It's 2018

Happy New Year! It is 2018!

Isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the new year…Where did this last year go?

That’s a pretty common thought no matter what age. You’re either reflecting on all the things you accomplished, all the new, positive changes, and excitement about another year moving forward,

OR

you find yourself, once again, in the exact same place as you were a year ago.

Every year starts out with new dreams and goals; new resolutions about your health, your finances, your relationships, and your job.

Every year begins with energy and focus. Every year begins with a new commitment to change. And like every year you allow; procrastination, excuses, and life get in the way to steal those dreams and goals.

Time keeps moving forward – it’s the one thing that will never procrastinate. We either live our lives with the attitude of, “I wish I had,” or “I’m glad I did.” How many more years are you going to live with the attitude of regret and “I wish I had?”

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Opportunity knocks.” Here’s a full quote, “Too often, the opportunity knocks, but by the time you push back the chain, push back the bolt, unhook the two locks and shut off the burglar alarm, it's too late.”

Think about that word…opportunity.

The dictionary definition of opportunity is, “a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.” The key word is DO. That equates to action.

If you’ve tried setting new goals or resolutions each year but have been unsuccessful, wouldn’t it seem that you need to approach things differently this time? Some of you were successful last year because you chose to set goals each month, not a full year. You worked out for 4 straight weeks, you saw a little bit of results and decided to go another 4 weeks. Now a habit was formed, you saw even more results and you went another, then another, then another 4 weeks and it became a top priority in your daily routine.

Some of you took the advice of starting a Christmas fund last year. You set up a budget for your Christmas spending, you opened a savings account, and you put money into that account each month throughout the year. When it came time to pay for Christmas gifts; even when you found something in September, you had the money! Christmas time was not a financial stressor!

Instead of looking at change as a negative…take a different mindset. Change brings opportunity. If you’re not willing to do something different, why would you expect to have a different outcome? Maybe you’re comfortable with the “same old – same old” attitude. Consider yourself part of the 95%.

Think about some of these quotes:

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them.
Anonymous

“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” “Opportunity does not waste time with those who are unprepared.” “Opportunities will come and go, but if you do nothing about them, so will you.

Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. Seize the moment
Anonymous

God will supply us with the opportunity, but it's up to us to do something with it.
Anonymous

Who’s wanting to do something different with their life? Who’s wanting to be part of the 3-5% who will make changes in their life? The 95% only know how to blame, complain and defend their actions as to why they aren’t losing weight, why they don’t have money, why they don’t get a promotion, why they don’t have any close relationships.

What’s in your control? What ACTION will you take? What are you willing to do to take advantage of all the opportunities that may come your way this year? What ACTIONS will you take to make life different for yourself this next year?

Once again will you allow others to take over? Will you allow yourself to get distracted? Will you allow yourself to give yourself excuses once again?

 

OR

Will you put yourself and your goals as your top priority in 2018? Will you recognize that others’ priorities aren’t yours so you move on? Will you recognize a distraction and stay on a straight path? Will you eliminate excuses and blaming for once and stay on the path you have set for yourself?

You do realize this is YOUR life and YOU are in CONTROL!

I wish you a week of recognizing opportunities and a week of taking action.