"Start where you are, use what you have (or get what you need), do what you can..." -Arthur Ashe

I LOVE when a New Year comes along! I know people love to remind us of how such a minuscule number of people keep their News Year’s resolutions, thereby discouraging us from making them. Well, I say balderdash on that negativity. There is a definitely a time where negativity overwhelms us BUT the first day of a brand new year is not the time to be intimidated. Even the first month or so of a New Year isn’t the time. (Really, I don’t think there is ever a time to discourage another from growing and learning but that’s for another “Deep Thought” moment}.So what personal endeavors are you hopeful for this year?

Every endeavor needs benchmarks. New Year’s makes the most perfect time to benchmark, ever. Establishing a benchmark in things we value allows us to calmly evaluate where we are at in the moment. Otherwise, our lives just go on and on and on. Interminable time which can become so arduous and so monotonous and at time discouraging. Yes, this lady that has staged a hard-won comeback emotionally as well as physically over the last couple of years, still struggles and always have. I’m human. I struggle with unnecessary boredom. I struggle in relationships. I struggle with eating nutritiously and I struggle to keep walking close to my Lord. I struggle with staying positive. I struggle to stay focused. HOWEVER, all those struggles have also provided me numerous opportunities to acknowledge, evaluate and use benchmarks successfully. This in turn has allowed me to set goals and educate myself on a path to successfully move forward. It’s the “putting the plan into action” that is always the biggest hurdle, right?

Here is my “GO TO” plan for accomplishing goals and seeing our benchmarks improve. One, let’s make sure they fit the model for SMART Goals. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based. Secondly, let's seek out individuals and information sources that offer expertise in areas we don’t have and educate ourselves in the area of concern. Finally surround ourselves with people that encourage and believe in us unequivocally. Now, set to work on the measurable actions that will propel us forward. And, if you feel you have none of these individuals or resources, turn to God if he isn't already involved. The path He shows you may very likely not be easy, but he will provide guidance, accountability and prayerful partnership to get you through. So, HAPPY NEW YEAR, lets anticipate great personal growth and improved fitness in 2025.

-Leslie

"Unless one is driving or has a baby in the back seat, focusing on the rearview mirror is not very helpful, its not pointed where we are heading" Anonymous quote edited by Leslie