Rewards, Not Resolutions

I find it important every year to reflect on last year before I answer somebody's question: "What is your New Year's resolution?". Then after several years of making something up or mimicking everyone else, I decided this year to focus on something different - what's going to be my Reward?

So, in light of this midnight thought, I began thinking of all the challenges in my life and how I have been doing battling them and what ways I can better achieve success over them. My little project to support others that truly need it, My F.A.S.T. Multisport is an acronym for My Foundation to Aspire greatness, Surround myself with friends and family, and Transcend into something bigger than I possibly imagined. After working on this and my own well being, I added "Multisport" because the goal of this charitable foundation is not driven by one physical outlet (like running), but whatever one can love, continue to build and heal, and use as a life long passion. For me, it's running, cycling, pick-up basketball or soccer, and duathlons (like a triathlon, but instead of swimming, you run first (and last).

Rewards - Not Resolutions: Focus on one, individual, at one moment in time "I did it!". For me, it's placing in a run or a duathlon, something I've come close to, but haven't achieved yet. I make it manageable too. Am I going to place top 3 overall? No. Can I do that in my age group? Yes, and that's my reward. For all those people who say the traditional "lose weight" or "exercise more" resolutions, try picking one goal that is attainable and will drive you. The "lose weight" and "exercise more" has to happen to get that reward, right? Maybe your Reward is not a physical achievement (although placing top 3 is emotional too). Maybe your Reward is a car to free yourself of your parents, open a savings plan for your kids' college, or even going on a vacation. Many resolutions for those could be quite timely, stressful, and maybe too vague. Zone it in, specific. ..and even change the old fashion "Resolution for 2012" to "My Reward I Want in 2012"

Happy New Year. A fresh perspective, not necessarily a new beginning! Go grab that Reward you want!