The year 2011 has come to a close. As we begin 2012 I have briefly reflected on the past year. I had several successes combined with a few setbacks. As for many, the New Year brings about change or perhaps more appropriately, the desire for change. I don’t want to make a New Year resolution, as they are soon broken. Over the weekend I read a comic where one character asked the other, “What is a New Year resolution?” To which the character replied, “A “to do” list for the first week of January”. Change is difficult and I want to make the best of my desired changes in my life.
People are resistant to change as it takes them out of their comfort zone. Although many actually try to implement change in their lives, especially at New Year, they go about it in the wrong way. This is not to say that some succeed, but I will say that most fail. The reason for failure is that they try to change too much at one time. I have found this true for myself with several exercise programs I have started over the years only to quit soon after. Why did I quit? I began with an over-aggressive program. To successfully achieve one’s goals, one must start with small steps. I have proven this to myself with my current exercise program. I began with a short walk to the top of the hill near my home. I gradually increased the distance over the next few weeks. Now I look forward to begin running a portion of the distance. I feel the benefits and will continue the program with gradual increases until I reach a comfortable level of fitness.
So, what does this have to do with 2012? Over the next week I plan to critically review 2011 and write down what I accomplished and perhaps more importantly, what I didn’t accomplish. This will be difficult, as I never wrote down any specific goals. I only have the vision of what I wanted to accomplish. For 2012, I will write down specific goals with measurable objectives. The end result will be a road map, beginning with small changes, which should guide me through the year and help me accomplish personal and professional goals.