I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To™ . . . Make The Most Of A New Week! - 210

Lots going on, huh?  August is almost here - that magical final month of summer in which (hopefully) we can slow the pace just a little bit.  Personnally, I'm really crashing so that the month of August will be somewhat 'sane' in regard to work responsibilities.  I'm also really looking forward to spending some quality time with my creative projects - my resolution project, photography and other writing.  So looking forward to that!

I hope you're able to clear the decks as well, as we approach the month of August and I offer these words of inspiration this Monday!

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die.  Or when.  You can only decide how you're going to live.  Now." Joan Baez

"We grow neither better or worse as we get old, but more like ourselves."  Mary Lamberton Becker

"The problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn.''  Gloria Steinem

"What will be will be."  Italian Proverb

"Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear the most"  Fyodor Dostoyevsky

"The weak can never forgive.  Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.''  Mahatma Gandhi

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 30, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Clear The Clutter Of Projects! - Day 209

Busy, busy, busy year!  I don't know about you, but I've been feeling the weight of scores of projects of late.  Yep, it does add a measure of stress, but I've drafted a plan and a timeline, and I'm working day by today to complete each and every project, on time and with quality in mind.  We all have those days, weeks, months when we're looking for the light at the end of the tunnel - work responsibilities, school, family concerns, hobbies, dreams, life stuff.  We have a slew of ordinary tasks combined with monumental challenges to deal with on a daily basis.

With that in mind, I wish you well this week as you tackle your responsibilities and strive to make time for your dreams.  I offer you these warm words of encouragement and inspiration . . .

"For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream."
Vincent van Gogh

"The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time but in their significance to ourselves they find their own order . . . the continuous thread of revelation."  Eudora Welty

"Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third."  Marge Piercy

"That is what learning is.  You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a different way."  Doris Lessing

"The mere sense of living is joy enough."  Emily Dickinson

"One can never consent to creep when one feels and impulse to soar."  Helen Keller

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 29, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Dream! - Day 208

There is absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming!  I was reading an Ezine column today by a writer who mentioned that society frowns on dreamers.  Maybe she was referring to that notion that if you're staring out the window as a kid - 'daydreaming' - you're not 'getting anything done, or learning anything.  Or if you have your 'head up in the clouds' as dreamers so often do, you're not going to be realistic, or practical, or able to achieve that dream.  Well I beg to differ with those folks who contend that dreaming is a 'bad' thing to do. 

Dreams, after all, bring magic into ordinary lives.  Dreams make ordinary folks extraordinary.  Dreams can help us to learn new things, and to stretch our abilities as we reach for the stars.  When one is open-minded, willing to be creative, and daring enough to take chances, the rewards can be enormous.  The joy profound.  The journey fabulous.

That said, you can't simply daydream, you have to 'act' on those dreams.  You have to be committed to your dream, to working hard, to sticking it out through good times and bad.  I believe strongly that the I Resolve To Formula For Success, can turn dreams into reality.  It's helped me to build a business, earn college degrees, learn photography, build an exercise plan, and to achieve other dreams large and small. Sometimes we make things so much harder than they need to be.  Sometimes we just need to apply some simple, common sense.  Consider my formula:

Cherished Dream + Determined Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Achievement & Fulfillment.

Sounds too easy?  It's not.  Let me give you an example.  All too often folks make a long list of New Year Resolutions on January 1 - things they think they 'should change' about themselves or their lives.  Perhaps they 'should', but they 'don't' for a variety of reasons, then they feel like failures for giving up before they even begin. 

If you really want to make and keep a New Year Resolution, or turn a dream into reality - you have to truly want it.  You have to be willing to work hard.  You have to focus on just one thing - one life-altering dream at a time.  So many self-help 'gurus' preach about changing every area of a person's life, or making a person's entire year the best ever.  The trouble is, it sounds great, but it sets folks up for failure by raising the bar way too high.  Challenging yourself can be a great motivator, but unrealistic challenges, like un-realistic dreams, goals and resolutions can lead to failure.  Who wants that?  No one.  If you've failed before, why not learn your lessons and try something new?  Why not turn that failure to success?

If you really want to turn that dream to reality, try the I Resolve To System For Success:

1. Dare To Dream:  Open your mind and consider the possibility that you can achieve that dream that's been smoldering in your heart and head.  Make a list of the 100 things that you truly want to do, create, achieve, see, feel, have, be while you're alive - then focus on just one dream.
2. Decide:  Make a firm decision and a promise to yourself that you will 'go for it' with everything you've got.  Make a promise to yourself to pursue your dream with patience, passion, persisetence, perseverence.
3. Define:  Be specific.  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that you 'will keep'.  I Resolve To _____________. 
4. Develop A Plan:  Do your homework first!  Learn all you can about what you need to do to achieve your dream, your resolution.  Educate yourself about how, when and where you're going to achieve your dream, your resolution.  Think long and hard about 'why' you're pursuing your dream.  Then build a short range plan that will take you through the first week.  As you grow and learn, turn that plan into a long range plan that will take you through a month, a quarter.  Know where you want to end up, and how you're going to get there with Daily Goals.  Write it down.  Keep a Daily Resolution Diary so you can track your progress, make course corrections, and reward yourself for hard won victories!
5. Do It Daily:  You don't have to achieve your dream, your resolution, all your goals overnight.  Do just one thing at a time - one dream, one resolution, one goal at a time!  Take one small step, or a few small steps each and every day.  Build momentum, enthusiasm, and above all enjoy!

Trust me, it's wonderful to dream.   Give it a shot.  What do you have to lose?  You don't have to wait for New Year's Day to choose a dream, make a resolution, and apply your goals.  You can do it anytime.  This time, you'll pursue a dream about which you have great passion, and you'll systematically make it happen.  Can't build a house without a blueprint.  Can't write a book without a plot.  Achieveing a dream takes structure and creativity too . . . So stop procrastinating.  Put an end to the Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome today!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 28, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Play A Little In August! - Day 207

Life should 'not' be all work and no play!  Yesterday, I devoted my column to the notion that since we work hard all year long, maybe August would be a great opportunity to re-charge our mental and physical batteries by 'kickng back' just a little.  Don't race full throttle through the month.  Instead, approach your days with a more measured pace - the work will still get done. 

