I RESOLVE TO . . .

Resolutions - Day 59

Already the last day in February!   Time is certainly flying in 2006.  So on this last day of the second month in 2006 how are you doing with your New Year resolution?  Making some progress with your Resolution Roadmap?  Doing weekly check-ins to determine your progress, and make course corrections in your strategy to achieve your resolution?  Are you trying to devote a small amount of time each day to your resolution, say 20, 30, 60-minutes?  Are you keeping your chin up on those days when you just can't devote any time, despite the desire - your dance card's just too full? 

If you answered 'yes' to any of those questions you're on the right track.  It means that your resolution is still alive and kicking and you're still in the game even if you're not leading the pack in the race to the finish line. 

Working toward any goal or resolution can be tough.  You have to be passionate, dedicated, determined (maybe even a little stubborn), organized, optimistic, hopeful, open-minded, creative . . . the list of 'positive qualities' goes on and on.  Please note, these are all positive qualities.  Above all when you're working toward a resolution you have to be positive about the outcome even on those days when you feel like a failure and want to throw in the towel, 'give up'.  Don't do that.  The sun will come up again tomorrow.  A new day will bring a new outlook and new opportunities for success. 

Always remember four small words:  I can do it.  You can do it:   one resolution, one day at a time for one year.  It's never too late to begin working on your dream, your resolution for 2006.  Start today.  Let's go for it!

Daily Exercise - Day 59

Back on my bike tonight for a short ride.  It felt great to get back to my regular work out after a week of improvising while on business travel.  The calendar tonight tells me I'll soon be outside again, gardening, biking, swimming, walking and playing tennis.  Just 20 days until Spring!  Guess I should get back to the gym this week, and start swimming my laps.  I've been pretty irregular of late with my swimming.  Need to work on that - I'll try to hit the gym toward the end of the week.  Until then . . .

Right Track . . .

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Will Rogers

Resolutions - Day 58

I can.  I can't.  I will.  I won't. Now which choice of words (and in turn, attitudes) do you think will help you to achieve your New Year resolution?  Seems pretty simple and easy to me.  If you say you can't or won't do something (in this case, achieve your New Year resolution), well then you probably won't do it/ achieve it. 

The flip side of that, if you say I can .. I will achieve my 2006 New Year resolution those four small words, I can .. I will will set you on the path to success.  I'm not saying it's going to be easy and I'm not saying that you're not going to have rough days, but on those rough days a negative attitude will make it even harder to make progress on your resolution.  On those rough days, you just have to admit to yourself you're having a tough time of it, ride it out, and look forward to smoother sailing down the road.  You can achieve your New Year resolution, and you will!  Let's go for it in 2006.

Daily Exercise - Day 58

Run, run, run . . . a day spent running trough airports with some 40 pounds of camera and computer gear.  Yep, I got my exercise today.  Back to a more structured routine tomorrow:  my bike and Total Gym.  And yes, I'm way overdue for more frequent work outs at the gym.  That swimming pool is calling!  Until then . . .

Hustle . . .

"Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle."

Abraham Lincoln

Resolutions - Day 57

Do you have a dream?  A goal, a resolution? Today's a new day and tomorrow, God willing, we'll get another one.  It's never too late to make and begin a New Year resolution.  You can resolve to achieve your dream or goal any day of the year.  And keep in mind your resolution doesn't just have to be something negative that you want to change about yourself.  I like to call them the 'sins':  lose weight, stop smoking, get in shape, etc. etc.  Self improvement.  Your dream can also be something that is positive like going back to school, planning a trip to Italy, learning a language - the possibilities infinite.

I've found that a person is much more apt to achieve a resolution or goal if is something about which there is great passion and interest.  Maybe you have a dream that you would dearly love to achieve.  Something that has been in your heart and mind for some time, but you've never had the courage, time, energy, to make it happen.

Today can be the day.  Consider this idea:  one resolution one day at a time for one year - the rest of this year.  And consider these five steps:

• Dare To Dream:  Open your mind to the possibility that you can take the leap and make your dream a reality if you set your heart and mind to it.
• Decide:  Make a firm decision - resolve - to achieve your dream in 2006.
• Define:  Briefly, in one sentence if possible, spell out what you want to achieve in a specific, measurable way, a way in which you can attach deadlines and timelines.
• Develop A Plan:  Do your homework, do your research, figure out all the small steps that it will take to acheive your dream, then lay it out;  as you progress those steps will multiply and you'll find that you're frequently brainstorming, adding, deleting, making adjustments to your plan, your Resolution Roadmap, which will lead you to your final destination, achieving your dream.
• Do It Daily:  Make your resolution a priority, try to put in 20, 30, 60 minutes each day; if you miss a day, or a week, don't lose heart - you'll have a new day to re-group, adjust your plan, set a new course toward your destination, achieving your dream!

