A NEW YEAR: 9 by 59
Last year was a long, hard year. For much of the time, I was either in the doldrums or struggling with fits of frustration and stress. A long-term problem is still unresolved. The worst part, however, is that others are working on the resolution. I am not good at giving control over to others. I am also not the best at being patient. But I’m trying! Throughout the year, I did work on the eight goals I had in place for 2012, but I never fully finished all of them. I am consistently reading more now—and that habit will continue. Of course, the others—eat better, scan photos, address projects—are ongoing and will never really be checked off the list.
My birthday was last Saturday—and 2013 is starting off as a great year. My underlying plan is to keep focused on the day-to-day and not let the things outside of my control get me down. To accomplish that broader plan, I am going to delineate nine goals to address by next year at this time, hence the 9 by 59! This time, I am going to be a bit more specific in my goals since the bigger picture matters will always be there. I’m confident I will stay more active and engaged this year because I plan to take to heart this philosophy shared with me on my birthday:
Basically in 2103 I plan to do MORE! The MORE will be targeting these areas, some practical, some more spiritual in nature:
- Eat more salads
- Drink more water
- Laugh more—at life, myself
- Write more
- Post on my blog more
- Trek into Nature more
- Express gratitude and appreciation more
- Connect with friends on a more regular basis
- Photograph the wonders around me more
I am excited about 2013! I am determined to make it a better year. I wish you all a great new year as well, bringing you more of all the things that are important in your life.
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Success is the sum of small efforts—repeated day in and day out. Robert Collier
You know you are old when you have lost all your marvels. Merry Browne
Four short words sum up what lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and. . . a little bit more. A. Lou Vickery
What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. Zig Ziglar
A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life. William A. Ward