ACreativeLife

I Resolve To™ . . . Celebrate Christmas! - Day 360

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous New Year folks.  It looks like it's going to be a white Christmas from Coast to Coast in the United States - here's hoping that holiday travelers make it to their destinations in one piece and in time to celebrate Christmas with family!  I love the holiday season and all the joys that it brings.  It's a wonderful time of the year to count blessings and show gratitude for all that we have and all that we are - and I am certainly doing that today. 

I also received some wonderful news recently from one of my favorite online communities - Gather.Com - their editors have named me one of their Resolution Dream Team Experts for the New Year.  It's a true honor and a wonderful 'reward'for all the hard work that I have put in here at IResolveTo.Com.  I count my Gather.Com opportunity among my blessings for 2008 and I'm looking forward to communicating with the Gather.Com community in 2009.  They're wonderful folks!  Merry Christmas and have a Wonderful New Year . . .

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 25, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 25, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Defuse New Year Resolution Landmines!

New Year resolutions don't magically transform from nebulous ideas to fast and firm results overnight.  They don't become 'real' without careful forethought, clarity of purpose, a common sense system for planning and doing, and lots of elbow grease.  If you are noodling some changes that you would love to make, or perhaps a dream that you passionately want to pursue, consider this affirmation as a starting point:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. 

Instead of making a long 'tired' list of negative things that you feel obligated to change in your life - why not change the paradigm, think outside the box, and be willing to color outside the lines.  Make just one positive resolution, or pursue one positive theme, which will enable you to learn new things, offer challenge and excitement, and bring happiness, joy and reward to your life.  Make a promise to yourself to pursue one resolution 'just for you' in the New Year.  If you are not sure what you want to 'resolve', do some brainstorming and create a Lifetime Resolution List consisting of at least 100 things that you would love to do, be, see, feel, experience, create, achieve, learn, try, change, or have in your life.  As you brainstorm, ask yourself, if you had all the time, skills, knowledge, money, opportunity, and support in the world, what would you do?  No holds barred.  List everything large and small, significant and insignificant, realistic, or seemingly unrealistic.  This is an exercise in dreaming large, daring to dream the impossible dream, and opening one's mind to all the wonderful possibilities. 

Next choose just one large dream ,or theme from your list that truly excites and inspires you - and pursue it with patience, passion and persistence in the coming year.  If you need help visualizing a process to launch your effort, wrap your arms around this easy to understand formula:  Cherished Dream + Specific One Sentence Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Achievement & Reward.  My personal favorite Lifetime Resolution is to exercise regularly for good health and happiness:  I Resolve To . . . Exercise for at least  30-minutes daily by walking, biking, swimming, stretching, doing Yoga, weight training, or playing tennis, so that I can maintain my ideal weight (i.e. 125 pounds), be fit and toned (i.e. look good in my clothes, and feel good about myself), be healthy (i.e. lower my cholesterol and blood pressure), and maintain a good mood and positive outlook.

If you're ready to roll your sleeves up and build a plan - the I Resolve To . . . System For Success is useful for mapping virtually any resolution.  The 'Do's' consist of five simple steps for planning and implementing resolutions:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, And Do It Daily.  The 'Don'ts' include five common sense strategies that can help you to avoid obstacles and landmines:  Procrastinate, Give In To Fear of Success Or Failure, Get Discouraged, Grow Bored & Weary, Or Give Up.  Armed with a Lifetime Resolution List, the I Resolve To . . . Formula and I Resolve To . . . System For Success, you are ready to get moving.  Before you begin brainstorming, planning and plotting for the New Year, pay close attention to the following 'Resolution Killers' . . . that way you can render them harmless before they stall your progress.

25 New Year Resolution Landmines:

1. Resolution is too vague.  Solution:  Create a specific one-sentence resolution that includes the 'how, what & why' of achieving your resolution.
2. Too many resolutions leading to overwhelm and lack of focus.  Solution:  Make one major, life-altering resolution at a time.
3. Wrong resolution chosen with no thought or analysis.   Solution:  Do your homework and choose one resolution that evokes passion and interest. 
4. Unrealistic expectations - the bar for achievement is set way to high.  Solution:  Don't bite off more than you can chew, take small steps.
5. Unrealistic tasks.  Solution:  Take one small step - one daily goal - one day at a time; forget multi-tasking and overniight results. 
6. No true desire, commitment, or passion for your resolution.  Solution:  Desire is key. 
7. No research into what is required to achieve the resolution.  Solution:  Educate yourself about the 'who, what, when, where & why' of achievement. 
8. No long and short-range plan.  Solution:  Build weekly and monthly plans; review and revise goals daily. 
9. No Timeline and no deadlines for completing daily tasks.   Solution:  Build realistic timelines and set deadlines.
10. No Daily Resolution Diary, journal, or written record.  Solution:  Record your daily journey. 
11. No motivation and follow through.  Solution:  Keep your eye on the prize and reward yourself, often, for accomplishments. 
12. No method of measuring progress, determining success, giving reward.  Solution:  Set specific daily tasks, record progress, and review weekly. 
13. No accountability.  Solution:  A journal, timeline, buddy, family support, and a mentor can help keep you on track. 
14. No organization.  Solution:  Build a written plan, and timeline with deadlines that will create 'structure' for daily tasks. 
15. No discipline.  Solution:  Show up every day whether you want to, or not.   
16. No commitment to daily action.  Solution:  Showing up every day helps make your resolution a permanent (not fleeting) 'daily habit'. 
17. No buddies to work with and share ideas.  Solution:  Make time to cultivate buddies who share your vision and enthusiasm.
18. No mentor, clubs, or classes to provide inspiration and useful information and support.  Solution:  Join a club, take a class and Identify a mentor. 
19. No family support.  Solution:  Find support from friends, colleagues and mentors; share your journey with like-minded souls. 
20. Feelings of being overwhelmed due to no planning.  Solution:  Build a plan first, then take one small step at a time, one day at a time. 
21. Procrastination.  Solution:  Get moving - 'just do it' - start with the easy tasks first and build momentum toward the tougher tasks. 
22. Fear of success.  Solution:  "Yes", life will change as you make progress toward achieving your dream - embrace change and fear that comes with it. 
23. Fear of failure.  Solution:  Embrace failure, learn from your mistakes, and move forward  (failing isn't the end of the world). 
24. Inability to let go of past failures and mistakes, learn lessons and move forward.   Solution:  Learn your lessons, let the failures go, and move on. 
25. Failure to celebrate and build on each success.  Solution:  Celebrate your accomplishments & reap the rewards - success breeds success.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 24, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

New Year resolutions don't magically transform from nebulous ideas to fast and firm results overnight.  They don't become 'real' without careful forethought, clarity of purpose, a common sense system for planning and doing, and lots of elbow grease.  If you are noodling some changes that you would love to make, or perhaps a dream that you passionately want to pursue, consider this affirmation as a starting point:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. 

Instead of making a long 'tired' list of negative things that you feel obligated to change in your life - why not change the paradigm, think outside the box, and be willing to color outside the lines.  Make just one positive resolution, or pursue one positive theme, which will enable you to learn new things, offer challenge and excitement, and bring happiness, joy and reward to your life.  Make a promise to yourself to pursue one resolution 'just for you' in the New Year.  If you are not sure what you want to 'resolve', do some brainstorming and create a Lifetime Resolution List consisting of at least 100 things that you would love to do, be, see, feel, experience, create, achieve, learn, try, change, or have in your life.  As you brainstorm, ask yourself, if you had all the time, skills, knowledge, money, opportunity, and support in the world, what would you do?  No holds barred.  List everything large and small, significant and insignificant, realistic, or seemingly unrealistic.  This is an exercise in dreaming large, daring to dream the impossible dream, and opening one's mind to all the wonderful possibilities. 

Next choose just one large dream ,or theme from your list that truly excites and inspires you - and pursue it with patience, passion and persistence in the coming year.  If you need help visualizing a process to launch your effort, wrap your arms around this easy to understand formula:  Cherished Dream + Specific One Sentence Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Achievement & Reward.  My personal favorite Lifetime Resolution is to exercise regularly for good health and happiness:  I Resolve To . . . Exercise for at least  30-minutes daily by walking, biking, swimming, stretching, doing Yoga, weight training, or playing tennis, so that I can maintain my ideal weight (i.e. 125 pounds), be fit and toned (i.e. look good in my clothes, and feel good about myself), be healthy (i.e. lower my cholesterol and blood pressure), and maintain a good mood and positive outlook.

If you're ready to roll your sleeves up and build a plan - the I Resolve To . . . System For Success is useful for mapping virtually any resolution.  The 'Do's' consist of five simple steps for planning and implementing resolutions:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, And Do It Daily.  The 'Don'ts' include five common sense strategies that can help you to avoid obstacles and landmines:  Procrastinate, Give In To Fear of Success Or Failure, Get Discouraged, Grow Bored & Weary, Or Give Up.  Armed with a Lifetime Resolution List, the I Resolve To . . . Formula and I Resolve To . . . System For Success, you are ready to get moving.  Before you begin brainstorming, planning and plotting for the New Year, pay close attention to the following 'Resolution Killers' . . . that way you can render them harmless before they stall your progress.

