Fresh beginnings
Posted on January 1, 2010
And so, another year has passed. Time again to ponder on your 2009 list of personal accomplishments — or its non-existence. Either way, it is your big chance to make your own “year-end review.”
The start of the new year is the perfect time to sit down, reflect, and set some goals for the coming year. It affords you to have some meaningful time to carefully listen to your heart and know what your true calling in life is.
What do you want to accomplish in 2010 and beyond? Where does your heart passion lie? What special projects do you intend to pursue? How do you intend to bless the people and communities around you in a practical and meaningful way? Write it all down and be serious with the whole goal-setting ritual.
Time is money. Actually, it is more valuable than money (and successful business people know this full well). Lost money can be retrieved or replenished anytime. But wasted time is lost forever. What you do with the time is irreversible; one simply cannot go back in time to undo things that had already been done. So be a good steward of time. Some people do not realize that wasting time is such a travesty!
If you think 2010 is the time for you to pursue a dream, say, putting up a small food business or studying photography or web design, then do so. Follow your heart and invest your precious, precious time on something that you know is right for you and the people in your area of influence. In the end, you will be happy you have made this crucial decision.
Remember, there will always be ‘dream detractors’ in your life. The world is full of them. But do not easily lose heart when you hear a barrage of criticisms that weigh you down. Focus. Do not swerve to the right nor to the left; do not allow yourself to be sidetracked. Instead, march on straight ahead and disregard needless distractions. Reaching your personal goals is of prime importance. You live your life only once. So stop letting others live it for you.
Maybe you have been derailed in the past and find yourself in a rut right now. But do not get discouraged. It is not yet too late for you to put yourself back on track. Finish that college degree. Apply for that dream job. Set up that business. Join that church or community initiative in helping the poor and needy in your area. The options are endless. So what are you waiting for?
Remember, how you live your life is a personal choice. So why not live it to the fullest? You basically do not regret the things that you do, but the things that you do not do. Better to have tried and failed than not to have tried at all (okay, that’s a spin-off of a famous line). So make that first step NOW. Attempt is actually a good word.
Here’s to 2010. Have a wonderful new year filled with well-intentioned action plans!
TIDBITS: Fish & Loaves, a Christian devotional blog, featured a piece called “Setting Goals for the New Year” here.
» Filed Under Faith & Values, Lifestyle, Tips
Comments
4 Responses to “Fresh beginnings”
Leave a Reply
“You basically don’t regret the things you do, but the things that you don’t do. ”
Absolutely true. Laziness and complacence is my greatest enemy
Worse, I also sometimes set personal goals that I never pursue seriously – like you mentioned, photography.. and something i planned but never started – monetizing my blog 
Cheers and all the best to you in 2010 
you made me reflect!
I plan to be more visible in the circuit i belong to (or wish to belong) and present in conferences or even conduct seminars and workshops to help improve education in our beloved motherland.
so how about you? what are you pursuing this year?
Great advices on the start of the year Jared. Makes me feel to dream the dreams i had before, but had to tuck away for some reason or two.
Maybe this year would be a good year for hidden dreams and ambitions.
Like in my case, i really longed to pursue a career in music, having a rock band finally, and make original music. Maybe I can give it one more try.
dear jayred, i truly need this piece of writing these times..
thank you. i will not be discouraged and will put myself back on track. God help me..!