else?

Step Away from More Internet Fights

One of my saving graces in this life has been Craig Ferguson’s three rules for engaging someone in an argument. Before stepping up, he says, ask yourself:

1. Does this need to be said?
2. Does this need to be said by me?
3. And does this need to be said by me now?

Sometimes I wind up at the end with a resounding “yes,” in which case I say something. But these questions help me better evaluate when something isn’t my fight, or even a fight at all.

I also heard something very valuable from a friend recently. “You don’t have to respond to everyone online who addresses you.” That’s been a very hard thing to come to terms with. If someone tags you in any sort of public way, it seems right to respond. Especially if they’re being fighty.

But it’s okay—even if someone directs negativity at you—to not respond. Go through the three rules again. Surprisingly, you’ll often come up with a solid “no” even regarding comments directed at you.

It can be really tempting to set as many people right as possible, or to defend yourself. It can feel necessary sometimes. For the new year, let’s resolve to try out those three rules. And if the answer is still yes? Then go for it. But if it’s not, grant yourself some peace.

Take Watching Things Out of the To-Do List

As a journalist and reviewer, I need to keep up with as many shows as possible for review purposes. This means that, yeah, sometimes binge-watching a show is part of my job description.

For many, though, turning fun viewing into a task to finish is a result of Too Much To Watch. Same for books, video games, etc. There’s a lot out there for us to enjoy, but getting around to it can feel impossible. So, it takes a spot on our to-do list, along with chores and bookkeeping.

Obviously there’s nothing wrong with keeping lists! But try moving at least one binge watch, at least one game completion, off the productivity list. Maybe put it in a “reward” tier of some sort. Allow yourself to consider it fun. It’s hard, I know. Again, there’s lots out there. But even converting one thing back to a leisure activity can be a win.

Feel Less Shame

Even as fans already into niche entertainment, we talk about “guilty pleasure” shows or books. Things that we “shouldn’t” like, either because they’re not for our demographic or because society considers them subpar.

Unless you’re doing something inherently bad or wrong, there’s nothing “guilty” about guilty pleasure entertainment. Maybe you’re super into a kid show that doesn’t have any parent-targeted jokes. Maybe you actually do enjoy that one book series everyone hates (you know the one). Or maybe you’re a gamer but you throw a lot of your time into casual apps.

We’re into what we’re into because we love it. And we’re into fandom because we feel no shame about loving niche, weird, off-the-wall things. Sadly, sometimes we just recreate the behavior on a smaller scale within our own circles. And thanks to fear of ridicule, it can be hard to break the habit of “guilt.”

But give it a try. Not once a day, not once a week, but once, at least. When you feel tempted to call something a “guilty pleasure,” just say you like it. It might surprise you just how many of your friends don’t judge you for it.

My overall personal goal in 2019 is to make the casual side of fandom—the bit that isn’t writing articles and presenting panels—fun again. These are a few ways I hope to accomplish that. I’d love to hear from the rest of you!

Want to read more from Kara? Say no more!