25 New Year Resolution Landmines:

1. Resolution is too vague.  Solution:  Create a specific one-sentence resolution that includes the 'how, what & why' of achieving your resolution.
2. Too many resolutions leading to overwhelm and lack of focus.  Solution:  Make one major, life-altering resolution at a time.
3. Wrong resolution chosen with no thought or analysis.   Solution:  Do your homework and choose one resolution that evokes passion and interest. 
4. Unrealistic expectations - the bar for achievement is set way to high.  Solution:  Don't bite off more than you can chew, take small steps.
5. Unrealistic tasks.  Solution:  Take one small step - one daily goal - one day at a time; forget multi-tasking and overniight results. 
6. No true desire, commitment, or passion for your resolution.  Solution:  Desire is key. 
7. No research into what is required to achieve the resolution.  Solution:  Educate yourself about the 'who, what, when, where & why' of achievement. 
8. No long and short-range plan.  Solution:  Build weekly and monthly plans; review and revise goals daily. 
9. No Timeline and no deadlines for completing daily tasks.   Solution:  Build realistic timelines and set deadlines.
10. No Daily Resolution Diary, journal, or written record.  Solution:  Record your daily journey. 
11. No motivation and follow through.  Solution:  Keep your eye on the prize and reward yourself, often, for accomplishments. 
12. No method of measuring progress, determining success, giving reward.  Solution:  Set specific daily tasks, record progress, and review weekly. 
13. No accountability.  Solution:  A journal, timeline, buddy, family support, and a mentor can help keep you on track. 
14. No organization.  Solution:  Build a written plan, and timeline with deadlines that will create 'structure' for daily tasks. 
15. No discipline.  Solution:  Show up every day whether you want to, or not.   
16. No commitment to daily action.  Solution:  Showing up every day helps make your resolution a permanent (not fleeting) 'daily habit'. 
17. No buddies to work with and share ideas.  Solution:  Make time to cultivate buddies who share your vision and enthusiasm.
18. No mentor, clubs, or classes to provide inspiration and useful information and support.  Solution:  Join a club, take a class and Identify a mentor. 
19. No family support.  Solution:  Find support from friends, colleagues and mentors; share your journey with like-minded souls. 
20. Feelings of being overwhelmed due to no planning.  Solution:  Build a plan first, then take one small step at a time, one day at a time. 
21. Procrastination.  Solution:  Get moving - 'just do it' - start with the easy tasks first and build momentum toward the tougher tasks. 
22. Fear of success.  Solution:  "Yes", life will change as you make progress toward achieving your dream - embrace change and fear that comes with it. 
23. Fear of failure.  Solution:  Embrace failure, learn from your mistakes, and move forward  (failing isn't the end of the world). 
24. Inability to let go of past failures and mistakes, learn lessons and move forward.   Solution:  Learn your lessons, let the failures go, and move on. 
25. Failure to celebrate and build on each success.  Solution:  Celebrate your accomplishments & reap the rewards - success breeds success.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 24, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 24, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Craft A Lifetime Resolution List!

If you could craft your own 'Life Story' what would you write?  On January 1, each one of us is given a gift, a clean slate, a new page on which we can begin to write the next chapter in our lives. So, what will it be?  Will life in 2009 be dominated by the personal and professional 'In Box'?  Will our days be driven by all the 'stuff', all the many things that the universe throws at us each day, the things over which we can exert minimal control, but are important responsibilities nonetheless.

A better, more proactive alternative is to make a firm decision today to pursue a positive dream, resolution and daily goals that bring joy, fulfillment and reward.  The 'In Box' will continue to overflow and tasks will be tackled one by one, but we also can work to shape and mold our dreams, resolutions and daily goals, if we so choose.

Why not pursue a dream, resolution and daily goals with passion, patience and persistence in the New Year?  Why not be courageous, strong and committed?  The start of a new year is a wonderful opportunity - one of 365 opportunities - to seize the day and put an end to the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'.  It is time to 'go for it'!   If you are hungry for positive change and achievement in your life, but uncertain how to begin, or on which resolution to focus - start by doing a bit of daydreaming.  Put on your thinking cap and mull your options.  One of my favorite creative exercises is to hit my favorite coffee house with my journal in hand, and these questions:

1. What are the 100 things that I would love to do, be, see, feel, experience, create, achieve, learn, try, change, or have in my life . . . more than anything in this world?  What 100 things would enable me to write a rewarding, joyful life story full of happiness and achievement?  Every New Year I ponder this question, and I periodically review and update my list throughout the the year.  The list becomes a living document that changes over time, as I learn and grow, experience highs and lows, victories and defeats.  Crossing things off the list and adding others is part of the growth process - part of life and all the changes that it brings day-to-day.  So, don't worry if your list gets messy.  What is important is that you start today.  Create your own Lifetime Resolution List.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Even if you only partially achieve your cherished dreams - your resolutions - you will be a lot farther along in your life story, than if you didn't try at all. 
2. As you create your list, ponder this question as well:  If I had all the time, skills, knowledge, money, opportunity, and support in the world, what would I do?  No holds barred.  List everything large and small, significant and insignificant, realistic, or seemingly unrealistic.  This is an exercise in dreaming large, daring to dream the impossible dream, and opening one's mind to all the wonderful possibilities.  Below, I provide a snapshot, in no particular order, of things that I strive to incorporate into my daily life, things that I want to do (or in many cases already do, as Lifetime Resolutions) and things that I want to be, see, feel, experience, create, achieve, learn, try, change, or have  in days, months and years to come . . . It isn't exhaustive and doesn't include a complete listing of accomplishments (though I strongly urge folks to periodically review accomplishments, as a method of inspiring future successes).

When I put pen to paper and draft, or update, my 'Lifetime Resolution List' - my top resolutions, dreams and daily goals have always jumped from the paper.  Every year I have far more resolutions than I can realistically tackle.  I am careful not to bite off more than I can chew.  To do otherwise is a recipe for disaster.  I focus on just one major dream or theme, along with the other Lifetime Resolutions that are part of my daily life.  In 2008, for instance, my resolution was to show my gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life: 1) Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 2) Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 3) Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 4) Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.  I achieved 90% of my goals and plan to work to complete the rest in the coming year, along with a brand new list of dreams, resolutions and daily goals. 

I don't presume to suggest what you should do in the coming year.  No one knows better than you what dreams simmer like hot embers in your heart and mind.  If you want to quit smoking, I can't tell you to do it, or if it is time.  You have to make that decision.  If you want to get a new job, it is up to you to build a strategy.  If you want to go back to school, write a novel, get fit, cultivate healthy eating habits . . . it is up to you to 'resolve' to make those dreams a reality.

Bottom Line:  When it comes to dreams, resolutions and daily goals, each one of us typically possesses pretty good emotional, intellectual and 'gut' instincts about what is right, and what we truly want to 'do and achieve' (a personal compass that guides us in the right direction if we are willing to observe where it is pointing).  What is important is to choose something about which we have enormous desire, interest and passion - something that offers challenge and excitement..

If a particular goal or dream is on your mind all the time;  or if a resolution lingers on your 'To Do List' year-after-year - it is possible that you have been afraid to pursue the dream, or because you simply can't give up on it.  That dream, resolution, or goal, is on your your list for a reason.  And I am not talking about that 'tired' list of 20 resolutions that revelers draft out of obligation each New Year because they feel obligated.  I am talking about a dream about which your have great passion, enthusiasm and desire, but perhaps lack the courage to make the time, and show the conviction and determination that is necessary to make it a reality!

As a 'serial goal-setter', I many years ago created a 'Lifetime Resolution List' - a list of dreams, resolutions, and goals, large and small - that I would love to achieve/fulfill in my lifetime.  I am realistic about my list.  Some dreams may never happen.  My time is finite on this earth.  A person can only do so much in one lifetime.  Some dreams drop off my list and are replaced by others as I grow, learn, age, and change. That said, success does breed success. If you want to achieve daily goals of all shapes and sizes, it is useful to know 'what they are, why you want to achieve them, when you are going to achieve them, and how you are going to achieve them'. 

My Lifetime Resolution List - A Wonderful Work In Progress:

1. Write best-selling non-fiction books.
2. Write best-selling E-Books and Audio Books.
3. Help others to achieve their dreams, resolutions and daily goals.
4. Maintain my physical fitness through daily 30/60-minute work outs.
5. Get into the best physical shape of my life.
6. Maintain a healthy diet.
7. Maintain a life based on honesty, generosity, kindness, hard work, creativeness, passion, determination, organization, discipline, faith, hope, and integrity.
8. Enjoy the journey - today - instead of looking to the future, the destination.
9. Make more time for rest, reading, relaxation, and hobbies.
10. Pay off all debt including my house and save money.
11. Grow old with my soulmate.
12. Write a best-selling novel.
13. Play tennis several times each week.
14. Learn to play golf.
15. Spice up my wardrobe.
16. Clean and organize my house and keep it that way.
17. Simplify my life.
18. Stop buying 'stuff' - I have enough.
19. Meet new friends who share my interests in writing, the arts, music, animals, books, sports, gardening, and politics.
20. Give back to the community, both time and money.
21. Travel to Italy and Greece - learn to speak Italian.
22. Travel to London and Spain.
23. Travel to Paris in the Spring.
24. Travel to Egypt
25. Run or walk marathon(s).
26. Learn more advanced Yoga.
27. Read more books - at least two each month.
28. Adopt a dog.
29. Travel to the Grand Canyon as part of a cross-country roadtrip
30. Visit all 50 U.S. States.
31. Publish best-selling books of my photographs.
32. Publish best-selling calendars of my photos, and I Resolve To . . .  strategies.
33. Have my photos hanging in museums while I am still alive.
34. Master Adobe Photoshop.
35. Lighten up, have more fun and laugh more.
36. Work less hard.
37. Take more vacations.
38. Syndicate a newspaper column.
39. Write a wildly popular blog.
40. Swim daily.
41. Meditate daily.
42. Own a summer home.
43. Financially help disadvantaged and abused children.
44. Help save animals and improve their lives.
45. Grow Roses.
46. Learn to make Creme Brulee.
47. Lunch at the Russian Tea Room.
48. Visit the top of the Empire State Building.
49. Walk the length of the Brooklyn Bridge a second, third, fourth time!
50. Make my mark on the world.
51. Stop to 'smell the roses' and 'make each day count'.
52. Read or re-read all of Ernest Hemingway's books.
53. Visit the Taj Mahal.
54. Take more frequent trips with my friends.
55. Take more frequent regional weekend trips - explore and enjoy new adventures!
56. Create a Foundation to help children, animals and the elderly.
57. Take more breaks during the workday.
58. Try something new each day.
59. Perform daily Pre-Meditated Acts Of Kindness.
60. Take daily walks as part of my training for annual Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks.
61. Be open-minded, less stubborn and more flexible.
62. Bake a cake from scratch and make a turkey with all the fixings.
63. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce - Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint!
64. Travel to Great Britain for Wimbledon.
65. Travel to New York for the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
66. Appreciate more sunsets and sunrises.
67. Count my blessings each and every day.
68. Stop complaining.
69. Photograph the Maine coast.
70. Visit Santa Fe, New Mexico
71. Write and photograph daily!
72. Eat more fruit and vegetables.
73. Drink more water.
74. Worry less, it all works out.
75. Help my Mother turn her spare bedroom into her own special space!
76. Build an Erector Set city that I can photograph in black and white - do a show!
77. Smile more often.
78. Think before I speak and listen more.
79. Break out of my routines, try new things and dare to be different.
80. Maintain a fabulous garden.
81. Enjoy each new day as if it is my last.
82. Show up every day, do my best, and know that it was good enough.
83. Visit Toronto.
84. Visit Ireland and do a walking tour in the countryside.
85. Bike more frequently outdoors.
86. Make family photo scrapbooks for my family members.
87. Make things right when I have been wrong, apologize.
88. Admit when I'm wrong.
89. Practice what I preach, lead by example, talk can be cheap.
90. Take a two week cruise in Europe, including Italy and Greece with my sisters and Mom.
91. Read more of the classics.
92. Read newspapers before they are several days old.
93. Be bold, be nice, do good - Volunteer!
94. Get more sleep.
95. Learn to bake pies.
96. Cook a couple days each week.
97. Learn the names of the different kinds of birds that inhabit my six acres.
98. Learn the names of the plants, shrubs and trees that inhabit my six acres.
99. Be a Resolutionista:  Make resolutions.  Keep resolutions.  Enjoy the journey!
100. Achieve my LifeTime Dreams List!

