Six Month Check-Up

We’re supposed to go to the doctors office for regular check-ups;
So it makes perfect sense the I should follow up on my creative, mental, and emotional goals that I set in January.
It’s easy to start the year off with a newfound energy and inspiration; maintaining it throughout the year can be difficult.
Thankfully, I’ve tapped into a manageable way to stay accountable for my resolutions, without becoming insanely obsessive.
I’ve implemented a set of daily reminders to keep me on track without the crazy:

• Start each day with a morning meditation.
• Journal––to release my frustrations and talk through my goals.
• Allow no more than (5) goals or tasks on a list at a time; once I’ve completed an action, I can add a new objective to the list. (This helps me stay focused on the most pressing matters, and allow things to be resolved in order of urgency.)
• Remain positive; the moment I feel negative thoughts or energy, take a deep breath and refocus on a new action that incorporates positive action.
• Live in the now; accepting what is in front of me and making the most of it.
• Trust––maintaining faith that if I follow the steps above, everything will work out.

It’s important to check in with your goals regularly.  No one ever accomplished anything by chance or luck; there was a dream, which lead to a goal, that gave way to preparation, that later turned into opportunity.
Life is short––take action and be positive; everything happens with Faith, hard work, and positive action.

Hello 2016

There is nothing more intoxicating than a blank page in a fresh new journal.
For some, especially writers, that empty space is overwhelming;
I see it as an opportunity to reinvent my story.
An empty canvas––the only expectation, to imagine the possibilities.
I’ve always been that guy who sets goals, both attainable and lofty dreams that seem impossible, which provide a brilliant challenge for me.
In my twenties I spent too much time focusing on hitting the target, and didn’t appreciate the path through the woods––with unexpected obstacles; at the time I considered them roadblocks, now I realize they were challenges that helped me fine-tune my shot.
In my early thirties I refined my approach.  I focused my energy and harnessed my efforts in order to soak in the sunlight that beams down along the trail.
Now, I’m expanding my ideas.
I’m less concerned with hitting specific career goals, and more determined to seek happiness in the daily journey.
Human nature tells me to continue wanting; no matter how out of reach the goal might be, once I’ve accomplished it––like a junkie looking for the next fix, I need more!
I’m ready to break that cycle.  Not that I believe there’s anything wrong with aspiring to achieve new heights, but I’d rather splendor in the moment rather than constantly fight to feel happiness through achievements.
I have never defined my success based on a job or dollar amount, still I fall victim to the mindset that “it” will never be enough.
“If I could just sell this book, then I’ll be happy.”
So as I face the bright empty glow of cotton card-stock, I set in motion a new plan.  I will embrace each day with light and fearlessness, and as I work to accomplish new goals––I will stay present and be thankful for the challenge each new day brings; without stress or doubt.  Every roadblock is conditioning me for the next adventure.

Guilty

When you’re laying on your couch watching a marathon of KeepIng Up With The Kardashian’s instead of writing.
Positive: I get to cuddle with my puppies and catch up on some much needed brain downtime.
Negative: It’s a beautiful day outside and I could be at our pool, or at the very least working on one of the forty creative projects I’d like to finish this century.
But life is short, and in an effort to strike a balance between overachieving and turning into a fat, lazy, couch-potato, I’m struggling to live in this moment; on the couch.

Six Word Essay on Goals:

Endlessly trying to get shit done!

Caution: Habits Are Forming

The year starts off with a bang;
Intentions are set and goals are met daily.

You find your pace,
A new routine is choreographed.

The dance becomes comfortable;
You start to relax into the groove.

Mid-way into the second song,
You realize you're behind the count.
It's too soon to lose the rhythm.

Be careful of the corners you cut while dancing;
Habits are forming.

Six Word Essay on 2015

Five days in, I'm gonna win!

Six Word Essay On New Year's Resolutions

Two days in, don't give up!

Hawaiian Vacation Day 3

I strive to find balance in my life- i

It's important that I set goals and intentions that motivate me-however, getting stressed or angry if targets aren't met, is counterproductive.  

Goals are in place to inspire me, not overwhelm.  If I'm not enjoying the process, then what is the point?  Happiness is not in the victories, it's in the daily journey.