Why not use August as a month to reward yourself for seven months of hard work.  Why not schedule some firm time to 'pamper' yourself?  Think of the appointments as 'grown up play dates'.  Life doesn't have to be serious and 'hard' all the time!  Here are some suggestions to get you going.  Things that you can do to brighten a small part of your day - or maybe an entire day or an entire week - take a vacation, and leave the Blackberry and computer at home please . . .  :)

1. Find a Dairy Queen and order your absolute favorite treat.
2. Insert that movie that you'd love to see between your weekend errands and chores.
3. Read a book.  A fun book.  You don't have to learn anything.  Just be entertained!
4. Spend an afternoon dozing in your favorite lawn chair in the back yard.
5. Spend a morning tending your garden.
6. Hit your favorite coffee shop with friend (no work allowed!)
7. Float in the pool staring up at the blue sky and fluffy clouds.
8. Make deviled eggs and how about barbecueing some burgers and dogs?
9. Go for a long walk in your favorite park.
10. Head to the Baseball Stadium and root for your team!
11. Ask your 'kid' to plan an afternoon filled with his or her favorite activities!
12. If you don't have a 'kid' borrow one from a friend :)
13. Take your Mom to lunch.
14. Call and old friend just to say 'hi'.
15. Pull out your digital camera and shoot a goofy summertime Holiday Card.
16. Run through the sprinkler.
17. Dance in the rain and be grateful for everything you have and everything that you are.
18. Hit the local Farmers Market.
19. Pull out your golf clubs or tennis racket - get out there!
20. Turn off your Blackberry at 6:00 PM the entire month of August.
21. Hide your Blackberry on weekends.
22. Take a day trip to a city or park in your region that you'd love to visit.  Pack a picnic!
23. Re-acquaint yourself with one of your favorite hobbies.
24. Go camping!  Can't get away?  Pitch the tent in the backyard!
25. Visit your local zoo.
26. Try the nearest water theme park - stop worrying about what you look like on the slides!
27. Pull out your old '70's albums and dance, dance, dance!  Being silly is okay in August :)
28. Buy a big bag of Bing Cherries and enjoy!
29. Enjoy an outdoor concert.
30. Find one of the few remaining 'Drive-In Theaters' - 'WOW' a movie under the stars.
31. Go barefoot!
32. Roast marshmallows
33. Laugh more.  Smile more.  Give a hug or two.  Lighten up.
34. Play Twister with your kids.
35. Be silly once in awhile.

There you go.  I bet you can come up with a nice long list of ways that you can 'pamper' yourself - schedule some 'grown up play dates' . . . laugh a little and have some fun :) and maybe even brighten someone else's day!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 27, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Get Out And Have Some Fun In August! - Day 206

We're past the 'tipping point'!  As we near the end of July, we're long past the half-way mark in 2007. I'm always amazed at how quickly time passes.  Maybe it's a function of getting older.  I'm officially in 'midlife' and actually love being right where I'm at.  My life isn't perfect, I have my  ups and downs, but I'm 'doing what I love, and love what I do' both personally and professionally. 

Recently a dear friend mentioned that we 'mellow' as we grow older.  That's so true, we do mellow in some respects - we become more accepting of what we can change, and what we can't change.  But that doesn't mean that we give up on our dreams, resolutions and goals.  Quite the contrary!  In some respects it's easier to pursue dreams as you grow older because you have so much life experience.  Personally, I try to maintain the idealism and energy of my youth, but temper it with reality and practicality. 

Some days it can be difficult to avoid feeling jaded by life's experiences.  Life can wear you down.  Even though you want to maintain the vigor and open-minded, freshness of younger years, it can be tough some days.  You have to work hard to make your way in life - earn a living, care for family, participate in hobbies and community actvities and 'yes' pursue dreams!  I don't know about you, but sometimes I just feel a little 'pooped'.  It's been a long year, and I'm really crashing to complete work projects, so that August will be a calmer, creative, more playful month.  Yes I still have to work everyday, but I can also play too.

With that in mind, I'm going to schedule time for me in August!  You should consider doing the same.  Enjoy the lazy days of summer while it lasts!  Why not schedule some 'grown up play dates'?  One of my favorite authors, Julia Cameron, utliizes the 'artist date' as a way for creatives to go out and have 'fun' once each week.  Her book, The Artist's Way is fabulous.  If you're looking for some summer beach reading, pick up a copy, it's sure to get your creative juices flowing.  I read her book in the months prior to launching my business in 1999 - I still do her recommended 'morning pages' - a type of journaling, and I've given countless copies of her book to friends.  It's well worth a read!

I firmly believe in setting an example for folks - if I'm going to urge 'you' to make some time to pamper yourself in August - I'm going to do the same.  In fact, tomorrow, I'll propose a list of ideas to get you going, and will toss out suggestions through the month of August.  I'll also report on my progress with scheduling some 'play time' for myself. 

Life shouldn't be all work and no play.  If you want to achieve dreams large and small, it helps to be happy and healthy.  So take a break.  Leave some of the stress behind.  Give youself some credit for all of your hard work in 2007.  We still have five more months to work hard on our dreams, resolutions and goals, but in August let's cut ourselves just a little slack.  Go out and have some fun!!! :)

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 26, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Believe That 'Yes' I CAN Do It! - Day 205

The power of a positive 'can do' attitude can move mountains!  Now that's a huge statement as we move into the middle part of the week, isn't it?  Big and bold.  Kind of like splashing a can of red paint on the side of a barn, just for effect, to try it out, see what it looks like. Why not take a can of red paint, and give it a heave in the direction of our dreams - think in big bold ways, believe in those dreams, our skills and abilities, and above all believe in ourselves.  What's wrong with that?  Nothing. But there sure is a lot that is 'right' with that kind of thinking.

