New Year’s Resolution

As the end of the year approaches, and our brains (in most cases) are taking a break, it is a good time to reflect on the years’ highlights; on our successes, our learning and insights. 

I started my reflection period while being in Spain, a few weeks ago, while looking at these ancient buildings in Toledo, where the picture was taken by Relmi Damiano. An amazing city with lots of history in the outskirts of Madrid, worth visiting. 

Only by exercising reflection and building our self-awareness can we prepare ourselves to deal with the new challenges that we all face in the pursuit of our goals. Many talk about New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I must confess that I am not obsessed with setting yearly goals simply because it is “this time of the year”.

I prefer to have a general direction and vision of what I would like to achieve and then I chunk it down to manageable steps. The vision of what I want is something I must really be passionate about. Without the energy that passion provides, any goal fades away very quickly.

Some may be wondering why have goals at all? From a brain perspective, having goals is very healthy, it releases dopamine, the chemical of desire, and one feels good when one has something to achieve. 

Even if goals seem unachievable at times, when the direction is clear and you really want to achieve the final vision and most importantly you take action, things start to happen along the way that seem to help you in reaching your destination.

Many years ago, I read this poem by German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) who has been my guide in understanding the existence of goals. This poem is my gift to you all, for following my blog in 2010.

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back – Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

– Goethe

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2011