Wake Up Your Goals!

The moment you actualize a dream it becomes a goal-

The difference? 

Dreams inspire you in your sleep.

Goals motivate accomplishments by taking action!

You Have Two Options:

Stay in bed and dream about it happening.
Or
Get up and do it.
In life we always have choices, but the only thing that's going to make your dream a reality is:  Action!

Faith

As I get older and I'm blessed with each new day on this earth, I appreciate the opportunities that I've had-

My past is a reminder to continue living in the present and release the idea of what my future "should be."

Setting goals and working towards them, always mindful that I will experience everything I "need" to, when I'm meant to.

Adventure only comes to those who are open to change and unexpected circumstances. 

I have Faith that my path will lead me where I'm most prepared for the journey.

#Sarcasm or #Masochist

The more I overachieve, the more I realize I'm happiest when I'm so overwhelmed with stress, deadlines and meetings, that I can't breathe.
#Sarcasm or #Masochist? You decide.

Fact:

When you wake up early, you have more time to accomplish your goals!
That translates to more opportunity for success!

Conflicted

I'm aware of how blessed I am-
Still, I challenge my passion.
The quest to accomplish more terrifies me.
The line between reaching for new boundaries and "never enough" is dangerously thin- 
Worse, the higher I soar, the blurrier it becomes.
I want to find more gratitude in my daily victories.  Happiness is not in the acquisition, it's in the journey.

Reflecting

How many years am I willing to live in a state of bling optimism?
As long as I still want my goals and dreams to come true, and I'm dedicated to hard work.
Life is too short to do anything you don't love -
"If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
There is no harm in living a life with a confidence, a brilliant outlook, positive energy, and action!"
If the goals aren't accomplished, at least I died trying.

Stay Active!

Don't waste time worrying about what hasn't worked out.
Assess the situation, and take action to accomplish the goal a different way.
There's no short-cut to success, but there is ALWAYS room to blaze a new path!

Getting Fresh on Mondays.

Some people hate Mondays.
I love them -
A fresh start to a week full of opportunity and adventure!
Of course, this is my positively annoying 2014 outlook speaking.
But I think it's working for me!
I've already achieved most of my goals that I set for this week and it's not even 10 AM.
That means my affirmative energy is working...
Or I need to set BIGGER goals.
Either way, I'm happy!

The Year Ahead!

It's my lifelong mission to organize EVERYTHING.
The start of a new year presents a plethora of tasks:
Filing away last years crap,
Rearranging the office,
Labeling new file folders,
Marking important dates on the calendar,
OCDing about all of the projects and tasks I NEED to accomplish.
Where most people would spend their weekend enjoying the 75 degree sun in LA; I will be in the house crossing off the checklist!
One "To Do" at a time.
Maybe, (just maybe) I'll let myself go to Starbucks for a mid-day latté...
But not until I create my 2014 spreadsheet, and finalize my plan of attack for a well balanced new year!
#Balance will only come with a serious schedule!

Happy New Year!

I love the first day of the year.
Full of hope, fresh energy, and endless possibilities.
I'm that person who sets nearly impossible goals in order to push myself beyond what I think I'm capable of.
With a list longer than Santa's, I work throughout the year to reach new heights.
My mission has shifted in the past three years.
Rather than focusing on crossing things off to say, "I did that!"
My aim is to grow into a more enlightened and evolved human.
Despite natural setbacks, I have continued to surprise myself.
When I release the limitations and leave room for unexpected opportunities,  I remain happy and proud of my personal journey.
2013 was magical, now I'm ready to see what adventure awaits in 2014.
Happy New Year!

Mission Accomplished!

After hours of rewriting, teaching and torture -
I finished my first manuscript!
The moment hit "send" on my computer, a weight was lifted.
My book is now in the hands of my publisher.
I'm elated.
Joy, pride and accomplished are the words that sum up my feelings.
I poured my heart and soul into every detail of my book, and I have nothing left to say right now.
My mind needs a creative break.
But what an awesome way to end a brilliant year, and begin anew!
I'm an author!!
Happy New Year!