If you want to achieve things big and small, keep in mind no dream is too small, you don't have to run for President of the U.S. to 'achieve'.  But you do have to begin from a position of personal 'power'.  First you have to open your mind, and dare to dream, consider the possibilty that 'yes' in this lifetime you can achieve your 'heart's desire'.  You have to believe that you have what it takes to succeed.  Even if others call you a 'fool', or worse, you have to believe in yourself and your dream enough to 'give it a go', to 'try'.  You have to educate yourself about 'what' you want to achieve, and 'how' to make it happen.  Knowledge, after all, is power too.  You have to build a plan, and be committed enough to stick with that plan each and every day, one small step at a time.

Achieving things large and small is not rocket science. There is no enormous, shrouded mystery passed down through the ages.  Much of what it takes to succeed is common sense.  Simple hard work.  Preparation and execution.  Smarts.  Luck.  The ability to believe in a higher power, the God of your choice.  Achievement and success isn't reserved for Kings and Presidents.  But it's not free.  It comes with a price.  You have to want to achieve, to succeed, have 'fire in the belly' - be willing to stick with it 'no matter what'.  You have to overcome all the obstacles and learn from them. 

You have to keep your eye on the prize - it will keep you going.  At the end of each day, and ultimately at the end of the journey, you will find wonderful reward in knowing that you could and did learn, grow, create, do, achieve, and succeed.  You saw new things, met new people, and reaped the benefit of new experiences and feelings.  At the end of the day you will find satisfaction in a job well done - and in maintaining the positive 'can do' attitude that got that job done.  Yes, you can 'do it' - whatever the 'it' is - if you give yourself a chance!  Believe in yourself and your dream . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 25, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Honor My Creativity! - Day 204

Each one of us is capable of 'imagining' - weaving creative moments in which we craft . . .  art, writing, a fabulous home, a lovely garden, a successful work proposal, a happy family life, an exceptional college term paper, a song . . .   The creative process, and its products, is endless, unique to its creators.  We all have opportunities to create things big and small if we're open to the process and willing to explore our own dreams and abilities.  If we're willing to follow our passions.  If we're willing to 'try',  to give it a shot.

It would be wonderful to create like Hemingway, or Michelangelo, or Picasso, or F.Scott Fitzgerald - they gave us such wonderful gifts.  They provide such inspiration.  Why not dream, and know that we too can create?  All it takes is one small spark - an idea, and the courage to make the journey - from marble to sculpture, clay to glazed vase, blank page to book, empty canvas to portrait.  All it takes is the willingness to explore, give creativity and inspiration a chance. 

I'm a fan of J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series - who isn't?  Her latest and 'last' book has been released, a staggering number of books sold in just a couple days.  I raise my glass to her tonight.  She inspired legions of people young and old to 'imagine'.  Just simply 'imagine'.

I was feeling somewhat depleted today after a long day, long month, long year - so I headed for the theater.  I needed a break, and I knew that the latest Harry Potter movie would do the trick.  It did. I was refreshed and enthusiastic after I left the theater. 

J.K. Rowling did what any good writer does, she left me wanting more.  I cared about the future of Harry and Ron and Hermione et. al.  When the credit rolled at the end of the movie, I wanted to spend more time at Hogwarts.  J.K. Rowling delivered big time. She left me happy and feeling better when I left the theater, than when I walked in.  Good for her.  She's a wizard with story telling and word weaving.  Good for us.  She serves as such wonderful inspiration.  She struggled, it didn't come easy in the the beginning, but she persisted and persevered, found a publisher who believed in her.  She has been richly rewared with our attention - and we've been richly rewarded with her creativity.

My point tonight is to urge you to Dare To Dream.  Each one of us is blessed with special gifts - we just need the courage and encouragment to turn those gifts to something special - art, writing, a flower garden, a wonderful family, a flourishing business . . . What's your passion?  Name it.  GO FOR IT!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 24, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Approach Monday With Optimism! - Day 203

You've made it this far - 202 Days into 2007!  There are 163 days left in this year to make good on the promise you made to yourself to pursue a cherished dream.  But the dream doesn't end on New Year's Day 2008, it should continue on as a LifeTime Resolution a dream that's with you for good! 

That's the good news.  You can decide to pursue a dream any day of the year.  You can turn that dream into a resolution - a specific one-sentence committment to achieve.  You can make that resolution a reality with daily goals.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success - it's simple, common sense, and great for busy people:

Cherished Dream + Determined Resolution + Daily Goals = Success And Fulfillment!

Dreams come in all shapes and sizes.  No dream is too big or too small.  The key is to pursue a dream about which you have great interest, passion, conviction.  A dream that fits in with what you believe in, what's important to you, the things that you value in your life.  The key is to make that dream a priority - spend a small part of your day with it - 30-minutes, or an hour, whatever you can spare.  Take small steps each and every day toward your dream.  You don't have to achieve it overnight, but you do have to keep it front and center, close to your head and heart.

A friend carries her resolution around in her billfold - a laminated card. I wear my dreams on my wrist, beaded bracelets, and on T-shirts.  I keep a daily journal.  You can remind yourself with pastel posted notes stuck around your house.  Splash it across your computer as a screen-saver.  Keep your dream front and center in whatever way works best for you.  Shout it out to the world!  Just don't lose sight of it.  Be proud of it.  You have a dream!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 23, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make Good Use Of Limited Time! - Day 202

It's an amazing fact of life, no matter how hard you work to reduce the size of your 'Things To Do List' it never seems to get shorter or smaller!  I try to keep mine to one page, as much as possible.  Since I can't add an extra 10-12 hours to my 24-hour day, I guess the best solution - if you want to be productive and have enough time for dreams and daily responsibilities - is to prioritize and to pay attention to 'how' you're spending those precious 24-hours.

It's easy to get caught up in tasks like checking E-mail, deleting spam - and a lot of other 'stuff' that chews up a lot of time.  It's easy to procrastinate, put off tough or un-interesting tasks until the last minute, then race to finish on time.  It's easy to get caught up in 'puttering around' on things that aren't contributing to anything constructive on your 'To Do List'.  So what's the solution?

