"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 August update today and reports on steady progress!
I met Angela, an artist-writer, 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.
She has been featured in the Summer All Media Exhibition with Upstream People Gallery on line. 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: In working toward my goals, I did find myself in the Heartland of Ohio Tole Convention in Columbus Ohio on August 12th. Amazing show. Always touches my heart and spurs my creative energies! Posting my pictures with my update, in my portfolio, or in my Etsy Shop, are on hold until my digital camera is repaired. I was able to download a picture of a recent painting, with my daughter's camera, but the cord since then has been misplaced.
The month of August was a catch-up month; honing my office, gaining better ground with organization of the house, prepping the children for school, and tackling what I could with the garden and yard. I did make contact with several businesses through the painter's convention and provided follow up with them later in the month. I applaud my accomplishments, no matter how small! [Kim: We are right along side you applauding, Angela – great job! No accomplishment is 'small' in regard to the overall effort. Small steps add up to big results over the long haul.]
Kim Simpson: How many days did you successfully achieve at least one small step toward your priority goal(s)?
Angela Reinhart: Each day I took steps toward achieving my goals – whether that was maintaining my health and eating right and exercising, or making contacts in furthering my business. I am confident to say my success rate is pushing 100% overall.
Kim Simpson: What were your significant obstacles? How did you overcome the obstacles?
Angela Reinhart: I know that structure is easier to establish when there is steady work and steady income. Funny thing is, you cannot have steady work and steady income without a structured schedule.
Kim Simpson: What is on tap for September?
Angela Reinhart: FOCUS – What appears to be holding me back is lack of clear focus (and the right connections). As an artist it is advantageous to have a variety of avenues to be able to pursue. Well, for me, I think my ambitions are too widespread. It may be helpful to focus on a specific professional area and provide other art services, as additional options. Portland Chamber Luncheon at the end of the month provides for additional networking. I have brochures and business cards ready.
I also intend to: 1) Develop a portfolio of 10-12 'Mural Art' pieces and fine-tune marketing; 2) Acquire three-to-five new business card jobs for my graphic design business; 3) Tackle optional, custom fine art projects, exhibits and demos; 4) Bring advanced writing course up-to-date; 5) Post a BossAngel in my studio; 6) Keep a regular schedule; 7) Maintain prayer time; 8) Exercise daily; and, 9) Eat right.
Kim Simpson: Other thoughts?
Angela Reinhart: September is the start of my most favorite season – Autumn. I hope you will join me in taking time to enjoy the colors, textures . . . and the volume of God's blessings. I am currently reading 'When God Winks At You' by Squire Rushnell.
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 – September 30, 2010
Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . * All Rights Reserved.
Leave a Reply