"Do you know where your New Year Resolution is?"
That is an often asked question in the days and months that follow the new year. Statistics show that the majority of resolution-makers eventually abandon their pursuits. During the past five years, as I have studied and practiced what works and what doesn't work, I have encountered scores of passionate people who do persist day-after-day. I coined the word 'Resolutionista' for these folks and the 'resolve' they patiently display: Resolutionistas make resolutions, keep resolutions and enjoy the journey! Borrowing on my years as a working journalist, I am running an inspirational series of interviews with ordinary folks who do extraordinary things. They breathe life into their dreams, resolutions and daily goals, one small step at a time, one day at a time over the long haul. Though they may statistically be in the minority of resolution-makers (the ones who succeed), I want to highlight 'what works', and give them credit for their accomplishments!
Resolutionista (rez – o – lution – ista) Noun 1. Someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey.
In 2010 several Resolutionistas have agreed to take the I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. They are building their year-long game plans around their own personal dreams, resolutions, goals, and Daily Resolves. Each month, they will report on their achievements, obstacles and lessons learned – A.F. 'Angela'Reinhart provides her third installment today' and will soon provide photos of her new 'art/writing studio, which is in progress!
I met Angela in 2009 in my travels around Gather.Com, a Social Networking Site for the over 30 crowd, and also the home of my Gather I Resolve To . . . Group. Angela creates fabulous fine art and commercial illustrations (I fell in love with her painted gourds, they're so colorful and creative!). She also writes children's stories and instructional articles. Her career goals include being a published author and illustrator for children, teens and adult literature. Her current work involves murals, decorative painting, teaching art and providing instructional tutorials.
Angela describes herself as a "wanna-be artist" in the field of animation and voice-over work, but her overall career accomplishments are many. She has been featured in the Summer All Media Exhibition with Upstream People Gallery online. She placed third in the American Gourd Society's Decorative Painting Contest (Winter 2008) and third place in The Gourd Magazine – Patriotic-Themed Gourd Contest (Summer 2009). In 2008 she was an on-call designer for The Artist's Club out of Vancouver – her work included the 'Love Of Spring' Welcome Sign Instructional Project, which was well received through several of the Club's catalogs. Closer to home, in the Midwest, 2009 marks her third year to teach art through the Purdue Extension Homemakers Club. Her most recent work includes a new children's story 'Bumbling Blackbird And Clumsy Crow', as well as custom art pieces. [Click here to read Angela's 2009 Profile.]
Kim Simpson: Please provide highlights of your priority goals (you may have one theme with several goals, or goals that vary each month, or some other combination)?
Angela Reinhart: WOW, April has come and gone rather quickly. My children would say otherwise – this month they had ISTEP at school 🙂 . . . It probably seemed to drag by. My health issues are again in the forefront. Primary goal in April was to address these symptoms and take steps to improve my condition. Further testing is necessary to better identify exactly what the issues may be (toxicity – possibly). Detoxing and avoidance are my main steps.
My writing and art goals for April have been met, partially. Lack of a regular schedule has held me back. My studio organization is progressing – no pictures, yet. I have made progress. I have ironed out issues with my study program and feel more confident about it. I have several writing submissions in the works. I have a couple fiction pieces for young readers and several non-fiction ideas, including a possible book series. All of them are 'under construction', but it is progress, nonetheless. My art is geared toward upcoming on-sight tutorials.
Kim Simpson: How many days did you successfully achieve at least one small step toward your priority goal(s)?
Angela Reinhart: The month of April has seen improvement, probably close to 20 days achieving steps (even small ones) toward my goals. I am trying to keep my focus refined.
Kim Simpson: What were your significant obstacles? How did you overcome the obstacles?
Angela Reinhart: Schedule, balancing priorities, staying confident and optimistic. I keep in mind that there is a purpose to the passions that I have placed inside me. This is no accident. I stay mindful that when I am open to where my skills can be used and am vigilant in pursuing possible avenues – the right doors will open.
Kim Simpson: Were there lessons learned?
Angela Reinhart: One lesson, I am learning, is not to be too hard on myself. If I am not able to do something, or I am feeling a certain way, there may be a good explanation. Not necessarily obvious on the surface. This lesson seems to hold true through April. I will add also, that when I need help – it is okay to 'ask for help'. There is always someone, somewhere, that can provide an answer, or a new direction.
Kim Simpson: What is on tap for May?
Angela Reinhart: I plan to post a picture of my writing/art studio with my April update, soon. If not this month, I will include it with my next report. I want to make a point to stop in and read the updates of our community members. I find this very inspiring. May holds fine tuning a writing submission, and acquiring some advice for it. My art goal is to finish preparations for one of my summer classes and follow up with submission ideas for a pending response – one of the BIG design companies. Hopefully may will hold some good news regarding my art submissions.
Also on tap: Post a regular work schedule. Eat right. Exercise. Every step counts.
Kim Simpson: Other thoughts?
Angela Reinhart: Accountability is a necessity. I am hooking up with resources to keep me on task.
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2010 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise. View my 2009-2010 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.
Kim M. Simpson – May 1, 2010
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