Be the best you've ever been in 2010

Greetings and Happy New Year! For many, January marks the time to set goals and the ubiquitous resolutions. Statistics suggest that most people abandon earnestly set resolutions before the month’s end. That’s why I set short term and long term goals rather than making firm resolutions. This allows me not to feel like a failure and have a mental excuse to ditch a goal when life gets in the way and I fall off track. My little semantic and psychological game allows me to plug along over a period of time toward achieving the goal.

Twelve years ago, after I made it through a full year of exercising every day, I went crazy and set a whole list of resolutions I felt like I needed to do everyday. The first year I tried that it was a dismal fiasco. Time taught me to be realistic. I have narrowed the list to seven (7) things I commit to doing everyday. The list includes exercise, of course, and a handful of odd ball items such as writing, reading the Bible and doing push ups.

I overdo, but I must admit the results of working on and actualizing goals I've set provides a wealth of benefits. This year my goals include a lot of the same and a few new ones. The top item on the list is to participate in a new athletic event. Lord knows what it will be or where it will take place, but I know it will come.

Even if you haven’t done so before, I encourage you to write goals. It helps to post them in a place where you will see them. Make a note in your calendar to review your status every month. This really makes a difference. Obstacles will come. Don’t let them hinder you from working toward your goals and enjoying what they bring to your life. I wish you the best year ever in 2010.

Resolve, run and reap the benefits.

Tom