Facing the New Year

It is that time of year again . . . resolutions are just around the corner. That means you are supposed to contemplate your desires for the New Year and write them down. You must resolve to make these things a reality in 2014.

Only, I have been contemplating for a while now. I have refocused, revamped and reformed my goals, vision and mission for my life and for the years ahead. And then I have stepped back and looked them over and done it again . . . and again.

I had a chance to meet for coffee with a fellow writer, Carol Marks. She encourages on a regular basis and was a great motivation for me while we talked. I still came home and did nothing to move me closer to my mark. I sat around thinking about it. I even made some notes about my possible steps that would lead me closer to change. I went to bed no closer to my success.

I was exhausted the next morning, but it was a spiritual exhaustion brought on by my selfish desire to have what I want but not wanting to do what I needed to do. That constant tug of war between the sluggard and the purpose had taken its toll. I thought about Carol and I was determined to do more than I had the day before. I put in some effort towards change, but when you are facing a giant as big as the one I created in my head, it can be tough to keep going (even with the support I get from my friends and family).

The resolution posts started on Facebook and I was once more forced to contemplate my lack of success. All of the progress I had made seemed to crumble under the weight of “if only.” That is when I stumbled over a talk by Zig Ziglar on YouTube.

I have known that I am the only thing standing in the way of my success, but I have tried to point at the economy, the lack of platform or anything else to distract from my own responsibility. I have shared how important I am to making the changes I want in my life in posts, in talks and with my family – only I can make a difference in who I am and where I am, but I still tried to point the fingers at anything but self.

It is easier to blame others than it is to pick up the torch and run. It is easier to make excuses than it is to make the changes I know are necessary. It is easier to hide away in the dark than it is to face my own mistakes and stumbles when I step out into the light.

I thought I wanted the easy path until I final understood just how limited that path is for me and for my family. I want the blessed, abundant, overflowing path that comes from me choosing to take my unique steps down that path designed for me. I want to face down my “impossible problems” and discover the possibilities.

It begins with me. It begins right now. That is my resolution for 2014 – to begin with me, right now.

Do you have a plan for the New Year?

Be blessed,