"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 October update today and reports on steady progress! [Running a little behind on updates – but progress is hard won, so we don't want to miss any reports!]
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: Wonderful contacts continue to be made through the local Chamber of Commerce. Avenues for a new business are in the works. I am happy to say I am in the midst of helping coordinate this artistic venture. More to come . . .
The Annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser for the Pregnancy Care Center (PCC) was heartwarming. I attended with my older two (at-home) daughters. The evening included a silent auction to raise funds for the center, a few talks by ladies participating in the functions of the organization, and one-on-one inspiration and smiles from the Director, Patty Johnston. Like I mentioned . . . hearts of gold!
The Harvest Festivalin Berne had a nice turn-out, Saturday, October 9th. The Autumn Colors Art Show was a first for Berne's Lehman Park Fundraiser. The day was gorgeous and many families came out to participate in the craft activities, attend the baked goods auction, and visit a variety of vendors and booth displays that were set up. It was a pleasure to meet Amy Orr, the editor of the Swiss City Monthly. For their fundraiser auction, I donated a large apple-shaped gourd realistically painted in yellows and greens.
The Pennville Fall Juibilee in Pennville, Indiana, was Saturday, October 16th (11:00 to 4:00 P.M.). The day was another blessing of beautiful weather. The children came with me and we enjoyed the afternoon. I sold several art pieces and met quite a few people. These small town festivals are a pleasure to attend – very relaxed, a variety of items for sale (getting a head start on Christmas), and good food.
We enjoyed the season finale of my son's football league – second place, "Way to go Chiefs"! We attended a Fall festival together and have soaked up our autumn landscape.
Kim Simpson: How many days did you successfully achieve at least one small step toward your priority goal(s)?
Angela Reinhart: My days successful have succumbed to a busy season of school activities and homework. As far as running around goes, things will slow down a bit through the winter. Gaining on my resolutions is dependent on maintaining a clear focus. BALANCE. Daily, I need to be faithful about listing my priorities and sub-priorities for the day.
Kim Simpson: What were your significant obstacles? How did you overcome the obstacles?
Angela Reinhart: As I mentioned previously, one area of my life can easily outweigh another if I do not keep an even keel. Working at home on my career is a greater challenge than I had anticipated when first contemplating it. My main obstacle for October came down to BALANCE, a recurring issue. Some months are better than others. Bad habits are sometimes very subtle and creep back up on me.
Kim Simpson: Were there lessons learned?
Angela Reinhart: It would benefit me to post my resolutions for the year, followed by my monthly expectations and my daily 'To Do List'. It is so helpful to 'see' these goals and make a mental note of them daily. I have learned that God is my teacher and the Light unto my feet. Knowing that God helps those who help themselves – I keep in mind tuning into the experienced in my profession and being open to learning (and being keely tuned to those open(ing) doors). Don't skimp on prayer time.
Kim Simpson: What is on tap for November?
Angela Reinhart: October and November are the months for Christmas card sales and gift orders, although it is advantageous to be more open to these avenues year round. This month I was blessed with a client request to create a suncatcher portrait of Mother Teresa. I love it – it is coming along well. Other than that I am pulling together follow-ups on my career opportunities:
- Artist Collaboration – I am jointly working with the Chamber of Commerce, area artists, and business people to possibly establish a local business cooperative. Next meeting, November 29th – present concept ideas and building options (possible improvements needed).
- Career Avenue – Check back with previous businesses (follow-ups): design studios, publishers, advertising agencies - leave no stone unturned (pursue new contacts also).
- Custom Work – Stay on top of pending orders, word-of-mouth advertising is one of the best forms of advertising (make these professional transactions work to my advantage. Believe in myself and my abilities.
- Family Life – For myself, I try to keep God and Family FIRST, and other aspects of my life will fall into place more easily. Not easy . . . just easier. A couple of birthdays and Thanksgiving were on the agenda. No small task, but always worth the effort to try to make them memorable. Send Christmas cards (family and professional) early. May not be my own design this year, but nevertheless, I let loved ones know I am thinking of them and wishing them a blessed holiday. Gift-getting, or making – do it early, or reasonably so, makes it more enjoyable. Decorate for the holidays.
Kim Simpson: Other thoughts?
Angela Reinhart: Balancing the aspects of work, family and my personal life, more often than not, seems impossible. My faith helps me stay balanced. Continuing to grow in my faith has to be a way of life. I have to maintain confidence in my goals. It is an awful feeling to KNOW you can succeed at something and not be in the right position to move forward with it. That is when the expression 'time will tell' helps me take one day at a time. There is so much more to patience and perseverance than I have previously given credit. [Kim Simpson: Angela, I have been having the same thought(s). Patience and perseverance are key to overall success. I remind myself daily that all of the small steps do add up to big results over time! Even when I feel as if I am not making any progress, I continue to focus on the small daily actions. Keep up the great work, Angela . . . and I will do the same. The journey counts as much, or more, than the destination! ;) ]
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 – December 8, 2010
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