It is hard to believe that 2012 is long gone. Where has the time gone? One day you’re sitting in 3rd grade desperately awaiting your senior year in high school. The next thing you know, you are approaching your 20th, 30th, 40th, or even 50th high school reunion. If we are not paying attention, moments turn into hours, hour turn into days, days into months, and months into years.
As we start a new year, it’s a good day to reflect on the following questions:
- Of the goals you set last year, which ones did you accomplish?
- What did it take for you to accomplish those goals?
- Of those you did not accomplish, what do you think got in the way of you realizing those dreams?
- What do you want to accomplish in 2013? 5. What will it take to make that happen?
Reflecting on my own life this past year, the answers to the above questions present a telling story of a 1/59th slice of my life.
What did I accomplish in 2012? – At the beginning of last year, I had 3 overriding goals: get published, get more connected to family/friends, and get fit. I started out committed to all 3, but by year’s end, I had successfully accomplished 1 of the 3.
- I struggled trying to come up with a new book concept that was worthy of a publishing deal. When I finally submitted my not-quite-there book proposal to an interested mainstream publisher, I was told, “Francine, as much as I like that you want to write another book, your concept is not ready.” I assessed my situation and after much thought, I realized that while I do want to write another book, at this point in time, it is not my priority. Perhaps next year or sometime down the road.
- In 2012 I did a great job of staying connected to friends and family. It was a priority, and the fact that I did a good job was a reminder that where we place our attention is what we do successfully. I made time for girlfriends who wanted to make time for me. People often asked me, how I could do it with my travel and work schedule. My answer, it was a priority. I invested in face-to-face and telephone time. I had more lunches with girlfriends, talked to more friends on the phone, made more of an effort to meet people for coffee, and sent more “Just Thinking of You” greeting cards. Some I talked to on the phone weekly or monthly, and others (where possible), we shared meals. But every week I connected with 2-3 girlfriends in one way or another.
- I was partially successful with my fitness & health goals. What I did well was that I attended to all of my annual medical screenings, e.g., mammogram, eye doctor, general physical, quarterly dental cleanings, allergy exam, monthly allergy shots. I exercised about 250 out of 365 days (my goal was daily); I was more mindful of what I put into my mouth; I recommitted to Weight Watchers. However, this goal left room for much improvement, and I have placed it at the top of my list for 2013. I have asked God to really step in and help me, because I am tired of struggling with my weight. I was off to a good start in January of 2012, but missed the mark because I allowed myself to become distracted. While it is so easy to blame my weight gain on hormones, an overactive (or underactive) thyroid, travel, disappointments, and whatever else I can blame it in, in truth, I did not accomplish this goal because it did not remain a priority.
My 3 overriding goals for 2013 are getting on track with my weight, staying connected to family and friends, and getting new clients & keeping the ones I have happy. What will it take to make them a reality? Making them a PRIORITY. I can do it, and I am determined to do so in 2013.
Throughout the year I’ll check-in as to my honest progress. My hope is in sharing so candidly with you, you will gain the courage to do what you need to do to realize your dreams. Let’s make this a great year.
Feel free to join my conversation on Facebook, Facebook Esteemableacts Fan Page, or my Facebook Law Page, you can also interact with me on my Twitter Esteemable Acts page, Twitter Law Page, or on LinkedIn. Let me know how you are doing with your personal and your career goals. Until next time,
Peace & blessings,
Francine