I've found that achieveing resolutions, dreams and goals is often more about common sense, dedication, and planning than anything else.  You also need passion, of course - that fire in your belly that will enable you to stick with your resolution, see it through to the end even on those really tought days.

So if you're procrastinating (maybe procrastinating for a long, long time) don't despair:  today is a new day.  Make today the day that you pursue your dream.  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 57

Going to be a busy Sunday, my last in Tucson, more events.  Sooo, getting ready to do some stretching, light Yoga, and hopefully a walk this afternoon if I can work it in.  This week, I'm making my exercise program a top priority, so it's back to the bike, Total Gym and Sport & Health for a swim, weights, and maybe try some of their cardio equipment.  Something to look forward to!  Until then . . .

Procrastination . . .

"My evil genius Procrastination has whispered me to tarry 'til a more convenient season."

Mary Todd Lincoln

Resolutions - Day 56

Things To Do Lists . . .  They're common, they're simple to create, and they're a key component of any strategy, and in any Resolution Roadmap:  that all important plan that outlines all the small steps that are necessary to achieve your goal.

I'm a firm believer in 'To Do Lists' - I often refer to them as 'TTD'.  I review mine pretty much every single day when I work on my morning pages.  My morning pages are a daily journal of sorts that I started when I began Julia Cameron's Artists' Way program 10 years ago. 

I run my life out of a spiral notebook that begins each day with a three page journal and includes my 'TTD List' and a million other things that happen each day.  The process has evolved over the years, but I find that if I review my TTD each and every day, I can set my priorities, adjust my strategy, brainstrom new ideas, and actually work on components of my resolution.  All of that little spiral notebooks.

In a way the whole process is also a form of meditation for me, and I'm a firm believer in meditation.  On these busy busy days, I start my day with my spiral notebook in hand, knowing all the priorities that I must achieve.  It calms my mind knowing that I have a plan.  I know the plan will change, of course, but when the curveballs are thrown at me I can react accordingly.  Most importantly, I know what I must achieve that day, or the next day, regardless of curveballs.  I still get overwhelmed, tired and discouraged some days.  But each morning, I open my journal, my little spiral notebook, and know I have a brand new day, to do it all over again.

So never say never, and never give up hope.  If your resolution has hit the backseat, or if you want to pursue a heartfelt dream - START TODAY!  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  It does work.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 56

I definitely got a great work out today.  I enjoyed a daylong walk with a friend and colleage, as we took in the sights of Tucson - the old Mission, the desert, and the Desert Museum.  We even did some hiking up a mini-mountain (a short hike, but it was as good or better than the stairmaster anyday;  I've done my time on that machine and can appreciate a good long nature hike up in the hills). 

In addition to getting some exercise, my main mission was to get some great photographs, which I did.  My feet took me from one location to another and I found lots of material to work with in Tucson, especially the fabulous blue skies topping my landscapes.  It was great fun.  Maybe tomorrow I'll get a chance to hit the pool for a little bit.  Until then . . .

Speech . . .

"Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both."

John Andrew Holmes

Resolutions - Day 55

Don't get overwhelmed!  There are so many days when personal and work responsibilities just come crashing in like a huge tidal wave.  It's hard not to feel overwhelmed.  I know my 'To Do List' is in a perennial state of overwhelm, but I just try to prioritize and go with the flow.  I'm learning.  All too often I've given in to the stress.  I still have days that those feelings of being overwhelmed begin to creep in.  On thoose days I just take a deep breath, take a good long look at what I need to do for that day, and do the best that I can. The 'To Do List' will be there tomorrow, and I'll tackle it anew.

So what happens to your dreams and resolutions on those days?  All to often I'll fallen into the trap of letting my dearest dreams take the back seat to the 'In Box' and the crush of responsibilities for my business.  This year, I'm making a big push to keep my dreams front and center.  I know I'm not always going to have big blocks of time do work on my resolutions, so I steal time when I can get it.  I also try to plan for those days when I'm going to be short on time - and equally important, make the most of the days when I know I'm going to have a bit of extra time.

