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to resolve or to skip the resolutions, that is the question

there's a distinct anti-new year's day resolution movement. the idea is that resolutions set you up to fail, or that one should live a life that you're proud of all year long.

that's nice. and i do that.

however, there is something about setting goals and measuring success against them that ignites the human spirit in a different way than just letting life happen.

there is a way to use resolutions to punish myself and do more harm than good. we all know that.

there is also a middle place where we "aim for the moon" and land among the stars to paraphrase W. Clement Stone's oft-quoted thought. i like starry skies so i'll take the time today to reflect on the year past, assess what went well and identify what i'd like to do differently. then i can adjust my aims in 2011 and i even allow myself flexibility during the year. yes, this day is arbitrary, and in fact was never always the "first" day of the year. it does however serve in many societal dealings as the start date of each revolution of the planet. so there. i'm going to trust the wisdom of our planet's decision to turn again.

i'm aiming to eat better, sleep better, work more effectively and build stronger relationships with the core people in my life including my co-workers, family and friends. i listed co-workers first because i spend most of my life time with them, though my love and attachment is more aimed at family and friends. i want more quality time with family and friends in 2011. i guess at my age i'm tender to the fragility of time.

i do have my own personal measures of success around these things, however, suffice to say here that i want to keep focus throughout the year on these resolutions.

whichever way you go on this resolve or no resolutions topic, may you have a year filled with dreams come true in life and work.

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