Do You Recall Any of Your New Year's Resolutions?

If you made some or even had a few hopes for this year, how are things coming along?

Since the start of the new year, I have been putting in motion my task list--you know that thing some call, "a goal" or "to do" list. I desired to write and read more (both of which I have been doing, but not without some challenges) and I also needed to abstain from some things personally and professionally that were setting me back including impulse buying.

Sometimes you will find yourself needing more time during the day to do something, so that's when some things must be put aside to allow for other things to happen in your life.

I have found that when we set our goals in front of us each day, great things can happen! There is something about looking at what you have and haven't accomplished each day that will give you a good kick in the rear! I don't know about you, but I just can't keep looking at an unfinished business project on a calendar or on notepads daily, and not feel compelled to do something--even if it means just crossing it out and doing something else in its place.

I also found that those things we keep putting off are usually the things we should have been doing in the first place. For instance, if you leave something out in the middle of the floor, like a tool, it just might help you get your task complete. It will serve as a simple reminder to motivate you to get what ever needs to be done immediately. I have personally done this with a vacuum, a carpet shampooer, and a pile of papers and receipts I needed to sort through. What tidy person wants to see that mess in the middle of the floor each day? So what are you most likely going to do? Make time to get those things done, so that you can put what you're keeping back in its proper place.

Sometimes we over-think things and don't get anything done! For example, there was one writing project I kept thinking about and did nothing, but when I left my notes by the computer and only devoted time to that (during my free time which I made time for) that day, it got done. No cell phone was answered, the children were watching movies and playing with toys (which I typically rotate so that they feel that excited feeling every time they see an old toy again.) Once everything else was done, I began typing.

The next day, I did the same thing all over again and then the next day and the next. I think when we think too much about what we have to do, we put pressure on ourselves and then we don't want to do them. Sometimes we just need to jump right in-- turn off the Internet, TV and other distractions and just do them!

When I realized how much time I was wasting during the day, doing routine activities, I found some tools to help make my life easier and free up more time in my busy day. Everything from a four-slice toaster to online programs to automate some of my routine tasks. I also freed myself of "traditions," that were taking far too much money out of my pocket and time away from my business activities. It wasn't necessary to make meals that require a lot of preparation-- especially daily. I stopped taking the children out so much; therefore I cut down spending money on more toys and games that just added to their collection of toy bins. I also took all those birthday wishes off my calendars. It just didn't make sense to spend money on people who don't think enough of you. I also cut off the people who just were no added benefit to my life. How much negativity can one stand? I think of an old song, "I can do bad all by myself, I don't need no help!"

My friends, this is what it takes to make time to accomplish a New Year's goal or two.

To God be all the glory.

Nicholl McGuire

Poetry: Steel City Under Watch by Nicholl McGuire

When I began really taking an interest in writing it started with a poem about nature back when I was nine years old. Funny, I developed an interest for journal writing at the same time, because I decided to pen it in my first diary.

It's usually a single word, a tugging in my spirit (or what some would call "your gut,") that makes me pen a poem. I don't restrict myself to a certain technique. If I feel like rhyming, then I rhyme, if I just want to write something that doesn't rhyme, isn't very long, and gets right to the point, then I do just that!

So the other day, I awoke to the following poem having been inspired by: the recent explosion of a rapper from Pittsburgh, PA (my hometown) called Wiz Khalifa as well as some interesting research about the music industry (I have been doing for almost two years now.) Here goes...the poem I title, Steel City Under Watch

The brotha from the Burg sitting back acting mellow
tellin' the whole d*mn world, "Black and yellow, black and yellow!"

But the truth be told,
the colors black and gold.

Is the brotha color blind,
what was on his mind?

Behind the scenes we know,
it's all about the show.

Red eyes high
while telling people a lie.

Another celebrity in season.
Fans gave good reason.

An illuminated state
lookin' for its mate.

What seeds did he sow?
Who does he know?

The bees be buzzin'
it seems about a dozen.

They are the called.
They are the chosen.

The industry creates.
The industry breaks.

Give somethin' up,
for that drink in your cup.

Worshiping gods
sparing the rods.

Hoping they will learn
while their parents' yearn
for another star
leaving God afar.

What will it take
for your eyes to be open?
A tragedy or death
seems to be the way of copin'.

Now that you know,
somethin' bout the show,
look around and you will see
that colors really matter to the one-eyed enemy.

Nicholl McGuire

Social Bookmarking

When it comes to keeping up with the many websites I visit, I utilize social bookmarking. One day while surfing the Internet and listening to an Internet guru, I came across an interesting site that helps with my social bookmarking. It is called, Only Wire.

This is a great site that not only helps you keep up with your many posts, but allows you to save all your login information to each website that you bookmark links. Simply put, you don't have to keep logging into your account every time you want to post a bookmark.

To visit the site just click here.

When it Comes to Business, Don't Text or Twitter Me!

"Did you get my text? I sent you a Twitter message...Did you check your Facebook?" Give me a break! People are getting ridiculous with this social media connection business! I don't want a simple text or twitter message about money someone owes me, I have a phone number too! I don't want my landlord sending me an email about fixing something in my apartment without a phone call. When it comes down to business, I believe one should always call to confirm. "Hello, I just wanted to let you know that the money is on the way. I apologize for my tardiness." or "Hi there, I know you are busy, but I will be in the neighborhood and just wanted to follow up to see if you received my email." Now how hard was that to call someone?

You see, some of us communicate back and fourth initially via email, text, etc. but at some point, one of us should be picking up the phone especially when there is a problem. Someone texts, "I don't like what you just said...call me." Texting and emailing about a serious issue can come across harsh. It is almost too easy to get an attitude about what someone says to you when there is no smile, no lol, no anything behind your statement.

Too many days might go by and you haven't heard from someone, it would seem to me that this person is either ignoring you, never received your message, or is still working on an issue. Wouldn't you want to hear a live voice by day three? What if something changed and he or she never bothered to update you on it ? I don't know about you, but my money and time are valuable!

It really gets under my skin when someone says, "I never got your message..." when you know they did while looking at your delivery receipt and confirmation that the email was opened. But that's what happens when you solely rely on texts and email. I understand how convenient a text or email can be, but I also know that a simple phone call to confirm that someone got a message is important.

So when it comes to business, I just might think twice about that person or business who chooses to send me a text; rather than, talk to me. Is the guy confident, sneaky, a liar or hiding something? Is this gal someone who will play the "I didn't get your message" game when there is a problem? hmmm.