In working toward my resolutions and dreams, I've found success in planning.  Almost every day I review where I'm at with my work and personal responsibilities - and with my dreams/resolutions.  I set my priorities, adjust my Resolution Roadmap - my plan that includes all the small steps that will lead me to my destination, achieving my resolution. 

And I keep faith, hope, determination, patience, and optimism alive even on those days when I really feel like grumbling and complaining.  Complaining doesn't do any good, so I'm avoiding it!  I know I can't change certain things in my life and I don't have control over most of what goes on - but I do have control over me and the way I think and react to things.  I'm trying to keep these things in mind each and every day. 

If your New Year resolution - your heartfelt dream is on the back burner, don't give up.  Today's a new day, and you can always begin anew.  Take your dream off the back burner:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 55

Lots of sunshine and a good bit of walking, stretching and Yoga.  That's the scoop for this week since I'm on travel and not able to do my regular work out regimen.  But it's all good.  This is a great change of pace.  I'm really yearning for Spring, so the sunshine and warm temperatures should 'satisfy me' until the official start of Spring, March 20th. 

Today I did some walking in between meetings and events in Yuma.  Tomorrow, I plan to so some sightseeing and photography, so more walking!  Until then . . .

Improve The World

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

Anne Frank

Resolutions - Day 54

Sometimes you just don't realize how badly you need to take a break - either short, or long - until you actually take a break!  I'm experiencing that this week.  A business trip has pulled me away from my regular work and personal surroundings, and though I still need to keep up with details in DC and the trip's events, it's been totally refreshing. 

A change of pace and scenery can really help you to re-charge those batteries and clear out the cobwebs in the brain.  It's sort of like re-booting your computer:  all the old junk files and such are cleared away, and your computer works faster and more effeciently after it's been re-started.  I feel like that.  Just needed a break from the routine.  Doesn't mean I'm not working on my resolutions and dreams - I am doing that.  But maybe not the same way or the same pace.  With that in mind, I'm going to get out and do some walking, sightseeing, and photography this afternoon before we move on to the next city, and a new schedule of meetings and events.

Don't forget, it's never too late to start working on those dreams and resolutions.  Stop procrastinating, and do it today!  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 54

A good night's sleep and voila, the jetlag is gone and I'm ready to do some Yoga, meditation and light stretching before I start my day today.  Because of this business trip my work out schedule is somewhat disrupted, but that's fine, I'm still exercising. 

This afternoon I hope to get out for a good long walk, while I take in some of Tuscon's historic landmarks - of course I'm dragging around 20 pounds of camera gear, so I'll get my work out.  Beyond the exercise this trip is great for my mental health; definitely a great change of pace.  The sun is out, the weather is warm, the sky is blue - what more can you ask?  This is a wonderful break in my routine.  By next week, I'll be ready to get back to work, my creative projects, and of course my bike, Total Gym, Sport and Health, and swimming!  Until then . . .

Behind Schedule . . .

"How does a project get to be a year behind schedule?  One day at a time."

Fred Brooks

Resolutions - Day 53

I'm on a crazy busy business trip this week, so have less time to devote to my resolution blog, but I am thinking about and working on my resolutions and creative projects in between meetings and events.  Yes, I am making time for exercise - though I am improvising since I can't get to a gym or to a pool. Instead I'm walking, stretching and doing Yoga (back to my regular work out schedule next week). 

As I mentioned earlier this week, that's the key when your schedule gets in the way of your goals, resolutions and dreams:  improvise!  Figure out a way to get around the schedule until things calm down.  Thankfully tomorrow for me, so I'll be back!  When it comes to those dreams, don't forget:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 53

Long, long day of running around during a packed day of meetings and events with my client in Tucson and Phoenix.  I'm shooting photos all week, so I'm definitely getting a decent work out, and having a great time.  Lots of bending, stretching and moving around.  I plan to do some Yoga/meditation and light stretching tomorrow morning, with some regular outdoor walking in the afternoon.  Until then . . .

Happiness . . .

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Resolutions - Day 52

Crazy travel week, so the posts are going to have to be short on my resolution blog.  I do plan to make time, and did work on my book about how to achieve New Year Resolutions while on flights today.  I'll have some down time this week and will make some time to work on my resolutuions and creative projects.  As always, my motto stands:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 52

Definitely got a good workout today running around the DC, Dallas and Tucson airports.  Lots and lots of walking which was fine with me.  I also felt like a weight lifter most of the day since I'm sclepping 20 plus pounds of camera gear, my computer and a bunch of other stuff.  Least I'm getting a work out.  That said, I also plan to get out and do some walking, so I can get some fresh air, and take in the scenery.  That's going to be my primary mode of exercise this week as I run around Arizona.  Looking forward to the week and my adventures in AZ.  Until then . . .

