Southern Musings

Every year about this time, new beginnings are a topic on many people’s minds. It definitely is for me. I am so ready for a chance to have a new beginning. I have worked hard over the past few years only to find that what I truly wanted and worked so hard to get remains just outside my grasp. That tends to make me hunger for a change. I want to stretch out and grab it. I want to finally take that final step into the life I want.

I admire those that make resolutions and stick to them. I do not usually make resolutions. I do not usually even set goals. Well, not the short term goals that I should. Instead, I tend to have more long term desires. I tend to look at what has to be done for what I want and just do whatever it is without taking the time to really set the short term goals that I needed to reach first. I still end up reaching my goals, or getting pretty close to them. What I do not do, however, is celebrate the steps along the way. I get so wrapped up in the long term goal, that I let things fall by the wayside that I should not.

Whether you call them resolutions or goals, the important thing is to take some time to ask yourself, “Am I trying to accomplish this in the best way?” Are you celebrating the smaller victories? Are you so focused on the end product that you will be disappointed that if it does not happen the way you want? Can you break the ultimate goal into smaller steps? Should you break it into smaller steps? What will the result be if you do not meet your goal or keep your resolution?

Resolutions and goals are wonderful. Keeping it real is even better. Plan to reach your goals by planning each step to get there. Realize that sometimes things happen that keep us from reaching our goals even after we have worked so hard and got so close to them that we can almost smell the victory of achievement.

Whether your new beginning comes at the beginning of the year, or sometime in the middle or end, enjoy the beginning. Strive for your goals in small increments. Take time to celebrate each small victory. Think about what will happen if you do not meet your goals. Consider alternative goals when necessary. Whatever you do, just keep trying. Life is too precious to just sit and watch it pass you by. Get out there and enjoy yourself and the momments you have.

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