Each one of us has our own rhythms, the time of day that is most productive, our own way of organizing and implementing.  Personally, I'm not a morning person, I do much better at night - but I do have to work in the morning.  So I have to compromise, and I often divide tasks - phone calls in the morning, and writing and database work in the evening and weekends when I can think and do without interruption. 

In recent weeks, because work has been so busy both during the week and weekends, I've had a hard time 'making time' for creative projects.  My solution, I'm going to really crash the next couple of weeks to get caught up with work, so that I can devote my weekends and evenings to my 'resolution project' August through December.  Yes, I'll make time for 'fun and relaxation', but I think of my creative projects in that way, so they're really not a burden. 

If you want to fulfill your dreams, half the battle is knowing 'what you're going to do' and 'how you're going to do it'.  The other half the battle is taking it one day at a time, setting achievable daily goals that you can manage with limited time.  And 'yes' you have to stay focused and committed - and be patient, passionate and persistent!  Give it some thought.  How's it going?  Can you make better use of your time, so that you can keep reaching for the stars?

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 22, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Replace Doubt With A 'Can Do' Attitude! - Day 201

You Can, If You Believe You Can.  When you're reaching for the stars - working hard to fulfill a cherished dream - it's hard to avoid moments of doubt.  When you're striving to achieve a dream that some folks might call 'crazy' or 'impossible', it's hard at times to keep faith and hope alive. 

Sometimes you work hard day after day, and see precious little positive result.  You wonder, 'why in the world am I doing this'?  It's during those moments that you have to cast doubt aside, and replace it with an attitude of determination - renew your patience, passion, persistence, and perseverence.  You have to be courageous and willing to take one more risk - then another, and another.  If you don't press onward - if you 'give up', you will always wonder what might have been. 

To keep doubt at bay - and to maintain a good old fashioned 'Can Do Attitude' - keep a journal, so you can remember your successes and how far you've come since you began your journey.  Find a friend, family member, or classmate who shares your dream - support each other!  Find a teacher, a mentor, or an expert who can share advice and lend a helping hand.  When you have a big 'WIN' - celebrate - it will keep you going, working hard for another 'WIN' and that wonderful feeling of achievement.

Bottom Line:  As long as we can take a breath of air into our lungs, we should be reaching for the stars - trying.  Trying to tackle dreams both large and small.  No dream is too small.  Every dream is unique and special, just like you and me.  Give it some thought.  Give it a shot.

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 21, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Have A Fabulous Weekend! - Day 200

TGIF - 'Yes' that wonderful day of the week!  As you approach the weekend, keep in mind there are 165 days left in 2007.  I hope you're able to spend a little time 'taking stock', review what you've achieved so far this year.  Page through your journals, consider what you still need to do and what you need to learn to make your resolution a reality - to live your dream!

Personally, I need to do a little planning this weekend - I know I've achieved a great deal with my 'resolution project', but my 'Things To Do List' is still long with many challenges ahead.  I enjoy the challenges and I love the journey because I love what I'm doing.  This weekend I need to pull out my own journals, timelines, and long-range plans to sort out my 'next steps'.  It's so much easier to make a dream 'happen' when you know where you're going.  If you have a dream that is at the 'seedling' stage, I hope you're able to give it some tender loving care this weekend.  Spend some time nurturing your dream.  You don't need to achieve it overnight - that's the benefit of compound interest.  Spend a little time - 20-30-minutes each day - taking positive steps.  Over time, the results will be incredible!  Give it a shot . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 20, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make The Most Of 2007! - Day 199

You don't need to wait 166 more days until New Year's Day 2008 to 'resolve' to _________!  You can do it today, if you're willing and if you set your mind to it.  I can't imagine a life with no dreams.  Dreams keep us going, create joy and fulfillment, opportunities to learn, see, do, expeience, grow.  Dreams create magic, make ordinary lives extraordinary.  Whatever your passion, your cherished dream - you don't have to wait to make it a reality.  You can do it today, but it's up to you.

You have to Dare to Dream - open your mind and reach for the stars.  Then make a firm Decision to 'go for it', one small step, one day at a time - make firm promise to yourself that you will stay committed for the long haul.  Next, Define that dream - turn it into a specific, measureable, one-sentence resolution:  I Resolve To ___________.  Then do your homework about all the many steps that are necessary to make your resolution a reality, and turn those steps into daily goals - Develop A Plan, both short and long range.  Then 'DO IT DAILY!  Keep your dream with you for good, turn it into a Lifetime Resolution that you can enjoy year after year.

Achieveing dreams, resolutions and goals doesn't have to be hard.  It doesn't have to be difficult, or impossible.  Sometimes we make it more difficult than it needs to be because we don't have a system for success, or a gameplan - or commitment (because we don't choose a dream about which we have enormous passion and interest).

Achieving that dream will have a pricetag - the journey isn't free and it can be painful in that you'll work hard and make sacrifices.  But those sacrifices will reap wonderful rewards and enjoyment if you're working toward something about which you care deeply.  Give it some thought.  If you're procrastinating - stop the Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome.  Live your dream today!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 19, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Be Open To Inspiration! - Day 198

Open your eyes and take a good look around!  I've written before about the importance of making 'concious choices', really thinking about the decisions that you're making and why're you're making them, and 'not' sleep-walking through your day.  When you think about 'what' you're doing, and 'why' you're doing it, and making concious choices - the quality of your decision-making and actions will increase.  The quality of your daily journey will be better.

What about simply opening your eyes and taking a good, long look around?  How often do we truly enjoy a sunny day topped with blue skies and fluffy coulds.  How often do we take a look up at that gorgeous sky, stop to smell a rose, or sit by a meandering creek just for the sake of sitting and taking in the scenery?  Probably not often enough. 

In our daily lives we're urged to 'speed it up' - do more, be more, achieve more, buy more - more, more, more!  Don't get me wrong, I truly believe in hard work, achievement, dreams, goals, and resolutions.  I believe they can lend fulfillment to a person's life.  I write about those things everyday and urge folks to reach for the stars,  but there also comes a time to set the work aside and just 'relax and enjoy'.  There comes a time to gain some inspiration from the beauty that surrounds us - from nature, animals, music, art, sports, good books, hobbies, friends, family, great food, and on and on. 