That is my list of the moment!  And "yes", I have achieved many of the resolutions (and dozens that are not listed here - I do keep track, as I mentioned above, because success inspires and breeds more success).  Now it is your turn to put pen to paper and draft a 'Lifetime Resolution List' of your own. It is an interesting, informative and inspirational exercise, as it helps dreamers like you and me to focus attention around the things that are truly important.  Just think, if each one of us pursues one dream each year, that amounts to dozens of achievements in a lifetime . . . a lifetime of doing what you love and loving what you do!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

If you could craft your own 'Life Story' what would you write?  On January 1, each one of us is given a gift, a clean slate, a new page on which we can begin to write the next chapter in our lives. So, what will it be?  Will life in 2009 be dominated by the personal and professional 'In Box'?  Will our days be driven by all the 'stuff', all the many things that the universe throws at us each day, the things over which we can exert minimal control, but are important responsibilities nonetheless.

A better, more proactive alternative is to make a firm decision today to pursue a positive dream, resolution and daily goals that bring joy, fulfillment and reward.  The 'In Box' will continue to overflow and tasks will be tackled one by one, but we also can work to shape and mold our dreams, resolutions and daily goals, if we so choose.

Why not pursue a dream, resolution and daily goals with passion, patience and persistence in the New Year?  Why not be courageous, strong and committed?  The start of a new year is a wonderful opportunity - one of 365 opportunities - to seize the day and put an end to the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'.  It is time to 'go for it'!   If you are hungry for positive change and achievement in your life, but uncertain how to begin, or on which resolution to focus - start by doing a bit of daydreaming.  Put on your thinking cap and mull your options.  One of my favorite creative exercises is to hit my favorite coffee house with my journal in hand, and these questions:

1. What are the 100 things that I would love to do, be, see, feel, experience, create, achieve, learn, try, change, or have in my life . . . more than anything in this world?  What 100 things would enable me to write a rewarding, joyful life story full of happiness and achievement?  Every New Year I ponder this question, and I periodically review and update my list throughout the the year.  The list becomes a living document that changes over time, as I learn and grow, experience highs and lows, victories and defeats.  Crossing things off the list and adding others is part of the growth process - part of life and all the changes that it brings day-to-day.  So, don't worry if your list gets messy.  What is important is that you start today.  Create your own Lifetime Resolution List.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Even if you only partially achieve your cherished dreams - your resolutions - you will be a lot farther along in your life story, than if you didn't try at all. 
2. As you create your list, ponder this question as well:  If I had all the time, skills, knowledge, money, opportunity, and support in the world, what would I do?  No holds barred.  List everything large and small, significant and insignificant, realistic, or seemingly unrealistic.  This is an exercise in dreaming large, daring to dream the impossible dream, and opening one's mind to all the wonderful possibilities.  Below, I provide a snapshot, in no particular order, of things that I strive to incorporate into my daily life, things that I want to do (or in many cases already do, as Lifetime Resolutions) and things that I want to be, see, feel, experience, create, achieve, learn, try, change, or have  in days, months and years to come . . . It isn't exhaustive and doesn't include a complete listing of accomplishments (though I strongly urge folks to periodically review accomplishments, as a method of inspiring future successes).

When I put pen to paper and draft, or update, my 'Lifetime Resolution List' - my top resolutions, dreams and daily goals have always jumped from the paper.  Every year I have far more resolutions than I can realistically tackle.  I am careful not to bite off more than I can chew.  To do otherwise is a recipe for disaster.  I focus on just one major dream or theme, along with the other Lifetime Resolutions that are part of my daily life.  In 2008, for instance, my resolution was to show my gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life: 1) Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 2) Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 3) Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 4) Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.  I achieved 90% of my goals and plan to work to complete the rest in the coming year, along with a brand new list of dreams, resolutions and daily goals. 

I don't presume to suggest what you should do in the coming year.  No one knows better than you what dreams simmer like hot embers in your heart and mind.  If you want to quit smoking, I can't tell you to do it, or if it is time.  You have to make that decision.  If you want to get a new job, it is up to you to build a strategy.  If you want to go back to school, write a novel, get fit, cultivate healthy eating habits . . . it is up to you to 'resolve' to make those dreams a reality.

Bottom Line:  When it comes to dreams, resolutions and daily goals, each one of us typically possesses pretty good emotional, intellectual and 'gut' instincts about what is right, and what we truly want to 'do and achieve' (a personal compass that guides us in the right direction if we are willing to observe where it is pointing).  What is important is to choose something about which we have enormous desire, interest and passion - something that offers challenge and excitement..

If a particular goal or dream is on your mind all the time;  or if a resolution lingers on your 'To Do List' year-after-year - it is possible that you have been afraid to pursue the dream, or because you simply can't give up on it.  That dream, resolution, or goal, is on your your list for a reason.  And I am not talking about that 'tired' list of 20 resolutions that revelers draft out of obligation each New Year because they feel obligated.  I am talking about a dream about which your have great passion, enthusiasm and desire, but perhaps lack the courage to make the time, and show the conviction and determination that is necessary to make it a reality!

As a 'serial goal-setter', I many years ago created a 'Lifetime Resolution List' - a list of dreams, resolutions, and goals, large and small - that I would love to achieve/fulfill in my lifetime.  I am realistic about my list.  Some dreams may never happen.  My time is finite on this earth.  A person can only do so much in one lifetime.  Some dreams drop off my list and are replaced by others as I grow, learn, age, and change. That said, success does breed success. If you want to achieve daily goals of all shapes and sizes, it is useful to know 'what they are, why you want to achieve them, when you are going to achieve them, and how you are going to achieve them'. 

My Lifetime Resolution List - A Wonderful Work In Progress:

1. Write best-selling non-fiction books.
2. Write best-selling E-Books and Audio Books.
3. Help others to achieve their dreams, resolutions and daily goals.
4. Maintain my physical fitness through daily 30/60-minute work outs.
5. Get into the best physical shape of my life.
6. Maintain a healthy diet.
7. Maintain a life based on honesty, generosity, kindness, hard work, creativeness, passion, determination, organization, discipline, faith, hope, and integrity.
8. Enjoy the journey - today - instead of looking to the future, the destination.
9. Make more time for rest, reading, relaxation, and hobbies.
10. Pay off all debt including my house and save money.
11. Grow old with my soulmate.
12. Write a best-selling novel.
13. Play tennis several times each week.
14. Learn to play golf.
15. Spice up my wardrobe.
16. Clean and organize my house and keep it that way.
17. Simplify my life.
18. Stop buying 'stuff' - I have enough.
19. Meet new friends who share my interests in writing, the arts, music, animals, books, sports, gardening, and politics.
20. Give back to the community, both time and money.
21. Travel to Italy and Greece - learn to speak Italian.
22. Travel to London and Spain.
23. Travel to Paris in the Spring.
24. Travel to Egypt
25. Run or walk marathon(s).
26. Learn more advanced Yoga.
27. Read more books - at least two each month.
28. Adopt a dog.
29. Travel to the Grand Canyon as part of a cross-country roadtrip
30. Visit all 50 U.S. States.
31. Publish best-selling books of my photographs.
32. Publish best-selling calendars of my photos, and I Resolve To . . .  strategies.
33. Have my photos hanging in museums while I am still alive.
34. Master Adobe Photoshop.
35. Lighten up, have more fun and laugh more.
36. Work less hard.
37. Take more vacations.
38. Syndicate a newspaper column.
39. Write a wildly popular blog.
40. Swim daily.
41. Meditate daily.
42. Own a summer home.
43. Financially help disadvantaged and abused children.
44. Help save animals and improve their lives.
45. Grow Roses.
46. Learn to make Creme Brulee.
47. Lunch at the Russian Tea Room.
48. Visit the top of the Empire State Building.
49. Walk the length of the Brooklyn Bridge a second, third, fourth time!
50. Make my mark on the world.
51. Stop to 'smell the roses' and 'make each day count'.
52. Read or re-read all of Ernest Hemingway's books.
53. Visit the Taj Mahal.
54. Take more frequent trips with my friends.
55. Take more frequent regional weekend trips - explore and enjoy new adventures!
56. Create a Foundation to help children, animals and the elderly.
57. Take more breaks during the workday.
58. Try something new each day.
59. Perform daily Pre-Meditated Acts Of Kindness.
60. Take daily walks as part of my training for annual Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks.
61. Be open-minded, less stubborn and more flexible.
62. Bake a cake from scratch and make a turkey with all the fixings.
63. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce - Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint!
64. Travel to Great Britain for Wimbledon.
65. Travel to New York for the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
66. Appreciate more sunsets and sunrises.
67. Count my blessings each and every day.
68. Stop complaining.
69. Photograph the Maine coast.
70. Visit Santa Fe, New Mexico
71. Write and photograph daily!
72. Eat more fruit and vegetables.
73. Drink more water.
74. Worry less, it all works out.
75. Help my Mother turn her spare bedroom into her own special space!
76. Build an Erector Set city that I can photograph in black and white - do a show!
77. Smile more often.
78. Think before I speak and listen more.
79. Break out of my routines, try new things and dare to be different.
80. Maintain a fabulous garden.
81. Enjoy each new day as if it is my last.
82. Show up every day, do my best, and know that it was good enough.
83. Visit Toronto.
84. Visit Ireland and do a walking tour in the countryside.
85. Bike more frequently outdoors.
86. Make family photo scrapbooks for my family members.
87. Make things right when I have been wrong, apologize.
88. Admit when I'm wrong.
89. Practice what I preach, lead by example, talk can be cheap.
90. Take a two week cruise in Europe, including Italy and Greece with my sisters and Mom.
91. Read more of the classics.
92. Read newspapers before they are several days old.
93. Be bold, be nice, do good - Volunteer!
94. Get more sleep.
95. Learn to bake pies.
96. Cook a couple days each week.
97. Learn the names of the different kinds of birds that inhabit my six acres.
98. Learn the names of the plants, shrubs and trees that inhabit my six acres.
99. Be a Resolutionista:  Make resolutions.  Keep resolutions.  Enjoy the journey!
100. Achieve my LifeTime Dreams List!

