January 1, 2019

Message of the Month

Reflect/Renew/Resolve

As we close out 2018 and move into the New Year, 2019, let us all apply the three R’s of planning; Reflection, Renewal, and Resolve.

Let me recommend that we reflect back on the past to see if we met our goals and are satisfied with where we are as it relates to career, family, and life in general.

From there we will best know how to renew our thinking and actions for 2019. Remember, if we keep doing the same things we will get the same results. What can we do to get different results if we are dissatisfied with how 2018 ended?

Then last, but certainly not least, is the resolve phase. If we reflect long and hard and if we have set or adjusted our goals then that will give strength to the resolve we need to take action and implement our New Year Plan. Be mindful that we are allowed to adjust as we go in case any stumbling blocks pop up.

You may say that you already have a 5 year or 10 year plan and that you don’t live year to year. OK, your three R’s program maybe reflect, re-adjust, resolve. Whatever the case may be, plan your life in advance and LIVE your plan with resolve. Failing to plan is planning to fail, don’t fall in to that trap.

Happiness Is Within Your Reach!

“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln

Happiness is not a big abstract ideal. Instead, it can be found in little everyday acts. It is about your outlook — a positive attitude rather than anything that must happen to you. So what can you actively do to ensure you’re happy? Here are a few really simple things:

Express appreciation for kind acts. Say thank you to a person who helps you. If you’ve missed the opportunity to do so, it is
never too late. You can still write an email or call them. In the martial arts, this is called the “attitude of gratitude.”

Believe that failure is a stepping-stone. Learn from your failure, but don’t give up. The most famous example of a person persisting is Thomas Edison, who, it is said, went through 10,000 failed attempts before finally inventing the light bulb. And here’s his positive take on those 10,000 attempts: eliminating all the ways something will not work allows you to get closer to something that will. Let’s embrace his attitude.

Collaborate. What are some resolutions you find challenging to carry out? Fitness? Get a buddy and work together. Watch out — good habits can be infectious!

Follow your passions. Was there a time when hours went by as you read detective novels? As a teenager did you love playing hockey? Were you a good painter? Are you musically inclined?

Do you enjoy volunteering? It is all too easy to let our pursuits fall by the wayside during the hustle and bustle of life. But it’s not worth it. In fact, following a passion or hobby can be deeply fulfilling.

Kids Corner

Quotes To Live By

“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there!” —Will Rogers

“I” can’t do it” never yet accomplished anything; “I will try” has performed wonders.” —George P. Burnham

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” —Anonymous.