Forget Moods . . .

"I don't wait for moods.  You accomplish nothing if you do that.  Your mind must know it has to get down to work."

Pearl S. Buck

Resolutions - Day 51

Here's a question:  What to do with your resolutions during weeks when you're traveling, or the flip side of that, when out of town company comes for a visit?  Improvise!  Over the years I've learned you can't wait for inspiration, you just have to put your time in everyday and do your best.  Same is true with your schedule.  All sorts of things get in the way of working on your dreams and resolutions, each and everyday - but if you make your dreams your priority, then you'll find the time!

In the spring and summer, I sometimes find myself in the travel quandry: how to stick with my resolution to work out everyday for 30-to-60 minutes when I'm on a business trip?  As I mentioned, improvise!  I do more walking, stretching, light Yoga, and look for a gym or pool (one of my health clubs has facilities all over the U.S., so I can often find a gym when I'm on a trip; or I use the gym/pool at my hotel).  The key is to be open-minded and do some planning, so you can work on your resolution regardless of circumstances.  Likewise if you have company visiting, try to excuse yourself for an hour or so of private-time - usually guests like their own private-time as well; most folks will understand and appreciate your offer.

Bottom-line:  there's always a way to work things to your advantage, so you can work on your goals and resolutions even when you're not operating under the best of circumstances.  No matter what keep putting in your time!  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercsise - Day 51

Getting ready to hop on my bike for an hour.  I know it's late, but I often find myself exercising at the end of the day instead of the beginning.  Doesn't seem to have any adverse affect on sleep or anyything else, so I guess whatever works with the old schedule.  The bottom line is I want to get my work out in today, least 60-minutes on the bike, and maybe 20 minutes on the Total Gym in the morning.  Until then . . .

Deadlines . . .

"I love deadlines.  I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."

Douglas Adams

Resolutions - Day 50

Tonight when I was perusing through my calendar, it occurred to me that I'll be 48-years-old in April.  Age isn't something about which I've ever worried.  It's unlikely that I'll have any kind of mid-life crisis, other than the hormonal 'hell' I've been living through with hot flashes and early onset menopause (some eight years and counting, ugghhh - but I keep smiling through gritted teeth somedays :) ..... ). 

That said, tonight for some reason it really sunk in that my life really is half over - that is, if I'm lucky, and make it to ripe, ripe old age, something that I'd very much like to achieve!  The reason I'm bringing this up is that as I age, I really understand that all you really have is 'today' so you better make the best of it darn it!  Kind of like use it or lose it (think of all those good days that you fritter away your time on silliness and nonsense - it's kind of sobering).

With all of this in mind, tonight, I feel more determined to pursue my dreams with vigor and passion, and make sure that my priorities stay front and center in 2006 and beyond.  It's definitely important to stop worrying and thinking about things about which I have no control, and about which I can't make any reasonable changes.  I can control how I think and react to all the 'stuff' life throws my way.

When I hit those hair-pin curves on this journey down the highway that is my life, I'll keep my little vehicle centered and on course through creativity, faith, hope, optimism, and maybe a sprinkle of stubborness for good measure.  All food for thought.  Grab those dreams and resolutions - Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 50

Hopped on my bike tonight for 60-minutes which felt great.  Ran out of time, so didn't make it onto my Total Gym - maybe tomorrow.  Looked at the calendar tonight - admittedly, I do this everyday in the winter.  I'm soooo ready for spring, and all the outdoor sports and work out options.  Only 29 more days until March 20th...the official start of Spring!  Gardening, tennis, jogging, swimming, walking - outdoors - are just around the corner. Until then . . .

Diligence . . .

"The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence.  Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day."

Abraham Lincoln

Resolutions - Day 49

So . . . we're 49 days into the New Year.  Not so new anymore, huh?  Have you stuck with any of your New Year Resolutions?  Have you stuck with just one - maybe the most important one, something that you've wanted to achieve for a long long time?  Or, did you give up altogether?  Maybe you're you moving forward full throttle?  Or maybe your resolutions are gasping for air and a little inspiration?  Hopefully the answer is that you're working at a steady, even, determined pace:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.