That is my list of the moment!  And "yes", I have achieved many of the resolutions (and dozens that are not listed here - I do keep track, as I mentioned above, because success inspires and breeds more success).  Now it is your turn to put pen to paper and draft a 'Lifetime Resolution List' of your own. It is an interesting, informative and inspirational exercise, as it helps dreamers like you and me to focus attention around the things that are truly important.  Just think, if each one of us pursues one dream each year, that amounts to dozens of achievements in a lifetime . . . a lifetime of doing what you love and loving what you do!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Approach My Resolution-Setting 'Systematically! - Day 350

A wonderful New Year is almost upon us. That magical time in which we are given a blank page on which we can write the next chapter in our lives. We are given the gift of time, 365 days in which we can shape and mold our ideas into something tangible and real. Are you ready to take a look back at what you accomplished in 2008 and a look forward at the wonderful possibilities for 2009? Are you ready to make 2009 better than 2008? If you really want to make and keep a New Year resolution don't put it off until the last minute. Don't make a hasty, champagne-induced list on the back of a cocktail napkin at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. Start today. Begin dreaming and brainstorming about what you would love to achieve, create, experience, be, learn, do, feel, see, or have in the New Year!

Clarity of thought and purpose will enable you to take a dream from start to finish, turn a resolution into reality and make a goal happen. When you know 'what you want to achieve', 'why you want to achieve it', and 'how you're going to achieve it' it takes the guess work out of daily activities. Brainstorming and planning are vitally important 'first steps' if you want to achieve a dream, replace a bad habit with a good one, learn something new, create or achieve something. When you have a dream, a plan, and a process by which you can systematically approach your daily activities anything is possible!

As a starting point, consider the I Resolve To Formula For Success. It's a simple, common sense way to begin the process: Begin with a cherished dream, one in which you have enormous desire and interest.Turn that dream into a specific, one-sentence resolution that clearly states your intention. Make that resolution a reality with daily goals that can be achieved one at a time, one day at a time.

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Achievement & Reward!

When considering New Year Resolutions and mulling plans for dreams and goals, folks often make things harder than they need to be. Rather than drafting that long, tired list of resolutions that we think we 'should' make - the 'Sins' - why not make just one resolution. Make one resolution about which you have true desire, passion and interest. Forget about that long laundry list of resolutions that you make and fail to keep, year after year. That decision alone increases your odds of success exponentially. Embarking on the journey with clarity of purpose, a dream about which you have great interest and passion, and a systematic process removes nagging questions and doubt about 'what to do first' and 'what to do next'.

I preach about pursuing one resolution, one day at a time for one year because it has worked so well for me, year after year. Throughout my life I have made dreams and resolutions a reality by following this simple, common sense approach. I long ago made a commitment, a promise to myself, to stop smoking, to exercise daily, write, build a business, excel at photography, earn college degrees, own a home, and work from my home. Those are just a few of my dreams, my Lifetime Resolutions.I don't believe in making resolutions and checking them off my list. I make them and keep them with me for good.

A key to my success is that I pursue just one life-changing dream, and make just one major resolution at a time. To do otherwise is a recipe for quick failure. Our lives are packed full of activities as it is, it's no wonder that we don't have ambition to tackle a long list of changes that we think we should make because that's what folks do in the New Year. It's not surprising that most people abandon their Resolution list - diet, exercise, save, stop smoking, stop drinking - after days or weeks. The list exists, but the passion, commitment, and desire is lacking. Personally I believe the most popular resolutions are great ways to improve lives, but without true heartfelt desire for change, a resolution is nothing more than an empty promise.

This year can be different, but you must have the desire to make it so. Don't abandon the practice of making New Year Resolutions - change the paradigm! Think outside the box. Don't be afraid to color with a red crayon instead of the same blue one you always use. Be a Resolution Revolutionary: change the way you think about and approach dreams, resolutions and goals. Try my Formula For Success and apply the I Resolve To Do's,they're simple, easy to use, and easy to understand:

• Dare To Dream: Open your mind and consider all the wonderful possibilities. Find a quiet spot where you can relax and daydream with your journal. Make a list of the 100 things that you would truly love to do, be, see, feel, create, experience, learn, achieve, and have while you're here on earth - your Lifetime Resolution List. Focus like a laser on the one dream that most inspires you, makes you excited and nervous at the same time. Focus on the one that you will want to pursue day after day.
• Decide: Make a firm decision, a personal commitment, a promise to yourself to pursue that dream today; to make it a Lifetime Resolution that is with you for good. Why fulfill a dream, then check it off your list? Why not achieve it, keep it with you, and enjoy it for life!
• Define: Turn that dream into a specific, one-sentence resolution that provides clarity of purpose. For instance, I Resolve To exercise for 30-minutes daily by walking, working out with weights, swimming, doing Yoga, and biking, so that I can maintain my weight, be fit and toned (i.e. look good in my clothes, and feel good about myself), be healthy (i.e. lower my cholesterol and blood pressure), and maintain a good mood and positive outlook.
• Develop A Plan: Do your homework. Learn all you can about the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' of your dream, then turn that knowledge into written short and long-range plans that include daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals, timelines, and milestones, along with a system of making course corrections, and rewarding victories. Keep a Daily Resolution Diary and do Daily and Weekly Check-Ins. Your plan is a living document that will grow and change as you grow, learn and change.
• Do It Daily!: Each and every day take one small step - achieve at least one goal - that will enable you to make your dream, your resolution a reality. Try to devote at least 30-minutes each day to your dream. If you devote just 30-minutes each day to your dream that adds up like compound interest on money in the bank to 7.5 full 24-hour days in one year! Tell your friends and family and enlist their support. Find buddies who can make the journey with you. Seek out a mentor who can provide advice. Join a club or take a class to learn new things that will lend motivation and inspiration to your quest. Wear your resolution on your shirt and plant a post-it on your computer, your mirror, your refrigerator - anyplace that will provide frequent reminders.

As you plot your course, don't forget to consider the obstacles - all the many things that can go wrong, or will stand in the way of progress, including obstacles of our own making like pessimism, a bad attitude, lack of faith, hope, determination, and un-willingness to work hard. Consider the I Resolve To Don'ts:

• Procrastinate: Put an end to the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'. Do It Today. Stop waiting for tomorrow. Take action, one small step today, another one tomorrow, and another one the next day. Get rid of the guilt caused by doing nothing. The smallest steps can energize you and build lasting momentum. Sometimes 'just showing up' is all you need to do. Get off the couch, put on your tennis shoes and head for the tennis courts. Fire up the computer and write the next page in your novel. Your best effort may surface on the days you feel least motivated!
• Give Into Fear Of Success Or Fear Of Failure: Embrace your fears and your mistakes. Understand them, learn from them, so you can overcome them and move forward with confidence. Obstacles will appear like dandelions on a Spring day at times. Identify the potential obstacles and prepare for them. Knowledge is power and it will help you to move past your obstacles and fears. Don't sabotage yourself by self-limiting behaviors. A little daily introspection can go a long way. Think about what you're doing and why you're doing it - if you're getting in your own way, figure out a way around.
• Get Overwhelmed Or Discouraged: Give yourself the gift of time to achieve your dream and make your resolution a reality. Pursue your resolution one small step - one goal - one day at a time for one year. If you have a rough day today, know tomorrow is right around the corner. Patience, passion and persistence will get you through those bleak, rough days. Know when it's time to lower the bar just a little and reduce expectations. When you're feeling down, pull out your journal and review all your victories. Reward yourself, often, for successes and milestones.
• Grow Bored, Weary Or Burned Out: Set a realistic pace and be realistic about your goals - what you can achieve by a specific date. Remember you don't have to reach the top of the mountain overnight. Novels aren't written in a day, college degrees take years to earn, getting in shape takes weeks and months. In short, dreams take time and hard work that's why it's so important to commit to a resolution that you would love to achieve. You have to want to spend time working on it each and every day. You need 'fire in the belly'. As you progress vary your activities to keep things interesting, take breaks, and be kind to yourself.
• Give Up!: Keep track of your successes - your hard won victories - and use them to fuel the fire of your passion and to motivate yourself on both the good and bad days. Keep your eye on the prize and know in time you will succeed. Faith, hope, and optimism will see you through. If you're feeling pessimistic and hopeless - rather than give up - take a vacation from your dream, resolution and daily goals. Rest, relax and take care of yourself, but be sure to schedule a specific date to 're-start' and know what your next step will be.

Personally, I think about my dreams, resolutions and goals each and every day - 365 days each year. To make and keep New Year Resolutions, I firmly believe you need make each and every day New Year's Day. It helps to view each day as a brand new blank slate - a clean sheet of paper on which you will write that day's story. Above all, make each and every day count. If you're committed to your resolution to that degree, your odds of succeeding are far greater than if you and work on it occasionally. If you're truly serious about 'Making Each And Every Day New Year's Day - Making Each And Every Day Count' - I strongly urge you chronicle your journey. Write things down. Keep a Daily Resolution Diary.I track my own progress each day in spiral notebooks and on calendars that Is receive from charitable organizations that I support. Writing things down enables 'Resolutionistas' - those folks who make Resolutions, keep them, and enjoy the journey - to brainstorm and build concrete plans, to chart progress, track milestones, and most importantly to build in rewards for progress and hard won victories.

