Happy New Year

Now that we are officially into 2010 I would like to congratulate everyone who was courageous enough to make a resolution. Many will "poo-poo" the idea of a New Year's Resolution claiming that it's foolish to promise something that they can in no way live up to. And maybe that is true if you set too aggressive a goal. But realistic goal setting is an important part of any successful plan. It would be hard to build a house or get set up for retirement if you didn't create reasonable landmarks to chart your progress. Instead of saying, " I am going to stop smoking, stop eating fast food, and learn to play the cello!" you could cut your smoking in half, only eat your McRib on Fridays, and buy a couple of classical CDs by the cellist Yo Yo Ma. As you achieved success in your initial goal grab then would be the time to move your goals forward a bit. Say, for example, smoke only on weekends or fast food once a month.  As you achieve more success and gain more confidence then go to the music store and rent a cello for 6 months. Take some time to set some short-term goals, even if you don't call them New Year's Resolutions, and move yourself forward in life.

Do your best and don't give up!