If you're in need of some support maybe it's time to enlist your family (if you haven't already done so).  It's difficult to go it alone every single day even if you are working on a cherished dream that is near and dear to your heart.  It doesn't hurt to share your resolution with your family:  describe your dream, what you're trying to achieve, how you're trying to get there, and how important it is to you.  At a minimum, once they understand, maybe they can help to free up some time in your family schedule so you can work on your dream.  Or maybe family members have some fresh ideas.  Maybe they'll even get involved, help you to make some progress.   

Whatever the case, it's helpful to have support throughout your journey.  In fact it can make a huge difference.  Maybe your family members will become the cheering section in your race to the finish line:  achieving your dream by the end of this calendar year, and the start of a New Year - or at a minimim moving your dream forward, taking it to the next level, so you can keep progressing in 2007.  All of that depends on the size and scope of the dream. Bottom line, there's still lots and lots of time:  316 days until New Year's Day 2007.  Come on, stop procrastinating.  Let's 'go for it'! 

Daily Exercise - Day 49

Getting back on track, least for a short time with my work outs!  Nice long work out tonight on my bike and total gym (and meditation this afternoon), so around 90-minutes.  Good, Good!  I've given up on the idea of hitting the gym, at least until the week of March 1st.  A business trip next week is going to crowd out all hope of doing anything but walking, stretching and Yoga. 

I'm thinking about jogging again, I use to enjoy running in my serious tennis days.  Maybe it's time time to incorporate some running into my regimen - I know it would certainly help my tennis, as I strive to pull my gain together.  Something to think about for the Spring!  Until then . . . :)   

Inspiring . . .

"When you get the opportunity to get close to knowing what it's like to be blind and deaf and see the accomplishments one can achieve, it's inspiring.  It makes me feel like a schlump.

Moira Kelly - Monday After The Miracle - Hellen Keller's Years at Radcliffe

Resolutions - Day 48

I've been watching the winter Olympics the past few days and wondering a lot about the highs and lows these athletes must endure as they compete for medals.  These folks have worked, in many cases, their entire lives to achieve the dream of being the best in the world at a given sport.  As you watch, you can see the emotion etched on their faces:  total despair at losing, the ultimate height of happiness at winning a gold, or the aching agony at missing out on a medal by a fraction of a second, or a tiny wrong twist of the body at the wrong moment.  Human beings are such amazing creatures.  They endure so much - both happiness and heartache.  Regardless, they keep the faith, keep on going, test their strenths and talents while taking themselves to the very limit of their endurance, over and over and over again through a lifetime.  Amazing.

Whichever way the wind blows for each of these competitors on a given day - I'm sure they'll wake up again, on another day in the future, to fight the fight again.  Maybe they won't wage battle in an Olympic arena again,  but they will find another arena, on another day, somewhere else.  Champions don't give in or give up no matter what the odds.  These folks are the best of the best in the world.  Regardless of achieving a stunning victory, or suffering a crushing loss - they will move on to the next challenge.  That's what life is about, after all isn't it?  Overcoming obstacles and tackling challenges:  truly, in the end it's all about living up to one's potential, the potential of one's dreams?  A dream is born every single day - Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 48

Sunshine today!  At least a sunny outlook returned.  I totally understand:  not everyday can be a 'big bowl of cherries', though I wish they all were!  That said, it  was a good day.  I re-launched my meditation practice and yes, I was back on my bike for an hour tonight.  So, I'm working toward my health and fitness goals for 206 - which I plan to review this weekend.  I'm headed out on a trip later this month and I want to make to plan for work outs, something to think about this weekend:  at a minimum walks, swimming, and maybe some jogging, since I've decided to start running again.  Since I'll be in Tucson I will definitely make time to hit a spa, work or no work.  Until then . . .

Key To Success

"I don't know the key to success but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

 Bill Cosby

Daily Exercise - Day 47

Low energy day.  Not sure what else to call it.  Not quite a funk, just not cranking off all six cylinders, as they say. So I'm not going to sweat it.  No work out today.  I'm going to re-double my efforts to meditate, and get back on track with my work outs tomorow and this weekend.  Sunshine is just around the corner.  Until then . . .

Dreams . . .

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

Goethe

Daily Exercise - Day 46

What a gorgeous day - the kind of day you just have to get outside and do some walking!! That's just what I did.  I had errands to run all over DC today, so I parked my car and walked in my old neighborhoods.  It was great, and spring is just 33 days away, soon very soon, I'll be out walking all th etime.  In the meantime, back on my bike and to the gym/pool - need to get back in the habit of swmiming every day, or at least 3-4 days a week until my pool is open.  Until then . . .

Everthing That Is Great

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.

Albert Einstein - 'Out of My Later Years', 1950