When you begin slowing down just a bit, opening your eyes, ears, and senses to your surroundings the beauty and joy can be amazing.  That beauty and joy can 'fill your cup', re-charge your batteries, and keep your creative juices flowing - and 'yes' inspire you to work hard to achieve your dreams.  Give it a shot, open yourself to all the inspiration that is available to each one of us . . . it just might make a big difference in your life!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 18, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Do Something Self-Less Today! - Day 197

Smile at a stranger.  Open a door for someone.  Give a compliment. Let someone merge into your lane in traffic.  Hug your kid.  Do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! There are countless ways to improve another person's day, yet we're often so busy, or racing from place to place, that we don't give those random acts of kindness a single thought.  You're probably wondering 'why' I'm writing about random acts of kindness on a blog about achieving dreams, resolutions and goals . . .

The simple answer is that it will make you and the other person 'feel good'.  It could promote a little happiness in the world.  It's the right thing to do.  If you feel good about your actions, the way you treat others, then your attitude is likely to be positive.  That positive attitude and those feelings of good-will could help to boost your motivation, energy, and inspire you to do great work toward your dreams. 

Who knows, a simple smile or a random conversation with a stranger could oneday lead you to your soulmate if you're single.  Letting someone merge into your lane could set a a good example for others - if everyone did that the roadways would sure be a lot more pleasant and a lot less stressful.  Bottom-line - doing something self-less that will benefit another person is a good, healthy action, and maybe you don't need to get anything in return.  Maybe the knowledge that you brightened someone else's day is enough, a gift that you can easily give, and keep on giving. 

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 17, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Press Forward With My Dreams Even When I'm Pooped! - Day 196

Busy,  Busy,  Busy!!  It's been a wild ride this year - a lot of work and creative projects to juggle, a lot going on all the time, but it's well worth it in the long run as I love what I do for a living.  That said, I'm hitting a 'valley' the next few weeks with work - my work 'peaks and valleys' - and I'm truly looking forward to a slightly slower pace, so I can catch up on my sleep, and give my brain a brief rest. 

I'm also looking forward to the second half of the year because it will afford me a little more time to work on my 'resolution project' - my book, t-shirt designs, columns, and so on.  I'm more than ready to 'press forward' with all of that, even if I feel somewhat 'pooped'.  I'll take a brief vacation from everything in August, then hit my projects with renewed vigor.  My creative projects help to keep my imaginative juices flowing, add joy to my life, enable me to learn new things, so they're never a burden even if I'm suffering from low energy.  That's why I make this blog a top priority.  If I can help just one person to pursue a cherished dream, keep a New Year Resolution, or achieve a goal - then I've done some good!  It really makes me happy and keeps me going . . .

That's been my long-time dream - to help folks to achieve their dreams.  If you're feeling a little 'pooped' yourself, as we enter the second half of the year, don't despair.  Instead, try to take a short break - remove some things from your plate for a few days.  Make sure to have a 'start-up' date and plan for when you'll get busy with your dream again.  But try to take a breather, then press press forward with new 'gusto' after you've re-charged your own batteries!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 16, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Embrace The Possibilities This Week! - Day 195

So many possibilities, so little time!  I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.  If it hasn't been as relaxing, or as much fun as you had hoped, keep in mind things always get better.  As we enter a new work week, tomorrow, don't let your 'In Box' control your life - make some time for 'YOU' and your 'DREAMS'!

I offer these warm words of inspiration to help you open your mind, dare to dream, and to consider all that is possible! 

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."   Mother Teresa of Calcutta

"Happiness is A butterfly, which, when pursued is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you."  Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) from 1001 Meditations by Mike George.

"During times of trouble I take comfort in knowing that there are some things in life that I can't change and some that I can change.  I accept that.  I go with the flow as long as I have to and wait for the first opportunity to paddle my little canoe into calmer waters where I can re-group and set out on a new course of my choice."    Kim M. Simpson - 2006

"The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost."  G.K. Chesterton

"We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance."  Harrison Ford

"When I hit those hair-pin curves on this journey down the highway that is my life, I keep my little vehicle centered and on course through creativity, faith, hope, optimism, and maybe a sprinkle of stubborness for good measure."  Kim M. Simpson

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 15, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Avoid Over-Preparing! - Day 194

Knowledge is power!  When you're working hard to fulfill a dream, keep a resolution, or achieve a goal you have to do your homework.  You have to educate yourself about all the ingredients that are necessary to take you from start to finish.  And then start over again, to take your dream - your resolution - to the next level, so that you it can be a Lifetime Dream, a Lifetime Resolution.

Keep in mind, as with most things, balance is very important.  If you become over-enthusiastic about preparing, it can backfire.  Over-preparing can be a crutch, an enabler - it can help you to put off the really tough parts of making your dream a reality.  If your dream is to write a novel, and you spend all your time researching, plotting, creating characters - you will never begin to write your novel!  Don't get me wrong - most writers do their research, plot and characters before they write.  The trick is know when to take that information and finally begin writing. 

Writing (like many dreams) can be scary, so I can fully understand how a person could get caught up with the preparation.  At times I do that myself.  But eventually, you have mold the clay into art - take your research, plot and characters and breathe life into them - weave the story of your life! 

Personally, I've written one bad novel that is safely locked away forever, and I'm working on a book about 'how to achieve dreams, resolutions and goals'.  My resolution project has been in progress since 2004 - so believe me it's near launch.  In the next six to 12 months, my dream will be a reality.  I have great anticipation for the day when the book is complete.  It doesn't matter to me if it becomes a bestseller - though, of course I would be very happy if it is read by countless numbers of folks who are trying to achieve their dreams.  What matters most to me is the journey. I truly love writing, so the satisfaction comes in doing what I'm doing right now - thinking, dreaming, creating - one word after another, day after day.

