Motivational Monday: Five Valuable Lessons to Take Into the New Year

Happy New Year!!!

Like many people, at the end of each year I like to reflect on my accomplishments, goals achieved, bad decisions made, challenges faced and lesson’s learned. The goals I set out to accomplish the year before are evaluated and new goals are defined for the incoming year.

I must say that the goals I set for 2014 were quite ambitious, to say the least!!! These goals focused primarily on personal, financial, business and spiritual development. Here’s a few things that I was able to accomplish….

Last year I:

Completed the first year of my Doctorate Program at Johns Hopkins University with a 3.7 GPA
Was a cast member in the stage play “Christianella”
Taught my very first collegiate course at Bowie State University
Completed three military training courses in San Diego and San Antonio
Went to my 20-year high school reunion
Planned a 60-year birthday party for my mother
Fulfilled 2 book signings and 2 book fairs
Sold 100 copies of my first book “Getting Past The Ugly”
Gave 3 image building workshops to adolescent girls
Worked full time
Fulfilled my monthly military obligations for the Navy Reserves

It was a busy year!

In fact it was a little too busy! I was so busy there were times I didn’t know if I was coming or going. I pulled all-nighters, was double and triple booked with different obligations, lost 10 pounds (because of stress), and was scattered brained and forgetful for most of the year because my plate was sooooooo…. full!

Yes, I did get a lot done in 2014, but I must admit, I did not enjoy the ride on the way to where I was going. Not only was my quality of life compromised but the quality of my work was also affected because I was spread so thin. Although I take pride in being a women of ambition and fervor, this year I had a rude wakening. I discovered that in my quest to accomplish my yearly goals, I had completely overextended myself.

Has this ever happened to you?

While trying to live our lives it’s easy to become so busy that we lose sight of what really matters. Finding that delicate balance between personal, family and work life can be quite the challenge but it doesn’t have to consume us.

While reading the January 2015, installment of the O Magazine I came across a quote that stopped me in my tracks.

It’s not, "How do I fill my day? It’s how does my day fill me?” - Charlie Rose

Wow!!! What great food for thought!

Here are the 5 most valuable lessons I’ve learned and will keep at the forefront while pursuing my endeavors in 2015:

1. Be Fully Present

2. It’s ok to say “NO!”

3. Don’t Overcommit

4. Consistency is Key

5. Prioritization is a Must!

Perhaps you will find them useful too!

Stay tuned throughout the next several weeks as we pull these lessons apart and dig deeper into each.

Have a wonderful New Year!