I carry my spiral notebooks and calendar with me in my purse. That practice helps to keep my dreams, resolutions and goals front and center. When I have a few spare minutes, I pull out my notebook and do some planning. I do Daily Check-Ins in the morning because they enable me to plan my day and schedule at least 30-minutes or an hour into my day specifically for my resolution goals. That may not be realistic for everyone. If you can only Check-In a couple times during the week, and once each weekend, that works too. The point is to Check-In frequently, so you can grow your plan, make course corrections, adjust your timeline, and most importantly, devote some time each and every day to your project.

Each weekend, I carve out an hour or two to sit down in a quiet spot with my coffee, notebook and calendar. I spend that time noodling my 'Things To Do'Lists', what I achieved that week, and what I plan to achieve - the next steps for the coming week, month and quarter. Planning ahead is another key ingredient of achieving dreams, resolutions and goals. It's not enough to know what you need to do today and tomorrow. You need to know the next 10, 20, 50, 100 goals. When you complete those goals, you need to be primed and ready to hit the next 100 in your plan. That clarity of thought and purpose instills confidence.

Why not begin today. Each one of us has dreams. Why not pull one off your Lifetime Resolution List and 'go for it'today. Make it a priority in your life during the coming New Year. Rather than live a life of regret for all that you 'didn't do', be grateful and happy for all that you have, all that you are, and all that you 'do' in your life.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Get Organized For The New Year!

January 1 is right around the corner  . . .  Why not use the New Year, that customary time of 'rebirth and renewal', as an opportunity to get 'uber' organized?  As the big day approaches, adopt the 'Chinese New Year' custom of cleaning the entire house before the festivities begin.  Or maybe think of these cold-weather  organization goals as an 'early Spring cleaning'!  How about throwing open the windows, clearing the cobwebs out of house and head before and after the frenetic holiday season, and moving forward into the New Year with an energetic and positive attitude, and a nice clean, organized home and office.   It is common to feel cooped up, and suffer the winter doldrums in January and February, but instead of moping around, get moving.  Get a jump on 'Spring Cleaning' for the New Year and throughout the winter months.  Get clean and organized now, little by little, one room, one closet, one drawer at a time, so you can spend your time outside enjoying the good weather when Spring actually arrives in March. 

I find that giving my house and office an intense top-to-bottom-cleaning - what I like to call a 'Major House Cleaning' - three or four times each year makes me feel fabulous.  I love a clean house and office.  In addition to making me feel great, it increases my productivity and my creativity.   A 'Major House Cleaning' forces a person to clear the piles of clutter, banish the dust, and generally get 'stuff' organized. You are probably asking, "What does this have to do with making and keeping New Year resolutions?"  Actually, cleaning and organizing can have a huge impact on dreams and resolutions in the New Year.  Personally, I make it a point to do a 'Major House Cleaning' for the New Year before and after January 1, and again in the Spring, Summer and Fall.  I find that it is a really positive way to move on to the next chapters in a life well lived.  Each season brings an opportunity to begin anew.  While January 1 and Spring are probably the most celebrated times to write the next chapter of your life on a 'brand spanking new, clean sheet of paper' - you can actually get clean and organized  any time of the year, just as you can make and keep New Year Resolutions virtually any day of the year. 

In addition to making you feel better about yourself and your life - cleaning and organizing all your 'stuff' can make you more productive and prepare you for the rigors and challenges of achieving dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  After you organize your house and/or office - and while you are still enjoying those feelings of reward and accomplishment - set aside a few hours of quiet time to review what you achieved in the previous year and to brainstorm ideas and plans about what you intend to accomplish in the coming 12 months.  Think about what you 'want and need' to do next.  Plot and plan all the many, small daily steps that you need to take to achieve your dreams and resolutions.  Then commit yourself to making those dreams a permanent part of your life - make them 'Lifetime Resolutions'.  Instead of sulking about the cold, dark days of winter - view the coming months with a 'glass half full' perspective.  Get moving and get motivated.  Make the most of what you can achieve 'indoors' now, so that you can head 'outdoors' and bask in the joys of Spring and Summer when the time comes!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 4, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

January 1 is right around the corner  . . .  Why not use the New Year, that customary time of 'rebirth and renewal', as an opportunity to get 'uber' organized?  As the big day approaches, adopt the 'Chinese New Year' custom of cleaning the entire house before the festivities begin.  Or maybe think of these cold-weather  organization goals as an 'early Spring cleaning'!  How about throwing open the windows, clearing the cobwebs out of house and head before and after the frenetic holiday season, and moving forward into the New Year with an energetic and positive attitude, and a nice clean, organized home and office.   It is common to feel cooped up, and suffer the winter doldrums in January and February, but instead of moping around, get moving.  Get a jump on 'Spring Cleaning' for the New Year and throughout the winter months.  Get clean and organized now, little by little, one room, one closet, one drawer at a time, so you can spend your time outside enjoying the good weather when Spring actually arrives in March. 

I find that giving my house and office an intense top-to-bottom-cleaning - what I like to call a 'Major House Cleaning' - three or four times each year makes me feel fabulous.  I love a clean house and office.  In addition to making me feel great, it increases my productivity and my creativity.   A 'Major House Cleaning' forces a person to clear the piles of clutter, banish the dust, and generally get 'stuff' organized. You are probably asking, "What does this have to do with making and keeping New Year resolutions?"  Actually, cleaning and organizing can have a huge impact on dreams and resolutions in the New Year.  Personally, I make it a point to do a 'Major House Cleaning' for the New Year before and after January 1, and again in the Spring, Summer and Fall.  I find that it is a really positive way to move on to the next chapters in a life well lived.  Each season brings an opportunity to begin anew.  While January 1 and Spring are probably the most celebrated times to write the next chapter of your life on a 'brand spanking new, clean sheet of paper' - you can actually get clean and organized  any time of the year, just as you can make and keep New Year Resolutions virtually any day of the year. 

In addition to making you feel better about yourself and your life - cleaning and organizing all your 'stuff' can make you more productive and prepare you for the rigors and challenges of achieving dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  After you organize your house and/or office - and while you are still enjoying those feelings of reward and accomplishment - set aside a few hours of quiet time to review what you achieved in the previous year and to brainstorm ideas and plans about what you intend to accomplish in the coming 12 months.  Think about what you 'want and need' to do next.  Plot and plan all the many, small daily steps that you need to take to achieve your dreams and resolutions.  Then commit yourself to making those dreams a permanent part of your life - make them 'Lifetime Resolutions'.  Instead of sulking about the cold, dark days of winter - view the coming months with a 'glass half full' perspective.  Get moving and get motivated.  Make the most of what you can achieve 'indoors' now, so that you can head 'outdoors' and bask in the joys of Spring and Summer when the time comes!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 4, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 4, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Find A Mentor To Help Me Succeed!

Do you have a dream, a New Year resolution, or set of daily goals that seem daunting?  Have no fear. You don't have to go it alone.  Why not find a buddy to share the journey, take a class to expand your knowledge and make some new friends who share your vision, and seek out a mentor to advise and encourage you?  I strongly urge you to take all three steps, as they can be wonderful assets.  Taking  a class and making new friends probably sound 'easier' than asking someone to take you under his or her wing.  But consider this:  That person would probably be flattered and enjoy the rewards from teaching and helping,  'if' you are serious about listening, learning and working hard.  So be open To make a calendar habit work efficiently, you need to choose a calendar makes you happy, build a plan that defines your daily tasks and goals, pencil them in every week, and review them every day.

Consider this:  If we are fortunate, each one of us is given the gift of a teacher who nurtures us while we are young, a college professor who recognizes our talents and prods us to do better, or a boss who is tough, but supportive. If we are lucky we encounter those 'trusted advisors' who pay attention, share their knowledge, and convince us to 'keep going when the going gets tough'.  Personally, I have been fortunate in this regard.  I have had family members, teachers, college professors, bosses, and colleagues who have offered good advice, cheered me on, and inspired me to do my best throughout my life.  They provided friendship, guidance, wisdom, and support.  I gladly accepted their generosity and I am a better person thanks their attention and kindness.  In return, I 'thank them' in my prayers, count my blessings each and every day, and work hard to make them proud.

So 'how to' cultivate a mentor?  At the outset, it is usually someone you already know and it is not as hard as you think to find that wise and trusted counselor.  You do have to do some legwork, however, such as thoughtful brainstorming to identify an appropriate person with whom you can partner.   Then you have ask.  Whether you are enrolled in college courses, taking a cooking glass at a local community college, learning golf, getting in shape at the gym - whatever your interest, passion, dream, resolution, or goal - there is someone out there with the credentials, skills and knowledge that you seek, who would be happy to offer advice, guidance, and encouragement.  But you have to measure up.  You have to summon the courage to ask for assistance and the gumption to work hard, show integrity, honesty, and discipline - in other words, proof that you are worthy of your mentor's time and attention. 

Sounds like a pretty 'high bar to leap over' doesn't it?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  Most mentors, like most folks who care about you, want you to be challenged and to challenge yourself.  But they also want you to be realistic about the way you pursue your goals - how you handle your plans, timelines, deadlines, expectations, and so on.  They have been there before - made mistakes, learned from them, and climbed the ladder toward success - and they have a lot to share if you are willing to listen and learn.  Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to 'listen to someone tell you something you don't necessarily want to hear', but listening and taking advice to both head and heart is the best course of action.  Sometimes you may feel that you 'know more' or 'know better'.  Regardless, if you humble yourself, be an apprentice, open your mind, listen and learn - you will profit handsomely with rewarding experiences. 

