By Leanne Merkowsky
As 2014 swooshes in, it is time to look back at 2013 and reflect on the wealth of challenges we’ve overcome, struggles we’ve encountered and successes we’ve accomplished. No year is complete without a moment of ‘looking back’. Sometimes, we reflect on these moments with pride and honour, while at other times, we frown at the projects unfinished, the lengthy list of ‘things to do’ unscathed, and the growing pile of miscellaneous papers and ventures teetering on the corner of our desks. Time never stands still, although we sometime wish it would just so we could ‘catch up’ with life. It is the one constant in our lives. How are we going to deal with pressures, deadlines and changes differently this year, so that when 2015 rolls around, we will embrace it and jump in with a feeling of triumph and happiness, rather than guilt and resentment at the tasks and dreams left untouched?
A resolution is not just the degree of sharpness of a computer-generated image as measured by the number of dots per linear inch or number of pixels on a display screen, but it is also the degree of sharpness, focus, concentration and effort one places on a personal goal. Creating a resolution is a good starting point in helping to determine a direction for the new year. It guides our thinking and renews our determination, in the hope that we will ‘stick with it’ to the bitter end, overcoming all that stands in our way. The first step is creating a plan!
“A vision without a plan is just a dream. A plan without a vision is just drudgery. But a vision with a plan can change the world’” – Unknown
In the article, 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself, Marc Chernoff presents a positive ‘to-do’ list for the upcoming year. He includes such ideas as: spending time with the right people, creating your own happiness, proudly being yourself, living in the present, giving dreams a chance, helping others, listening to your inner voice and noticing the beauty of the small moments. Incorporating some of these ideas into your plan will help steer you in the right direction. Writing your goals down and reviewing them periodically will also assist with keeping the drive and inspiration alive.
I hope this list helps motivate you and propel you forth into 2014 with renewed spirit, enthusiasm and love of life! It is time to break the mold, go out on your own, try new things, not be afraid of failure . . . . learn from mistakes and never stop trying!
Happy New Year!