(This picture was taken on New Year’s Eve 1990, in Laramie Wyoming. That is me on the left, in the Naval officer’s hat. It was the first New Year’s Eve after I graduated from college. Behind that confident exterior, I was a confused child. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, or for a career, or anything. I was probably putting in a one-quarter-assed effort back then. But, man did we have fun that night.)
Happy New Year (four days late). Hey, I have been busy doing… something. Actually, I was going to write some bubbly, optimistic diatribe about how 2013 is going to be different the healthiest year of my life! But, I don’t want to lie or be a jerk here. The truth is, I am cautiously optimistic about my chance for success this year.
Let’s look at my track record.
I started this blog in what? August? Or was it June? Exactly my point. I have been doing everything about as half-way as humanly possible. I could not be more half-assed (my dad’s favorite expression) if I tried. And even if I tried to be half assed, I would only put in half the effort there, too.
How am I doing? You all geeked up to hop on the elliptical trainer and eat some berries and steel-cut oats right about now? Me neither.
Here is what I do know about 2013. This is going to be the year of doing things in a three-quarter-assed fashion. I will not settle for any less. You got it?
I got this idea from some “make your New Year’s resolution stick” articles and news snippets of late. In order for a resolution or goal to stick or have real substance, it has to be specific. I am currently re-grouping. My resolution to make 2013 my “healthiest year ever” lasted until 9:30 am January 1, 2013. Some well-meaning people dumped off left over Christmas goodies on us. I did not want to be rude. I also decided I was done with resolutions.
Then it hit me: you can make a resolution any time you want. There is no rule about January first. There is not some New Year’s benefits rep who is going to tell you that you have to wait until next year because the resolution enrollment period is over for 2013.
So, now my resolution is to have resolve (the noun definition of which is “firmness of purpose, resolution”). Each day, I must resolve (verb- “to make a firm decision about”) how I choose to use and focus my day. If I am making a decision, that means I am making a choice. I choose. I am choosing to do the things that I know make me feel good.
I am not going to commit myself to the full Monty- whole-assed effort. I will go for three-quarter-assed, for now. It is a start. It is progress. Why does the striving for perfection always have to overtake and ultimately block any chance at actual progress? If I can’t be perfect, I am not going to be- anything. If I don’t try, I can’t fail. That is just crazy talk. Isn’t the success in the trying?
Cheers to you, and happy new day to you, each and every day.
Love Your Life 