If you have a dream, prepare - but don't over-prepare.  Your heart and head will tell you when it's time to launch.  Pay attention to the little voice deep inside.  It's telling you something important. Don't ignore your instincts!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 14, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Lend A Helping Hand! - Day 193

TGIF!   Yes, it's that wonderful day of the week!  A whole weekend ahead to dream, work toward our dreams, relax, spend time with family and friends, work around the house - 'yes' the list is unique to each one of us, and it's endless.  So many possibilities.  I like to think of each day like that:  So many possibilities!

As you enter this weekend, I urge you to consider this one possibility:  that you can help someone else.  Each one of us can lend a hand in so many different ways.  Sometimes we don't realize what we have to offer.  Sometimes it's as simple as offering to help a friend or neighbor with a problem they're experienceing (my neighbords, thankfully, are experts at this and they've taught me a lot, I appreciate all that they do!).  Sometimes it's offering to mentor a young person, to share your knowledge, expertise, skills - to help someone else to learn and build a strong future. 

So what do you have to offer?  At a minimum - you can open a door, let someone merge in traffic, smile in a grocery store, give a hug to a friend or family member.  Or you can offer more by sharing your unique knowledge, expertise, skills with someone else who is struggling to 'learn, achieve, do, create' - someone who like you is trying to make his or her way in this world.  Give it some thought.  At the end of the day, the more you give, the more you get, and it all contributes to you and your dreams.

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 13, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Pay It Forward Today! - Day 192

Do just one good deed today!  Okay, you can do more than one, but just begin the day with the thought that you will do at least one good thing, one nice thing for someone else.  A stranger, a child, a spouse, a colleague, a family member, a friend.  Give a hug, offer a kind word, share your wisdom, your knowledge, your expertise.  Open a door for someone and smile.  Smile at someone walking on the street, or in a grocery store.  Let the 'other guy merge in' when traffic is tight and you're sitting in gridlock. 

Pay it forward, do something good, without expecting something in return.  Do it just because you have the ability, the good sense, good health, intelligence, heart, to do it. Why?  Because it's the right thing to do.  It will make you feel good because you were kind to a fellow traveler in this journey we call life.  Do it because you have something important and unique to share with the world.  Be good and kind and always remember your dreams . . . always be grateful for all you have and all you are.

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 12, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Remember In 100 Years It Won't Matter! - Day 191

So many battles, ups and downs, and annoying-irritating stuff in any given day!  Each one of us experiences the 'daily ups and downs' of life, work, family, dreams . . . it's hard to avoid.  No day is worry free.  No day is perfect.  And 'yes' life tosses a lot of curveballs at you.  Often life is unfair.  Sometimes when you work your heart out, do everything right, you still get kicked in the fanny, rather than receive a nice 'thank you for all your hard work'!  And sometimes you receive the 'nice thank you', but you still get kicked in the fanny!  So how to stay motivated in the light of all the disappointments and heartaches?

Let it roll off!  You know when you did a good job. You know when you gave it your all.  You know when the other guy was the 'jerk' but you got blamed for it.  It happens.  Nothing you can do to change that.  But you do have control over your reaction(s) to these upsets.  Instead of getting mad, or angry, or 'getting even' sometimes you just have to cut your losses - admit you made some mistakes, the other guy made mistakes, and move on if the situation is not retrievable.

Instead of dwelling on all the 'bad stuff' try to learn your lessons - sort out what you could have done differently or better, but don't beat yourself up.  Apologize if you were wrong, that's the right thing to do.  But, remember, learning the lessons is hard enough, so don't beat yourself up.  Instead of stewing and worrying on those lessons learned, change the channel. Change the channel to how you're going to achieve that cherished dream. Shift your attention to the 'positive' - to how you can move your dream forward, step by step, in a healthy, creative way.  Tomorrow is a new day!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 11, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Listen To My Instincts! - Day 190

Do you listen to your heart or your head?  Do you pay attention to your intuition, your instincts?  You know, those nagging feelings that tell you that you should or should not do something - that something is wrong or right in your life, in a situation, or at work, or in a relationship, etc..  We all have those feelings, unfortunately, they all too often are ignored.  Your instincts can be powerful tools if you listen and learn from them, learn to trust yourself, your wits. 

More often than not each one of us is smarter and more capable than we give ourselves credit for - and there is always more to learn, be, do, achieve, experience, create, see . . . life holds so many possibilities.  It can lift you to the greatest heights - but you have to listen to your heart, follow your dreams, work hard . . . all common sense stuff.  I hope you carve out some  quiet time this week to ponder your dreams, listen to your instincts . .  .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 10, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make The Best Of This Week! - Day 189

Thank God It's Monday!  TGIM - no, I'm not crazy, but I do love what I do, so I look forward to the work week.  No, I don't have control over everything that happens, but I do have control over my focus, my energy, my attitude, my choices.  And so do you.  Things aren't always going to go as planned.  People aren't always going to cooperate.  Sometimes folks are going to be outright nasty and evil, unfortunately.  Life is filled with both cherries and lemons.  All you can do is take them as they come, good and bad, and do the best you can!  And yes turn those lemons into lemonade, trite as it sounds - learn from those hard lessons.

I hope your week is filled with 'cherries' rather than 'lemons'.  But, if you get a lemon or two, try to switch the focus to something positive.  Work a little harder on your cherished dream. Channel your energy into your passions.  I offer these thought of inspiration as you make journey Monday through Friday . . .

"I shut my eyes in order to see."  Paul Gaugin

"I must govern the clock not be governed by it."  Golda Meir

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."  Dolly Parton

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak.  But their echoes are truly endless."  Mother Theresa

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 09, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Seek Balance! - Day 188

Having a wonderful weekend?   I hope you're making a point to take some time out for yourself, your dreams this weekend.  It's healthier and more enjoyable to mix a little play with all that work.  Try to find some balance! 

As we leave the weekend behind and enter a new work week, I urge you to answer all that's piling up in your 'In-Box' at work and home, but don't forget to spend 30-minutes each day, taking one small step toward your dreams, resolutions and goals.  Life passes so quickly, don't wait until the end to wonder 'why' you didn't do all the things you 'hoped' to do! I leave you with these words of inspiration . . .