Pursue your dreams with passion, patience and persistence, but don't try to go it alone.  Your journey will be infinitely easier, more rewarding and enjoyable if you do your homework, find like-minded souls who share your passion, and are willing to ask for help when you really need it.  Now put on your thinking cap and create a 'short list' of folks that you trust to 'lend a hand' during your daily journey toward fulfilling your dreams.  Find a mentor who inspires you to 'learn, do, create, achieve, and succeed' each and every day!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - December 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Make Good Use Of My Blank Page Today!

Just 36 Days until the New Year - plenty of time to get a jump on dreams, resolutions and daily goals in advance of January 1!  I'm re-running some of my favorite columns in an effort to get folks motivated and I'll be posting new ideas and information as we draw closer that big day!  Thought For Today:  Be A Resolutionista!  Make good use of your blank page TODAY!

A brand new day! Isn't it wonderful that we were given a new one this morning? No matter what happened yesterday, or the day before - good or bad - we got a brand new day today, a brand new chance to try again, thanks to God's good graces. What a wonderful gift.Personally, regardless of what set of circumstances I'm dealt today, I'm going to make my own thoughtful 'choices' about how I react, how I approach my day, what I plan to focus on, my attitude, and so on. I'm choosing right now to make the most of everything, rather than sleepwalking through the day.

I view each and every day as a new, blank page in the book that is my life, and I intend to make conscious, good choices about how I make each 24-hour journey. I believe in living each day as if it's New Year's Day. If you're a chronic resolution-setter like me, you understand that wonderful feeling that bubbles to the surface on January 1 when you've been given an 'entire' brand new year to achieve, do, be, experience, see, feel, create, learn! It's fabulous to have 365 new days, 365 new blank pages on which you can leave your mark.

If you're like me, when you're given those new blank pages, you fully understand that you don't have to draft that tired list of things that everyone thinks you should change. Instead you can draft an empowering list of dreams - the things that you want to 'do' while you're still here on this earth - and make a promise to yourself to pursue one of those dreams with patience, passion and persistence. There is nothing wrong with thinking outside the box. Why not be a Resolution Revolutionary and have the courage to try something different, a simple, common sense approach? Why not be a Resolutionista? Someone who turns dreams into resolutions that they make and keep. Someone who enjoys the journey? Someone who follows the I Resolve To Formula for Success . . .

Cherished Dream + Determined Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Achievement & Reward!

With that strategy in mind, in addition to responding to everything that drops into your 'In-Box' at work and at home, devote at least 30-minutes to your dreams today, and everyday. All too often our dreams hit the back burner because we're Overtaken By Events - OBE - all the stuff that happens during the day that we have to respond to, or else! All too often we don't allow our dreams to serve as 'equals' on the priority list of daily responsibilities. Those responsibilities - work, family, home, school, hobbies, church, and so on - are vitally important, but it's up to you and me to give our dreams equal opportunities to grow and flourish, along with the 'In Box' tasks and the rest of our daily responsibilities. To do otherwise deprives us of the joy and fulfillment created by pursuing heartfelt dreams.

 If you have a dream that isn't getting an equal opportunity to thrive an flourish - if it's just a quiet spark living in your heart and mind, maybe it's time to pour some gasoline on that spark. Do your homework and build a plan that enables you to take one small step - fulfill a daily goal - each and every day. Each step, each goal, builds on the next one until you've fulfilled your dream, kept your resolution, and achieved success via your daily goals!

It's like compound interest on money in the bank, it quietly, steadily builds. When you reach the summit in your journey - don't cross your dream, your resolution off your list - take it to the next peak and make it a Lifetime Resolution that's with you for good! That's what being a Resolutionista is all about!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 26, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Kim M. Simpson - November 26, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Use Course Corrections To Stay On Track With Dreams & New Year Resolutions!

We're just 43 days away from a brand new year and that means I'm gearing up for 2009 here at I Resolve To . . . taking my dreams, resolutions and daily goals to a new level in the coming months.  During the next six weeks I'll be building toward the launch Resolve 365 . . . a new theme for the New Year.  'Yes', I do plan to continue to work on all of my Lifetime Resolutions:  Exercise, Graditutude, Walking For A Breast Cancer Cure, Giving The Boot To My Carbon Footprint, and so on . . . but I'll be shifting from weekly columns on the environment, kindness and gratitude - and adding a new theme to the mix (I'll continue to write periodically about 'gratitude & giving back').  So Stay Tuned!

In the meantime, I'm re-running some of my favorite columns in an effort to get folks motivated and I'll be posting new ideas and information as we draw closer to January 1, 2009!  Thought For Today:  Use Course Corrections To Stay On Track.

The New Year is right around the corner. It is almost time to review 2008's achievements and look ahead to 2009's dreams. So, why wait? Why not get a jump on the New Year and kick into high gear with dreams, resolutions and daily goals today? With that in mind, I'm personally committed to getting back on track with one of my Lifetime Resolutions: Exercise. I'm renewing my pledge to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day by walking, biking, swimming, working out with weights, and doing Yoga. I enjoy exercise and make it a priority in my life, but alas time is limited, so sweating for health and happiness occasionally hits the back burner. In 2006, and again earlier this year, I took a break from a variety of projects and reduced my daily work-outs both in number and duration. My body, mind and soul were shouting "lighten the load", so I scaled back to avoid burn-out. A few months later I was rested and ready to go full throttle. Taking a break, and making a course correction, as it turns out, was a wise decision. The moral to this story: A flexible plan and long-term determination are equally important if you truly want to make and keep New Year Resolutions.

My passion burns brightly for all of my commitments: My business, friends, family, health, exercise, writing and photography projects, my Resolution Project, and so on. My days are long, my list is longer. I'm a serial goal-setter and I have made and kept New Year resolutions for most of my life. I don't make a resolution, fulfill it (or give up on it), and move on. I 'make and keep my resolutions for life' and I 'enjoy the journey'. My resolutions become part of me and my lifestyle - Lifetime Resolutions. Daily exercise is just one of my Lifetime Resolutions. Excelling at photography and writing are two other important Lifetime Resolution that have been with me since I was a kid because they provide great reward, satisfaction and happiness.

My point: Just because you are occasionally forced to take a break from a resolution, or dream, does not mean that you have to give up altogether. Throughout tough times you have to be flexible, plan creatively, and maintain faith, hope, optimism, and a positive attitude. With that strategy you can smoothly move forward with your dreams resolutions and daily goals when you are past the obstacles.

When you are past the obstacles and make course corrections, you have to be realistic about 'what you can achieve' and 'the speed at which you can succeed'. As I mentioned, I made a decision to get back on track with my resolution to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day. Instead of going from a few work outs each week to seven all at once, I plan to gradually increase the number, duration and intensity of my work-outs. I am setting the bar at a reasonable height and giving myself a realistic short-term goal. I don't intend to get overwhelmed and discouraged. I understand that I can't go from zero-to-60-miles-per-hour overnight and it is working. I feel great about my work outs (both mentally and physically) and I'm gearing up well in advance of the New Year, so that I can build the enthusiasm, momentum, and motivation that is necessary to get me through the long, dark, cold months of winter.

If you need to get back on track with your own resolution - maybe a resolution that you made in January of 2008 - be kind to yourself. Challenge yourself, but don't set the bar too high. Be realistic about what you can achieve and when you can achieve it. Take small daily steps. Stay committed. Be patient, passionate and persistent. In time you will be handsomely rewarded.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 19, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 19, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Open To All The Wonderful Possibilities, Despite the Troubling Times We Live In Today!

 want to share a column that I published here are I Resolve To™ . . . some time ago, as the words ring more true than ever during these troubling times . . .

What is just around the corner? You never know, it might be something wonderful even when you're plagued by troubles. We all have hardships, troubles, and mediocre, or bad days.  The day starts out okay - maybe even great - then spirals the wrong way.  Fridays are famous for tacking in the wrong direction like a sailboat veering wildly off course.

You know how it goes on troublesome Fridays. The delimma strikes late in the day, just when you're  dreaming about weekend pleasures.  You find yourself smack dab in the middle of a pain-in-the-fanny-crisis.   You're scratching your head asking 'why me' - then things turn on a dime.  A fabulous idea erupts out of the blue. Or generous assistance from a colleague helps you to march on to victory. Or a hug and support from a loved one reminds you of all that's good and wonderful in your life. Something positive happens that helps you to take one small step after another toward resolution of the current problem. That's the positive side of the coin - the optimistic side - the one on which we should focus all of our attention with faith, hope and determination.  That's a glass half full, rather than a glass half empty.

Maybe things 'don't always turn on a dime', or change for the better right away.  You  may struggle for a day, or two . . . Or sometimes, unfortunately, much longer than a day or two.  But, somehow, things often work out okay over time. Maybe not exactly how you would hope, in the way you would hope, or when you would hope, but things do work out, and better days do arrive.

Anything is possible when you stay flexible, positive, and open to what's just around the corner - be it a turn of events in your favor, the courage to overcome a health or family crisis, your soulmate walking into your life, a brilliant idea, the determination to pursue a dream, a flash of insight, a decision to start a new career . . . you get the idea. When you're able to remain open-minded and optimistic - full of hope and faith in yourself, your talents, your dreams, a higher power . . . the sky is the limit.  Never say never and never give up!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 17, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 17, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Learn Something New, Take A Class!

Are you looking for motivation in the New Year?  Trying to find a way to stick with your New Year Resolution each and every day?  One way to insure that you will take small daily steps toward achieving your dream, resolution and daily goals is to take a class, or a series of classes throughout the year.  A class about the dream of your choice will help you to expand your creative and intellectual horizons, learn something new, introduce you to folks who share your passion, and help to provide a structure for your daily, weekly and monthly action plans.

I recently pulled out a journal from 1994. I decided in 1994 to get serious about my long-held passion for photography.  Practicing my craft - serious professional photography - is one of my Lifetime Resolutions, a dream that has been with me since childhood.  Photography is one of my gifts.  Like writing, it makes my spirit soar, keeps me energized, makes me happy.  I love picking up my cameras and heading out on a shoot - whether for work, or my personal fine art interests.  It's all the same.  Once I have my camera in hand I can go for hours and hours.  I slip into the 'zone', a pretty blissful place.  I enjoy the journey as much as the destination - pointing my camera, framing my shot and and pushing the right buttons, all the way to making the final image in the darkroom, or on my computer in Adobe Photoshop.  I enjoy the journey as much today as I did as a kid with a tiny Brownie Camera.

