No Regrets

As I begin to unwind and relax over the holidays, it gives me time to reflect over the past year.  It was definitely a busy year.  It was a year with plenty of change.  It was a year of challenge.  I challenged myself to accomplish academic goals; I now have a 3.7 GPA.  Yes, even with my procrastination.  I admit I procrastinate but because of that, I work through days without sleep to complete assignments...which I don't recommend.  I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone and I was successful.  I challenged myself to present my thoughts to the world and created my blog.  It's been running a few months and I enjoy it.  I feel this year I'm a bit closer to my friends and family.  There was and still is some pain in my life after someone close to me passed away this year.  I'm glad that I was able to see him before this happened.  Through the joy and the pain, I continue to live my life to the fullest.  I continue to live with no regrets as I welcome 2012.  Let's see what the year will bring!

You Better Recognize

When someone does something good, they should be recognized.  Often, people are recognized for the bad things they do.  If someone is only told about the negative things they do, they may begin to believe that they can't do anything right.  And that is not the case.  Everyone is capable of doing great things.  Recognition can be as simple as saying, "Good job!" or "I really appreciate your help."  These are small gestures to recognize someone.  There are bigger ways to recognize people such as cards, gifts, or awards.  You can also treat the person to lunch.  The main goal of recognition is to acknowledge the good deed someone accomplished.  Though many people don't expect recognition, it is nice to receive it.

Don't Stop Believing

If you really push yourself, there will be times when you begin to question yourself.  You will wonder if you can succeed.  You may ask yourself questions like...Am I strong enough?  Am I smart enough?  Am I mentally tough enough?  When you are in this situation, one of two things needs to happen to get you through this moment.  One, if you have someone in your life that believes in you, you can turn to them and they should provide you the added boost you need to get through.  A loved one should be your biggest fan and they can tell you why you are great and push you higher.  Two, you can know your own strength and value and never stop believing in yourself.  You have to determine which scenario works best for you.  Probably, the best solution is to have both in your favor.  If you never stop believing in yourself and you have a loved one that believes in you, this will provide a lot of strength in your corner.

Outside the Comfort Zone

Most people are aware of their comfort zone and even more aware when they step outside of it.  Lots of people choose to remain in their comfort zone.  Why?  Because it's easy.  It's comfortable.  I used to stay inside my comfort zone.  I'm introverted and my shyness always prevented me from doing more.  Then one day I took a look at myself and decided I will try to be better and step outside my comfort zone.  Once I did it, it was scary.  It was highly stressful but I survived.  It was exciting.  I didn't have to wonder if I was capable of doing something anymore.  I knew because I had already done it.  Now, I like to step outside my comfort zone.  I still get the same feelings each time I try something new.  Worry, doubt, frightened, excited.  But, at the end, I get the sense of accomplishment.  That makes it more than worth it.