"Earth's crammed with heaven."  Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows."  Helen Keller

"Learn to accept that everything should come to pass exactly as it does."  Epictetus

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 8, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Live Up To My Commitment - Day 187

Have you made a promise to yourself to achieve a dream, resolution, goal in 2007?  Did you start the year on January 1 by making a commitment to pursue a resolution?  Or perhaps you decided on your birthday to pursue a long-held dream.  Or maybe the first day of Spring gave you the incentive to dare to dream - you decided, finally, to 'go for it'?

Even if you've been 'hit and miss' at times with the follow through, don't despair.  Don't beat yourself up, it's not your fault, even if you find yourself procrastinating at times.  Life is hectic, chock full of activity, on the best of days.  It's easy to feel overwhelmed and it's frequently difficult to find the motivation and creativity to move a dream forward.  The trick is to find ways to keep your dream 'front and center' - and still take care of your life's 'In Box', all the other stuff you have to do to be a responsible, healthy, happy person.  With that in mind, here are a few common sense tips to help make that dream a top priority:

1. Tell the world about your dream, resolution, goal.  Don't keep it a secret.  I can't count the number of people I've asked, 'What's your New Year Resolution' and they've given me a shocked look and response "I can't possibly tell you that!!!"  Well, 'YES' you can and should tell folks about your dream - shout it out to the world!  Ask your best buddies, friends and family to help you to keep your dream 'front and center'.  Ask them to join you in making the journey.  It's amazing, when you ask folks for help, they often jump at the chance to lend a hand!
2. Do a page or two in your journal each and every day about your dream.  Build a plan, timelines, 'Things To Do Lists', chronicle your progress, daydream.  Keep a record of your journey and revisit where you've been and where you're going each and every day!
3. Wear your dream, your resolution on your head, shirt, wrist.  Paint the sky with it.  Post it on your mirror with pastel posties.  Carry around a laminated card in your billfold.  Personally, I wear my dreams on my wrist, as beaded bracelets - I wear different dreams on different days.  I wear them on T-shirts and hats.  I remind myself each and every day that I'm working hard to achieve, create, do, be, experience, see!
4. Find a mentor to help you along your journey.  Find a teacher, expert, mentor who can serve as inspiration.  I've been blessed throughout my life to have had teachers, professors, Members of Congress, community leaders, friends, and others who served as mentors - they helped me to achieve my dreams, and I'm forever in their debt.  Again, I can't stress enough - find a mentor, some one who is an expert in your chosen 'dream', get to know them, ask for help.  It's the highest form of praise and respect to have folks ask you to share your knowledge - give it a shot, ask for some help here and there!
5. Above all - Keep your dream simple and straight forward.  Define it in one short, simple specific sentence that you can carry with you everywhere you go.  I Resolve To ______.  I Resolve To Exercise Daily.  I Resolve To Write My Novel.  I Resolve To Discover My Soulmate.  I Resolve To Run Marathon(s).  I Resolve To Buy My First Home.  The list of dreams is infinite. It's unique to each individual.  What's your dream?  Ready to 'Go For It'?

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 7, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Squeeze Every Minute Out Of My Weekend! - Day 186

TGIF - Yes, that wonderful day of the week!  With a holiday mixed in - what could be better!  I did a lot of work and enough play to keep me pretty balanced this July 4th Holiday week.  As I approach the weekend, even if I have to handle some work pojects, I believe I can still maintain a healthy balance. 

I'm always striving for that happy balance, this weekend is no exception.  I hope you're looking forward to a calm, pleasant weekend, as well - one in which you can relax and spend some quality time on your dreams, resolutions and goals. With that in mind, I offer these wonderful words of inspiration, on this the 186th Day Of 2007!

"Alway bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."  Abraham Lincoln

"A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys and keys to fit our locks.  When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our true selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not who we're pretending to be.  Each unveils the best part of the other.  No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise.  Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction.  When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person.  Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.''  Leslie Parrish Bach, in The Bridge Across Forever

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."  Anatole France

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - July 7, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Love What I Do! - Day 185

Do What You Love - Love What You Do!  Part Two!  Yesterday I wrote about making this phrase more than simply a 'motto', finding my true 'calling' as a kid, and pursuing it with a passion.  There are so many different facets to this important topic that one column doesn't do it justice.  With that in mind, in days to come I'll continue to explore the whole notion of 'Doing What You Love, Love What You Do' in my posts. 

For now, I leave you with a series of questions that I plan to ponder in days to come, some of which may serve as food for thought for you as well . . .

• Do you wake up in the morning, looking forward to the things you'll be doing, the challenges you'll be tackling, the people you'll be working with and meeting?  Or do you drag through your day, dreading what's to come?  What changes both small and large could you make that would help you to look forward to your day?  What are your dreams?
• If you're already pursuing your dreams, but aren't feeling satisfied with progress, or the journey, are you keeping a journal that chronicles your ups and downs?  Do you sit down, in a quiet place where you can feel relaxed, to do a weekly Check In?  Do you review what you've achieved and think through your 'next daily steps', or are you on auto-pilot?  Maybe it's time for some fresh brainstorming, some conscious decision-making.
• Do your values match your dreams, resolutions and goals?  Have you ever tried to match up your values and beliefs to your dreams, resolutions and goals?  Perhaps it's time to consider what you value in life, what you believe in, as compared to your aspiration and goals . . . do they complement each other?  If not, how can you reconcile the two?

None of these questions are easy to ponder or answer.  Life isn't easy.  But they're all worth noodling if, eventually they will  set you on a course to a more productive, rewarding life.  Life isn't perfect, but it can be happy and fulfilling if that's your goal and you're willing to work for it.

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It - And A Happy July 4th To You!

Kim M. Simpson - July 6, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Do What I Love! - Day 184

Do What You Love - Love What You Do!   It can be more than a 'motto' if you truly believe in yourself and what you're doing.  I've been a goal-oriented person throughout my life and I've always tried to 'do what I love and love what I do'.  In junior high school, I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a journalist (Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were my inspiration during the Watergate/Nixon years).