My point:  Back in 1994 I made a decision to get serious about my passion, my dream, and to make photography part of the eventual business that I would build.  My first step was to make an initial decision to 'go for it'.  My second step was to define specifically what I wanted to do;  then I got busy with my research and developed a long-range-plan and a short-range plan, so I could take small daily steps toward achievement.

One of the first things I did was join the Smithsonian Insitution's Open Darkroom Program in Washington, DC where I lived and worked.  It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  The Smithsonian is first-rate and its instructors are fabulous.  They taught me more than words can convey and the people who participate in Saturday Open Darkroom are passionistas like me. I have made countless photography friends over the years.  I say "friends" because of the camaraderie we developed over pans of chemicals in the darkroom, and during our shooting 'fieldtrips', but also because of the good times shared outside our photography interests. These dear folks hold a special place in my heart because they are kindred spirits.

Taking a class and finding a community of like-minded folks who share your vision, your dream, resolution, and daily goals is one of the surest, happiest ways to make the journey toward achievement and making it a Lifetime Resolution that is with you for good.  Give it some thought.  A class just might be in your future!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Exercise For Health & Happiness!

The New Year is right around the corner.   It is almost time to review 2008's achievements and look ahead to 2009's dreams.  So, why wait?  Why not  get a jump on the New Year and kick into high gear with dreams, resolutions and daily goals today?  With that in mind, I'm personally committed to getting back on track with one of my Lifetime Resolutions:  Exercise.  I'm renewing my pledge to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day by walking, biking, swimming, working out with weights, and doing Yoga.  I enjoy exercise and make it a priority in my life, but alas time is limited, so sweating for health and happiness occasionally hits the back burner.   In 2006, and again earlier this year, I took a break from a variety of projects and reduced my daily work-outs both in number and duration.  My body, mind and soul were shouting "lighten the load", so I scaled back to avoid burn-out.  A few months later I was rested and ready to go full throttle.  Taking a break, and making a course correction, as it turns out, was a wise decision.  The moral to this story:  A flexible plan and long-term determination are equally important if you truly want to make and keep New Year Resolutions. 

My passion burns brightly for all of my commitments:  My business, friends, family, health, exercise, writing and photography projects, my Resolution Project, and so on.  My days are long, my list is longer.  I'm a serial goal-setter and I have made and kept New Year resolutions for most of my life.  I don't make a resolution, fulfill it (or give up on it), and move on.  I 'make and keep my resolutions for life' and I 'enjoy the journey'.  My resolutions become part of me and my lifestyle - Lifetime Resolutions.  Daily exercise is just one of my Lifetime Resolutions.  Excelling at photography and writing are two other important Lifetime Resolution that have been with me since I was a kid because they provide great reward, satisfaction and happiness.

My point:  Just because you are occasionally forced to take a break from a resolution, or dream, does not mean that you have to give up altogether.  Throughout tough times you have to be flexible, plan creatively, and maintain faith, hope, optimism, and a positive attitude.  With that strategy you can smoothly move forward with your dreams resolutions and daily goals when you are past the obstacles.

When you are past the obstacles and make course corrections, you have to be realistic about 'what you can achieve' and 'the speed at which you can succeed'.  As I mentioned, I made a decision to get back on track with my resolution to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day.  Instead of going from a few work outs each week to seven all at once, I plan to gradually increase the number, duration and intensity of my work-outs.  I am setting the bar at a reasonable height and giving myself a realistic short-term goal.  I don't intend to get overwhelmed and discouraged.  I understand that I can't go from zero-to-60-miles-per-hour overnight and it is working.  I feel great about my work outs (both mentally and physically) and I'm gearing up well in advance of the New Year, so that I can build the enthusiasm, momentum, and motivation that is necessary to get me through the long, dark, cold months of winter.

If you need to get back on track with your own resolution - maybe a resolution that you made in January of 2008 - be kind to yourself.  Challenge yourself, but don't set the bar too high.  Be realistic about what you can achieve and when you can achieve it.  Take small daily steps.  Stay committed.  Be patient, passionate and persistent.  In time you will be handsomely rewarded.

 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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Lend A Hand To Someone In Need This Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving, that wonderful, warm day of 'gratitude, caring and sharing' is right around the corner.  Just two weeks from today families will join together to break bread, carve a turkey, share memories, make memories, and take in a little football.  While historians may disagree about the date and whereabouts of the first Thanksgiving - the Plymouth Pilgrims and a harvest celebration comes to mind when I think about Thanksgiving and it's history (History.Com has a wealth of interesting tidbits if you'd like to learn more about this great American tradition).

Thanksgiving is also a wonderful opportunity to lend a hand to someone in need.  This year gentle caring and generosity are probably more urgent than at any time in recent memory.  September 11, 2001 brought us together during a time of great national tragedy, but most of us were not even born until long after the Great Depression.  We didn't experience that time of great uncertainty and suffering nearly a century ago . . . But watching the nightly news today makes one wonder just how bad things will get as the modern world economy spirals deeper and deeper into a black hole. 

This evening NBC News aired more news about store closings, high unemployment, and federal bailouts.  Not surprisingly one report warned about diminishing charitable donations and bare food bank shelves.  Some of my clients are non-profit organizations - I watch them struggle through the good times, so the current economic crisis will only add to their already heavy burden, as they work to protect the environment and assist the disadvantaged. 

Rather than getting depressed and frightened about all this bad news, I'm choosing to view the 'glass as half full' . . . Things 'are' tough right now, but we will make it through.  Instead of worrying about what we don't have, why not be grateful for all that we do have and all that we are?  Why not share the 'bounty' of our gratitude with those who are less fortunate?  It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show  Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind. 

There are so many different ways to lend a helping hand in the next few weeks.  Here's a short list of ways to reach out in the community . . . small gestures can make a world of difference.

1. Research Options - For instance, Local Churches, County Government, the Local United Way are wonderful resources that can help you to decide where you can best lend a hand by donating money, time, and/or expertise during the Holiday Season.
2. Find A Local Food Bank - Churches, City & County Governments, and 'Google' can help to point you in the direction of an 'empty pantry' in your area.
3. Remember Elderly Or Shut-In Neighbors With A Visit - Maybe a neighbor could use some help with shopping or simple errands during the Holiday Season.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 13, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 13, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Revel In The Change Of Seasons!

The change of seasons is one fabulous part of life . . . it's such a gift!  Fall is making its presence known in my neck of the woods with crisp, cool temperatures, blue skies and a blaze of color on the trees.  Soon we will share Thanksgiving and Christmas blessings with friends and family . . . followed by the New Year and a new set of wonderful blank, clean pages on which we can write the next chapter of our lives.  Why not carve out a little bit of time today, tomorrow and Sunday to enjoy 'Fall' and the terrific weather?  Spending time enjoying the great outdoors is a great way to develop an appreciation for the environment . . . and in turn a healthy respect that generates a desire to protect and preserve Mother Earth.

Happy Wednesday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

There are so many different thing ways to appreciate the change of seasons - and the variety of things to do is as unique as the individual.   Here are some things that are on my 'To Do List' for the weekend and weeks to come . . . Enjoy your days!

1. Rake and mulch leaves - put the beloved garden to bed for the winter.
2. Visit a National Park.
3. Dust off your bike and hit the road.
4. Take a nice long 3-to-5-mile hike.
5. Enjoy some touch football, or maybe afternoon with your favorite Pro team.
6. Volunteer for your favorite cause - How about a horse rescue farm?
7. Visit a Farmer's Market.
8. Pack a picnic lunch and hit your favorite outdoor spot.
9. Pull out your camera and record the outdoor blaze of glory.
10. Bake a pumpkin pie - 'Yes' an indoor sport, but it will get you in the holiday spirit!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 7, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

The change of seasons is one fabulous part of life . . . it's such a gift!  Fall is making its presence known in my neck of the woods with crisp, cool temperatures, blue skies and a blaze of color on the trees.  Soon we will share Thanksgiving and Christmas blessings with friends and family . . . followed by the New Year and a new set of wonderful blank, clean pages on which we can write the next chapter of our lives.  Why not carve out a little bit of time today, tomorrow and Sunday to enjoy 'Fall' and the terrific weather?  Spending time enjoying the great outdoors is a great way to develop an appreciation for the environment . . . and in turn a healthy respect that generates a desire to protect and preserve Mother Earth.

Happy Wednesday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

There are so many different thing ways to appreciate the change of seasons - and the variety of things to do is as unique as the individual.   Here are some things that are on my 'To Do List' for the weekend and weeks to come . . . Enjoy your days!

1. Rake and mulch leaves - put the beloved garden to bed for the winter.
2. Visit a National Park.
3. Dust off your bike and hit the road.
4. Take a nice long 3-to-5-mile hike.
5. Enjoy some touch football, or maybe afternoon with your favorite Pro team.
6. Volunteer for your favorite cause - How about a horse rescue farm?
7. Visit a Farmer's Market.
8. Pack a picnic lunch and hit your favorite outdoor spot.
9. Pull out your camera and record the outdoor blaze of glory.
10. Bake a pumpkin pie - 'Yes' an indoor sport, but it will get you in the holiday spirit!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 7, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 7, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Do A Little 'Good' Today!

Happy Thursday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."  Henry Ward Beecher

"People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become.  And they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead."    Edith Wharton

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are."  Author Unknown

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 6, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 6, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Brainstorm More Ways To Recycle! - Day 310

Happy Wednesday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

If you have a dream and New Year Resolution that you intend to fulfill - research and daily follow through are keys to success.  You have to know 'what you need to do' and 'how you need to do it' to achieve the daily goals that will take you to the finish line.  With that in mind, I spend a lot of time researching ways to protect the environment.  I'm educating myself so that I can build and implement a plan.  If you've explored I Resolve To . . . you're aware that I'm not able to get recycling service at my home (out in the country), so I've been developing a simple system that allows me to recycle my plastic bottles and newspapers at the Spotsylvania County Recycling Center, and my used magazines at the Fredericksburg Library. 

