What to Do with 2013 Leftovers?

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Moving into the New Year is an exciting time for many. It represents a new beginning, time to set and accomplish new goals, and a time to start over. Some may want better financial and career opportunities and others are on a mission to start or enhance businesses.   We become more motivated to improve our health and incorporating fitness routines into our lifestyles is a major focus.

Considering some of the same goals myself, I pondered how I would move into the New Year with some of my 2013 goals still lingering. What was good? What was bad? What do I need to take into 2014 and what do I need to leave behind. Realistically, how can we truly transition into the future with unwanted leftovers attached to our past?  Similar to food stored in the refrigerator, some leftovers taste better when the seasoning has settled, which enhances the flavor. Old, stale and molded leftovers that have remained in the refrigerator far too long need to be removed and dumped in the garbage.  The key is doing what should to be done to move forward.

While there may not be a magical prescription that works for everyone, we must be willing and open to take steps to eliminate the things we no longer want to remain in our lives. Personally, I have found success in creating a Do and Don’t list entitled, Self-Preservation (or you can replace with your own title). It begins with taking a blank canvas, which can be a piece of paper or your preferred technical device, creating two columns and incorporating your title at the top of each column.  In the Do column, write down all the things you want to accomplish in 2014, which can include good things from 2013 that remain a work-in-progress. On the Don’t column, place all the things you do not want to take into 2014, to include hardships, depression, debt, poor health, relationships, or anything that is holding you back. Once you have completed the lists, eliminate the Don’t by focusing only what you have placed on the Do list for the next twelve months. Let’s call this the, Do You Resolution.

For this process to be successful, you have to be realistic about what you really need and don’t need. After all, we are striving to accomplish goals that assist us in moving to a better place in our lives in both the natural and spiritual. Remember, when leftovers are good and tasty, eat them. When leftovers are old and stale, throw them away.  Happy New Year, Happy New You!

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