With that goal in mind, I began work on my first major dream as a teen-ager and succeeded in becoming a political reporter for television stations upon graduating from college with a Degree in Journalism and Political Science, and a Masters Degree in Public Affairs Reporting.  Thankfully, I had wonderful teachers, mentors, friends, and family to help me along.  To this day, I appreciate their attention and advice more than they know. 

Equally important, I always had a plan - that was mostly my 'making' because it's not something that you learn in school.  Much of it was instinctual - I'm an organization freak by nature.  But I also grew by educating myself.  If I didn't know how to do something, I found books that would help me along.  Over the years I've read scores of books that have helped me to learn to plan, create, write, achieve, succeed, do.  There are so many wonderful authors, ideas, approaches - always something new to learn, and so many good teachers!

Not surprisingly, through the years, my career has taken a variety of interesting and challenging twists and turns.  It hasn't always been easy, it's certainly been a lot of work, but it's brought enormous joy, reward, and satisfaction to my life.  Early in my career I thought I'd always be a political reporter.  I eventually veered off that track and went directly into politics, but the thread that has remained constant throughout my life is my love for writing and communications.  After I left reporting, I wrote a really bad novel, and now I'm working on a 'How To Book' about achieving dreams, resoutions and goals (that is much better than my 'bad novel!). 

I've been an avid 'journaler' both hard-copy and online Blogs for years and years.  I manage my life out of spiral notebooks, journals, calendars - I've learned that writing things down is an important way to chronicle life, and to move your dreams forward day by day.

Writing is as important and vital to me, my happiness, and survival as breathing air.  I long ago found my purpose in life - the writing and creative process has taken may forms, brought many surprises, and things haven't always worked out exactly as I thought they would, but it's been a wonderful ride.  I do what I love and I love what I do.  I have no regrets and I count my blessings each and every day for all that I have and all that I am. 

I hope you've also found your true 'love' - dream(s) about which you have great passion and interest.  Dreams that complete your life, make it interesting and wonderful!  If you haven't figured it out, I hope you'll come back here tomorrow and the next day, as my dream is to help you achieve your dreams, resolutions and goals!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It - And A Happy July 4th To You!

Kim M. Simpson - July 4, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Achieve One Small Goal Today! - Day 183

We're at the exact mid-point in the year - perhaps it's time to re-double our efforts to fulfill dreams, keep resolutions and achieve goals!  Keep in mind, you  don't have to do it all at once - just one small step at a time, one day at a time.  If you've been procrastinating instead, maybe it's time to light a stick of dynamite under your dream.  Why not stop the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome' dead in its tracks?  It's not moving you an inch closer to success!  All food for thought - and as you ponder your next steps, I offer these words of inspiration on this the 183rd day of 2007 . . .

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."  George Bernard Shaw

"It's none of their business that you have to learn to write.  Let them think you were born that way."  Ernest Hemingway

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me"."  Erma Bombeck

"Don't think.  Thinking is the enemy of creativity.  It's self-concious, and anything self-concious is lousy.  You can't try to do things.  You simply must do things."  Ray Bradbury

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!!

Kim M. Simpson - July 3, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Exercise Daily! - Day 182

Exercise, it's my Lifetime Resolution, and I'm keeping it - happily I might add!  I admit it, I'm a cheerleader for getting daily exercise.  As a kid, I was athlete - swimming, tennis, basketball, softball, running, biking, you name it. I truly enjoyed sports, and I still do.  I long ago made a commitment to sports and exercise as an important part of my lifestyle, and I've enjoyed every moment of the journey.  I can't imagine 'not' exercising and participating in sports.  In addition to all the benefits to body and mind - exercise and sports are just plain fun.  Okay, I'll get off my soap box (but if you don't exercise, consider giving it a try!).

If you're struggling to fulfill dreams, keep New Year Resolutions and achieve goals keep in mind - interest and desire are 'keys' to success.  Working toward goals that you passionately want to achieve - things that you can't imagine 'living without', is vitally important to success.  Of course, the first step is to do some soul-searching to determine what those dreams are. Often we know in heart and mind what our dreams are, we're just afraid that pursuing them might end in failure, so we ignore them, we don't try - don't let that fear stop you!

The next steps are where most folks get stuck - particularly on January 1 with their New Year Resolutions: making a decision to 'go for it', defining specifically what they want to achieve, and sticking with that decision through thick and thin.  You truly have to want to achieve your resolution to succeed.  You have to 'want to do it everyday'.  And even on those days that you're tired, crabby, stressed - you have to 'do it'!  Sounds like a tall order?  It's not.  The trick is to pick just one dream about which you have great passion and interest, turn it into a resolution, and apply daily goals (one small step at a time, one day at a time for 20-30 minutes each day).  You have to be patient, passionate and persistent.

We're at the mid-point in 2007.  We still have six months left in the year, so why not make good on one of those New Year Resolutions that you were thinking about on January 1, 2007 - the one that you truly, deeply wanted to achieve!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!!

Kim M. Simpson - July 2, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Flooaat In The Pool! - Day 181

We're heading into the July 4th holiday week - time to relax just a bit don't you think?!  We're also heading into the exact half-way point in the year this week.  We've worked hard all year, so 'YES' we've earned a break today and tomorrow, and maybe even the next few days!  That's not to say that it's time to tuck those dreams, resolutions, goals away, 'out of sight, out of mind'.  It's still important to keep them front and center, but balance in as important as working hard, achieving, creating, and seeking value, fulfillment, and reward in life. 

Seeking and maintaining balance is an important way to keep the creative juices flowing and it's criticial to avoiding burn-out and boredom.  So why not play just a little this week.  Have some fun with friends and family.  Enjoy the sunshine, blue skies, green grass, barbecues, and all the good things that summer brings!  Personally, I'm going to make some time to swim some laps (exercise is one of my Lifetime Resolutions because it makes me feel wonderful!), and I'm going to climb on a floaty raft so I can stare at the blue skies and watch the clouds roll by.  I'm going to give my body and brain a bit of a rest!  I hope you're able to do the same.  Enjoy!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!!

Kim M. Simpson - July 1, 2007
Copyright © I Resolve To™ * All Rights Reserved