"Do you know where your New Year Resolution is?"
That is an often asked question in the days and months that follow the new year. Statistics show that the majority of resolution-makers eventually abandon their pursuits. During the past five years, as I have studied and practiced what works and what doesn't work, I have encountered scores of passionate people who do persist day-after-day. I coined the word 'Resolutionista' for these folks and the 'resolve' they patiently display: Resolutionistas make resolutions, keep resolutions and enjoy the journey! Borrowing on my years as a working journalist, I am running an inspirational series of interviews with ordinary folks who do extraordinary things. They breathe life into their dreams, resolutions and daily goals, one small step at a time, one day at a time over the long haul. Though they may statistically be in the minority of resolution-makers (the ones who succeed), I want to highlight 'what works', and give them credit for their accomplishments!
Resolutionista (rez - o - lution - ista) Noun 1. Someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey.
In 2010 several Resolutionistas have agreed to take the I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. They are building their year-long game plans around their own personal dreams, resolutions, goals, and Daily Resolves. Each month, they will report on their achievements, obstacles and lessons learned - A.F. 'Angela'Reinhart provides her second installment today. She runs into the same challenge that I face each week - a 'To Do List' that does not match a 24-hour day. Like me, she is working toward a realistic workplan built upon small daily steps.
I met Angela in 2009 in my travels around Gather.Com, a Social Networking Site for the over 30 crowd, and also the home of my Gather I Resolve To . . . Group. Angela creates fabulous fine art and commercial illustrations (I fell in love with her painted gourds, they're so colorful and creative!). She also writes children's stories and instructional articles. Her career goals include being a published author and illustrator for children, teens and adult literature. Her current work involves murals, decorative painting, teaching art and providing instructional tutorials.
Angela describes herself as a "wanna-be artist" in the field of animation and voice-over work, but her overall career accomplishments are many. She has been featured in the Summer All Media Exhibition with Upstream People Gallery online. She placed third in the American Gourd Society's Decorative Painting Contest (Winter 2008) and third place in The Gourd Magazine - Patriotic-Themed Gourd Contest (Summer 2009). In 2008 she was an on-call designer for The Artist's Club out of Vancouver - her work included the 'Love Of Spring' Welcome Sign Instructional Project, which was well received through several of the Club's catalogs. Closer to home, in the Midwest, 2009 marks her third year to teach art through the Purdue Extension Homemakers Club. Her most recent work includes a new children's story 'Bumbling Blackbird And Clumsy Crow', as well as custom art pieces. [Click here to read Angela's 2009 Profile.]
Kim Simpson: Please provide highlights of your priority goals (you may have one theme with several goals, or goals that vary each month, or some other combination)?
Angela Reinhart: February has been a step in clarity, my ambitions are bigger than my time will allow. Narrowing my concentrations are a main focus currently. As much as I would enjoy the opportunity to get into animation, it is an area that is officially on hold. My goals this month have been to move into article submissions, but my strengths are in the area of art. With this in mind, my efforts have moved to focusing on avenues for custom art and retail product design. I could see a solid career here. I have met my new goals of submitting artwork samples to a variety of design avenues.
Kim Simpson: How many days did you successfully achieve at least one small step toward your priority goal(s)?Angela Reinhart: Combining my work and family goals remain quite a challenge. For the month of February I would say I have met probably 40% of my established goals. I want to better focus on writing my (our) goals in a good family location. This will give it more priority and less likely to be forgotten.
Kim Simpson: What were your significant obstacles? How did you overcome the obstacles?
Angela Reinhart: The challenge of balance and priorities continues to keep me searching for new approaches that work. Again, taking time to write down goals has been a great benefit, along with using a timer - for studies and cleaning, etc.
Kim Simpson: Were there lessons learned?
Angela Reinhart: One lesson learned is patience will pay off. When my challenges overwhelm me I refer to inspirational. articles. I know these success stories in business and health are real people, just like me and I know with persistence, I, too, will see my goals come true.
Kim Simpson: What is on tap for April?
Angela Reinhart: For The time being my article submissions are temporarily on hold. My devotion will be toward my Bachelor Degree, obtaining a full-time art position and continuing to establish family time and good organization at home.
Kim Simpson: Other thoughts?
Angela Reinhart: Admitting that you need help is okay and a good way to grow. I think people are together for a reason, our contacts with one another work to make things better.
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 in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2010 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise. View my 2009-2010 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.
Kim M. Simpson - March 11, 2010
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