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

Forget about New Years Resolutions! How About New Years' Revelations

It's 2009! Another new year brings about change, for some good, for others bad. But whatever the case, it's all good. Because through change, people have a choice they can either learn from it or be beaten by it! I prefer to accept it and grow from whatever change that may come my way!

You see, I saw and learned alot in 2008. Some of which I never had to face and I learned who was my friend and who was my foe. For years, I thought that people would come through for me when I needed them most since I had a track record with some that said, "I can count on Nicky." But I was wrong and I am glad that change made me take off my rose-colored glasses and face reality.

So I am sharing a little bit of wisdom with you that I learned the hard way.

Being a good friend or relative, doesn't mean you have to share everything including your money and time. I thought that if I rearranged my schedule to accomodate folks that somehow it would keep them from talking about me. People are going to talk about you no matter what you do, so I have learned not to go above and beyond, do what you are most comfortable doing, plain and simple!

Don't allow others to dictate how you should behave. For example, if you don't have the money or time to return a favor, despite what others say, you can't do it. So be honest with yourself and others and just make a mental note that the person who anticipates that you will be able to do something for them will give you a hard time if you should ever need them for something. I usually pray for these people and God makes them my footstool.

Be encouraged even when those around you aren't. There will be those people who will tell you everything that is wrong with your life and will not say one thing that will make you feel encouraged. Don't rely on their comments to build you up; instead, look toward your faith, a stranger, read about how others make themselves happy, or seek out friendship with people who will help you see the positive within you.

These are just a few tips on the wisdom that 2008 brought me. For more articles by me related to relationships, family, health, and money, Click Here