Pink Balloons
Originally uploaded by D Sharon Pruitt

As the year draws to a close, it is easy to become swept up in new years eve festivities: good food, pretty shoes, friends, family and firecrackers. However, it is important to recognise the benefit of taking some quiet time out to reflect on the year that was. By considering our achievements as well as our lessons learned, we are able to better focus on moving into the new year with greater pride and stronger resolve.

It has been a tough year for so many with the global financial crisis saw many losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet. In the news we have heard of ongoing conflict in Congo, we have seen more soldiers committed to efforts in Iraq and we too have heard of Tamil's displaced from their traditional communities in Sri Lanka. We have seen our world leaders fail to come together and create an ambitious and legally binding commitment on lowering carbon emissions at Copenhagen. Some of us have had loved ones become ill and some of us have experienced the death of someone close to us. All of us were touched by the tragic loss of the Prince of Pop, Michael Jackson in June.

Despite any injustice and loss that we may experience, we must not become consumed by negativity or discouraged from fighting for what we believe to be right. Each step we make towards reaching personal or community goals creates change, no matter how inconsequential it may seem. Remembering that we can all create positive change is a thought we need to take into the new year. Resolve to seek greatness, not mediocrity. However, we must be kind to ourselves and be reasonable in the goals we pursue.

Overcoming Discouragement
1. Instead of being overwhelmed by the lack of commitment at Copenhagen, why not read as many books and articles as you can get your hands on and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to campaign for change and educate those around you?

2. Instead of beating yourself up for not losing the weight you pledged to lose at the turn of the last new year, why not create a fitness plan you know will work for you? Incorporate activities like hula hooping, skipping, rollerblading or touch football. Don't aim to lose weight, aim to get fit & have fun.

3. Instead of making a new years resolution to become 'rich' or 'famous', why not consider what it is that you are good at and strive to achieve success within your field? With success, financial reward and recognition will follow.

By changing the way we rate our achievements and reconsidering the need to berate ourselves for goals not reached, we put ourselves in a position to better find success and contentedness.

Actions Moving into 2010

• Make a list of the hurt, loss, pain, discouragement that you felt in 2009. Beside your list, write a few words that form the action you're going to take to turn things on their head in 2010 and make your world a better place to be.
  
  
• Write down your achievements from 2009, no matter how big or small. Now write how you plan to build on them in 2010.

A year ago I spoke about The Only New Years Resolution You Really Need, that resolution was:

I will be the best I can be.
And going into 2010, this resolution is still the only one you truly need. It covers all manner of success and encourages the reaching of goals in good conscious. As you contemplate the year that was, be kind to yourself, forgive any transgressions and focus on actionable solutions.

For more tips on new years resolutions see, How To Make 2009 Your Year and The Only New Years Resolutions You Really Need in 2009.


How was 2009 for you? Do you have resolutions for 2010?