OK.  We are into the last month of the first quarter of 2010.  Where are you on the resolutions you established in January?  Are you on track?  Have you lost your resolve?  Do you even remember what you said you were going to do?  Are you holding yourself accountable?

       Experience has proven one of the best ways to stay focused is to engage an accountability partner.  By scheduling time (daily is best) to ‘report in’ you are more likely to make progress on your commitment(s).  My suggestion would be to alternate days.  One day you share your progress; the next day your partner shares with you.  You can determine the questions in advance and ask them of one another.  For example, “What did you do since you last shared that is helping you reach your goal?”  “What specific steps are you going to take before you report in again?”  “What gets in the way that keeps you from making progress?”  Anything you ask that encourages your partner and anything your partner asks of you can significantly impact your outcome.  By holding one another accountable, you increase your chances of success.

       I know when I’m ‘stuck’ and I ask someone to help me by listening to where I am and who gives me time to express myself, I begin to hear my own excuses!  Excuses don’t equate to progress.  Determination does!  I encourage you right now consider how your plans are unfolding and if what you want  to accomplish is not playing out favorably, ask for help and return the favor!  It’s better to pick someone who will hold you ‘feet to the fire’ and someone whose opinion you admire.  Asking a spouse or best friend will not work.  You’ll begin to defend yourself and that’s not what you want!   You want a non-judgmental listener -   an advocate – a cheerleader.  And, you want honesty. 

It is my hope, you are making progress.  Let me know how you’re doing!

When One Is Too Many

 The apology you neglected to make.

The commitment you forgot.

The inconsiderate comment.

The white lie.

Any lie.

Lack of integrity

Disrespect.

Making any assumption without knowing the truth.

Judgment.

Failing to forgive.

An excuse.

Holding onto a grudge.

           We all know the expression, “No one is perfect.”  A lot of us are prone to fall short of being the best of who we are.  That doesn’t, however, diminish our responsibility to address life situations respectfully. 

          One of my favorite books is The Four Agreements, published in 1997 by Miguel Ruiz.  He identifies the agreements as the following: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. Ruiz goes on to say that following these 4 basic rules leads to personal freedom.

          When I came up with the idea of sharing thoughts about one being too many, I realized that none of us can measure the impact of one nasty comment, one forgotten birthday, holding onto a grudge, speaking unkindly about someone to a third party, not honoring a commitment or anything else that can negatively impact another individual.  How many of us right now live with some regret?  I bet we could all be easier on ourselves and others.  I’m sure if we could ‘turn back the clock’ we’d take back unnecessary comments, be kinder and hold onto precious moments as if our last. 

 When One Is Never Enough!

Compliments offered frequently.

Consideration of other’s feelings

Generosity in both time and money

Acceptance of differences.

Expressing gratitude.

Sharing love.

             What does it take to create more loving relationships, a kinder world and the freedom to speak truthfully?  What will it take to get past the color of one’s skin, one’s religious preference, culture or any other distinguishing factor different from our own? I believe it takes an ongoing commitment to live with integrity, to hold one’s self accountable and to be a more forgiving person.   It requires looking beyond our own desires and wants in order to feel greater compassion toward those less fortunate.  While we can’t change the world, we can change the impact we have on it.  We can care.  We can support.  We can reach out.  We can be more understanding.  While one may be too many under certain circumstances, one is never enough to bring peace and harmony to our troubled world.  It requires all of us – one individual at a time – to create a better world.  Can I count on you?

Is 2010 YOUR year?

               My mother often said, “The older you get, the faster the time!”  As with most things, mom was right.  As you read this last entry of 2009 does it seem possible it’s soon to be 10 years since Y2K?  Remember the panic and concern that the sky would fall, our bank accounts would be in jeopardy and warnings to take necessary precaution just in case of crisis?  As it turned out, life went on as normal.

               With this as with every new year, it causes one to “look back” to review and reflect on what we’ve accomplished, the goals we didn’t meet, the blessings and challenges we experienced and to “re-commit” to what we want in the future.  I remember in 2000 being determined to make every year in the new millennium better than the last, more memorable and more productive.  What about you?

               The question is where are you right now in the plans, resolutions, commitments you’re willing to  make in order for  2010 your best year ever?  Will you enroll in a class you’ve postponed until now?  Have you finally once and for all announced to yourself and to everyone who cares about you this is the year your health is your #1 priority? Will you join a  gym or make your membership worthwhile?  Have you written your goals? What about the book you said you were going to write?  Maybe this is the year you’ll leave an unrewarding job to strike out on your own.  What is the condition of your financial house?  Will you finally make plans to update your will?  Do you have a will?  Is one of your goals to add more balance to your life, creating more time for you, family and friends?           

               Are you still reading or have I overwhelmed you?  Here’s the bottom line.  Every day we make choices.  Each day we get to choose the direction we want for our lives.  Every choice has consequences.  A year from now we will be re-visiting the outcomes of our choices.  I encourage you to choose carefully.  Right this minute, say “yes” to your health.  Say “yes” to personal and professional development.  Say “yes” to spending more time with family and friends.  Engage in meaningful work.  Volunteer.  If you need someone to help you be accountable I welcome hearing from you.  Together, we can make 2010 our best year ever.  Would welcome your comments!

It’s the time of year that I choose to reflect on where I am now realtive to where I wanted to be when we ushered in 2009!  In some ways, the goals I set for myself have materialized; in other ways my intentions fell short.  The pattern seems to duplicate from year to year – accomplishments and set backs – progress and disappointments.  What’s particularly disturbing are the plans I carried over from the year before fell short once again.  Maybe, goal setting isn’t for me.  Maybe, I’d be better off working the plan as I go along rather than beat myself up when a set up becomes a set back!   You know what else I’m realizing as I write?  I’m focusing on what didn’t go my way, rather than celebrating what did!  What about you?  Do you focus on your accomplishements?  Do you applaud your success?  Do you give yourself credit for your progress?  I sure hope so!  I think this is a lesson we all need to learn, unless it’s just the lesson I need.  At this time of year, let’s express gratitude for all we have, all the people in our lives who support us, enrich us and keep us grounded.  Let’s now worry about what isn’t going the way we’d like it to.  Rather, let’s acknowledge our blessings.  Afterall, tis the season to celebrate.  In January we can think about our goals.  Not now!  Care to comment?

Through my blog, I’m anticipating sharing helpful, meaningful and motivational information as we journey together.  While I recognize you have unlimited access to a wealth of resources, perhaps you’ll stop by now and then to consider whatever I can offer you of value.  I’m committed to bringing you not only my ideas, but those who also have wisdom that can benefit you personally and professionally.  All I ask  is that you continue the conversation, let me know about your ‘ah ha’ moments and share with our readers resources that have helped you and can assist others.  So, “hello” for now and stay tuned!  My first suggestion: check out: www.TheNetworkMarketingMagazine.com  If you have to network for your business, this is a great resource and there is no fee to be a subscriber.  Register and let me know what you think!