NYE = sappy reflection

            NYE inspired me, as it does everyone, to set aside a moment and think about my life.  It wasn’t a long or especially profound moment, but it was enough to open my eyes to the ability to change anything in my life that needs changing.  This isn’t something new to me, in fact, I’m quite adamant about peoples’ unique ability to change their circumstances, but this was the first time I actually took a look and decided what I need to work on.  It’s a shame more people aren’t ready and willing to believe in themselves and take a stand against the thing that most troubles their existence.  It is my opinion that the key to change lies in modifying your thoughts and habits.  One must believe in the goal they are working toward and alter their behavior to achieve that goal.  Thoughts and actions that do not advance you in the direction of the goal should be avoided.  Because my mind runs 30 miles per second, I often have to simplify my thoughts and focus, which is an important part of attaining your aspirations.  If you tend to try to concentrate on a number of things at once, or a multitude of mini goals, stop.  Trying to work toward that many things is fruitless and a big time waster.  Instead, write down your goals, read and reread them, and clear your head when you are working on that behavior.  When you are trying to accomplish too many things at once, remove or consolidate those things into one goal, something on which you can focus your attention more effectively.

            I wrote my goals down for the fist time this year, which seems to be a common recommendation in most motivational literature.  If I continue to read these goals, periodically update the steps I can take to achieve them and focus on changing my habits, success is mine.  Here are a couple examples of what I wrote:

 1. Find a sales/ marketing job in Chicago

2. 155 lbs by April

3. Improve relationships

 From there, I followed with specific example of what I am going to do to accomplish each item and will change or update those specifics in the future.  Having the specific steps to accomplish a goal is something I highly recommend.  If you actually think out what you are doing instead of naming some broad objective, you are much more likely to succeed.  Good luck with your new years resolutions.