Results, Not Resolutions

The year is new. Actually, it gets no newer than this. With each new year comes the usual broken record of resolutions. Often they are promises held over from beginning years past.

I recently heard a news report that said only 12% of resolutions are kept. While I’m not quite sure how they came up with that figure, it sounds right to me. I’m not a big proponent of New Year’s resolutions. We start the year hopeful & then we conveniently forget our lofty promises to ourselves.

Rather than jump on the impotent bandwagon of substanceless declaration because it’s the first day of the year, I propose that we focus on getting results, not resolutions. How about we get things done this year?

This year I’m focused on results that make a lasting difference. Those results aren’t limited to one day. For instance, today, 2 bags of clutter causing coats were removed from my home & delivered by me to Salvation Army. That’s major.

Results everyday or bust! That’s my 2011. What’s yours?

Full Circle

Here we are closing in on the last few minutes of the last day of the year.  2010 brought many bittersweet revelations, victories & opportunities.  It has been a year of growth and reflection and it’s been as painful as it’s been victorious.

I’ve learned that winning doesn’t always look that way and what you fight valiantly for may not be worth it.  Not every time.  I’ve learned that though I’m sure an incredible destiny awaits me, even in that hopefulness, I underestimate myself & my future.

One of the greatest achievements of Tessism.com this year, besides launching, was November’s 30 days of challenges. Challenging myself to something everyday was exhilarating and exhausting. I’m very proud that I blogged every day and took on something pretty uncomfortable & life-changing everyday. It was a beautiful experience that left me feeling very accomplished…and drained.

The lesson I learned from that undertaking is that while rapid transformation is possible, I need to pace myself in order to maintain change. I did so much in November that I didn’t want to look at this blog in December. This is my first time writing here since then.

While many of the practices are still in place since the challenge, there are a few areas where I’ve absolutely & unapologetically reverted to my status quo.  For instance, I continue with my addiction to lateness & my home regained the clutter I cleared.  Change is a muscle that easily atrophies from lack of use, commitment and accountability.

So here I stand at the end of an utterly magical, mind-boggling year and the usual questions remain.  Now what?  What next?  My answer?  I say anything and everything.

This time, my focus is mastery.   I will take the time master long-lasting transformation.  As long I’m here, I say to life, use me up, galvanize me.  You’re all that I have. 2011 is all about burning like a comet through life.  I look forward to using up every minute boldly, leaving me & my wake unrecognizable and radiating with life & glory.   Bring it, 2011!  See you on the other side!