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New Year’s Revolution
- By Jim Stovall
- Published 12/27/2009
- Inspiration
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Jim Stovall
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082, or by e-mail at Jim@JimStovall.com
View all articles by Jim Stovall
Annually as we approach the dawning of a new year, we are all bombarded with many thoughts and messages. We have just come through the busiest and most stressful holiday season imaginable. They come so quickly that it is difficult to enjoy one holiday before the next is thrust upon us.
This year as I was preparing to pass out Halloween candy, I turned on the radio to find that one of my favorite stations had just gone into Christmas mode and would be playing 24/7 Christmas music through the new year. It is difficult to enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving if the Christmas holiday is forced down our throats earlier each year. Then, when we finally get through the traditional Christmas season, it is easy to become so exhausted that you miss the opportunity for a new year’s revolution.
There is nothing magic about the date, January 1st, other than it provides a good opportunity to reflect on the past year and project into the new year. In reality, you and I can declare a new year’s celebration any time we want to turn over a new leaf and strike out in a new direction; however, January 1st seems to be a convenient time to take stock.
As you go through the holiday season this year, try to live in the moment and enjoy each experience one at a time. Avoid the temptation to become over-committed and learn the power of the amazing two-letter word: no. Try to take a few days off before January 1st to reflect upon where you’ve been and where you want to go. Try to get out of your normal environment and eliminate all distractions so you are forced to reflect.
This kind of deep thinking does not come naturally, so computers, TVs, iPods, etc. can creep into this productive space. Try to eliminate outside influences and media pressure as well as the expectations of friends and family as you consider what you have made of yourself thus far and the person you would like to be in the future. In our fast paced society, we spend too much time mindlessly traveling at warp speed and far too little time exploring where we want to go.
In reading hundreds of biographies of successful people, one of the common denominators seems to be their clarity of purpose which comes from consistent and persistent thought and reflection.
As you go through your day today, look at planning your new year as a productive activity and as a privilege.
Today’s the day!
This year as I was preparing to pass out Halloween candy, I turned on the radio to find that one of my favorite stations had just gone into Christmas mode and would be playing 24/7 Christmas music through the new year. It is difficult to enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving if the Christmas holiday is forced down our throats earlier each year. Then, when we finally get through the traditional Christmas season, it is easy to become so exhausted that you miss the opportunity for a new year’s revolution.
There is nothing magic about the date, January 1st, other than it provides a good opportunity to reflect on the past year and project into the new year. In reality, you and I can declare a new year’s celebration any time we want to turn over a new leaf and strike out in a new direction; however, January 1st seems to be a convenient time to take stock.
As you go through the holiday season this year, try to live in the moment and enjoy each experience one at a time. Avoid the temptation to become over-committed and learn the power of the amazing two-letter word: no. Try to take a few days off before January 1st to reflect upon where you’ve been and where you want to go. Try to get out of your normal environment and eliminate all distractions so you are forced to reflect.
This kind of deep thinking does not come naturally, so computers, TVs, iPods, etc. can creep into this productive space. Try to eliminate outside influences and media pressure as well as the expectations of friends and family as you consider what you have made of yourself thus far and the person you would like to be in the future. In our fast paced society, we spend too much time mindlessly traveling at warp speed and far too little time exploring where we want to go.
In reading hundreds of biographies of successful people, one of the common denominators seems to be their clarity of purpose which comes from consistent and persistent thought and reflection.
As you go through your day today, look at planning your new year as a productive activity and as a privilege.
Today’s the day!