I'm also taking cardboard boxes and other assorted items to the Recycling Center - things that you wouldn't automatically think to recycle.  I'm really happy with the overall effort,  and am now interested in expanding, so I'm researching new ideas.  A great natural/simple living website 'Pioneer Thinking' has some great tips for recycling and reusing everyday objects.  The rest of the site is interesting and informative as well, with a vast array of topics ranging from candle making to energy awareness.  It's well worth a look.

Here are some other interesting sites that provide both basic recycling tips - and some ideas that you wouldn't automatically think about.  Ecologue.Com, for instance, has a wealth of information in both article form and via video . . . Enjoy & Live Green!

• Ecologue.Com - Easier Ways To Live Green
• Reduce Your Rubbish (New Zealand) - Recycling Tips
• RecycleNow.Com - Start Recycling Today In Four Easy Steps
• SaveWithGreen.Com - Recycling Tips & Tips About Living Green
• RecyclingSupermarket.Com - Your Place For Everything Recycling
• Obviously.Com - World's Shortest Comprehensive USA/Canada Recycling Guide 
• Green Guide - Five Recycling Tips (Drink Boxes, Polystyrene, Computers, Batteries, & Cardboard)

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

 M. Simpson - November 5, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Happy Wednesday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

If you have a dream and New Year Resolution that you intend to fulfill - research and daily follow through are keys to success.  You have to know 'what you need to do' and 'how you need to do it' to achieve the daily goals that will take you to the finish line.  With that in mind, I spend a lot of time researching ways to protect the environment.  I'm educating myself so that I can build and implement a plan.  If you've explored I Resolve To . . . you're aware that I'm not able to get recycling service at my home (out in the country), so I've been developing a simple system that allows me to recycle my plastic bottles and newspapers at the Spotsylvania County Recycling Center, and my used magazines at the Fredericksburg Library. 

I'm also taking cardboard boxes and other assorted items to the Recycling Center - things that you wouldn't automatically think to recycle.  I'm really happy with the overall effort,  and am now interested in expanding, so I'm researching new ideas.  A great natural/simple living website 'Pioneer Thinking' has some great tips for recycling and reusing everyday objects.  The rest of the site is interesting and informative as well, with a vast array of topics ranging from candle making to energy awareness.  It's well worth a look.

Here are some other interesting sites that provide both basic recycling tips - and some ideas that you wouldn't automatically think about.  Ecologue.Com, for instance, has a wealth of information in both article form and via video . . . Enjoy & Live Green!

• Ecologue.Com - Easier Ways To Live Green
• Reduce Your Rubbish (New Zealand) - Recycling Tips
• RecycleNow.Com - Start Recycling Today In Four Easy Steps
• SaveWithGreen.Com - Recycling Tips & Tips About Living Green
• RecyclingSupermarket.Com - Your Place For Everything Recycling
• Obviously.Com - World's Shortest Comprehensive USA/Canada Recycling Guide 
• Green Guide - Five Recycling Tips (Drink Boxes, Polystyrene, Computers, Batteries, & Cardboard)

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

 M. Simpson - November 5, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

 M. Simpson - November 5, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . VOTE & Respect The Winners & The Losers!

Election Day is fnally here, thank goodness!  After a two-year campaign, I know I am eagerly anticipating an outcome.  I'm getting ready to head to the polls, shortly, and looking forward to casting my vote.  I've worked in journalism and politics my entire professional career, and while I don't always agree with what goes on in Washington, I'm proud of what I do for a living.  I'm proud to live in a democracy where people are free to vote for the candidates and parties of their choice - and the transition of power takes place smoothly, peacefully, and without any disruption in our government, or way of life.  As far as I'm concerned, voting and educating ourselves about the candidates and the issues is a very important responsibility one that should be taken seriously.  Based on the projected turnout for the election, I'm not the only citizen who is taking this election seriously!

After we cast our votes today . . . and watch as one man is elected President of the United States, I hope 'kindness' and 'good manners' and 'respect' will rule the day and days to come.  One candidate will win and one candidate will not win - making some folks very happy and others very sad.  Regardless of who comes out on top in races across the country for the U.S. House, U.S. Senate and White House remember to be open-minded and respectful of the the views of others.  Engage in PreMeditated Kindness!

It's Tuesday -  Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness here at I Resolve To . . .  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show  Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three inspirational quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"Democracy is a government where you can say what you think even if you don't think."   Author Unknown

"It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting."   Tom Stoppard, Jumpers

"Democracy cannot flourish half rich and half poor, any more than it can flourish half free and half slave."  Felix G. Rohatyn, New York Times, 3 June 1987

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 4, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 4, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Finish Strong The Remaining Two Months Of 2009!

Happy Monday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

During the remaining two months of 2009 I plan to finish strong with my 'Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint' priorities:

1. Personal Recycling:  I plan to continue to build a strong home & business Recycling Program.  I live in the country and can't get a trash hauler to provide recycling services to my property.  So, I'm building my own simple, efficient program.  I reduced my newspaper subscriptions to Saturday, Sunday rather than seven-day-a-week service.  I'm taking my newspapers, plastic, and cardboard items to the Spotsylvania County Recycling Center.  And I'm donating my used magazines to Fredericksburg's Friends Of The Library Program.  A very good start about which I am very proud!
2. Protect & Preserve Research:  I continue to educate myself about small steps that each one of us can take to protect the environment, and I'm posting that information here at I Resolve To . . . in an effort to help others to create or kickstart their own efforts.
3. Home & Garden Winterization:  Since August, I've been preparing my home and garden for winter.  I'm really looking forward to working in the yard in November and December when I'll mulch leaves, clear my garden beds, and put everyone to bed for the winter!
4. Revel In The Change Of Seasons:  One of the best ways to build enthusiasm for environmental protection is to spend time outside.  Outdoor activities can create or boost a healthy appreciation for the environment.  My own trees are ablaze with color - and I'm looking forward to my gardening and walking the pretty streets of Old Town Fredericksburg in weeks to come.

Maybe you'll consider joining me.  You don't have to make drastic, overnight changes in your lifestyle.  Start with something small:   Make a decision today to begin building your own new habits - one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Start by continuing your newly cultivated habit of driving fewer vehicle miles to conserve cash and gas . . . which also reduces your Carbon Footprint!  To keep you moving in the right direction, here is a list of informative websites that I have compiled this year.  They've helped in my own effort to protect and preserve the environment.  Enjoy!

Climate Change -Take Action Today!

• EarthLab
• Carbon Footprint 
• Clean Air-Cool Planet 
• StopGlobalWarming.Org 
• ConservaStore - Light Bulbs
• Conservation International 
• EnvironmentalLights.com - Light Bulbs
• Climatecrisis.net - An Inconvenient Truth 
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint 
• Environmental Defense - Fight Global Warming 
• Environmental Defense - 'How To Pick A Better Bulb'.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Department of Energy, Energy Star.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Personal Emissions Calculator 
• FastCompany.com - How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change The World(FastCompanyComLightBulbs.pdf).

Carbon Offsets

• TerraPass.Com
• CarbonFund.Org
• TreeHugger.Com
• The Climate Trust
• CarbonCounter.Org
• David Suzuki Foundation
• Wikipedia - Carbon Offsets
• The Environmental Defense Fund
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change
• NewYorkTimesFTCCarbonOffsetsJanuary2008.pdf
• BusinessWeekAnotherInconvenientTruthMarch2007.pdf
• ChristianScienceMonitorCarbonOffsetsJanuary2007.pdf
• Joint Statement By WWF, Friends of The Earth and Green Peace on Carbon Offets:  WWF-GP-FoE_on_offseting.pdf

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

• Earth Day Network
• Earth Day - Earth 911
• Earth Day - Wikipedia
• Earth Day - World Wildlife Fund
• Earth Day - EnviroLink Network
• Earth Day - The Wilderness Society
• Earth Day - The Nature Conservancy
• Earth Day - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• About.Com Earth Day - Washington, D.C., Maryland & Virginia 

Arbor Day - April 25, 2008

• Arbor Day Foundation 
• Wikipedia - Arbor Day 
• Plant-A-Tree-Today 
• Clean Air Gardening 
• Trees Are Good 
• American Forests
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting 

How To Help The Environment - Tips For Kids

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change Kids Site
• NRDC's Global Warming Challenge
• GlobalWarmingKids.Net
• Cool Kids For A Cool Climate
• Pew Center Global Climate Change
• Science News For Kids - Climate Change

Tips On Recycling

• Ecologue
• Earth 911
• Wikipedia - Recycling
• Grassroots Recycling Network
• PlanetPals - Recycling For Kids
• The Encyclopedia Of Earth - Recycling
• TreeHugger - How To Green Your Recycling
• RecycleWorks - San Mateo County, California
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project - Read, Rescue & Reuse

Tips On Reducing Plastic Bag Use

• Poconorecord.com - Plastic Bag Use
• Planet Ark - Why Are Plastic Bags A Problem?
• Environmental Literacy Council - Paper or Plastic?
• Salon - Plastic Bags Are Killings Us - SalonPlasticBags.pdf
• AlterNet, The Great Plastic Bag Plague - AlterNetPlasticBags.pdf
• Portland Business Journal - Whole Foods Market Bans Plastic: PortlandBusinessJournalPlasticBags.pdf 

Tips On Winterizing Homes

• E-How - How To Winterize A Home
• About.Com - Winterizing Your Home
• CBS News - How To Winterize Your Home
• About.Com - Easy Home Winterizing Checklist
• About.Com - How To Winterize Your Vacation Home
• MSN Real Estate - 10 Ways To Winterize Your Home, Now

Tips On Winterizing Gardens

• EHow - How To Winterize Your Garden
• Reader's Digest - Winterize Your Garden
• About.Com - Winterizing The Landscape In Fall
• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Now Is The Time To Winterize Your Garden
• Gardening With The Helpful Gardener - Preparing Your Garden For Winter

Tips On Mulching Gardens

• How Stuff Works - How to Mulch
• The Savvy Gardener - All About Mulch
• Earth 911 - How To Mulch Grass Clippings
• Do It Yourself - How To Mulch Trees And Shrubs
• About.Com - Rake Leaves And Make Compost, Mulch
• Dummies.Com - Understanding The Benefits Of Garden Mulch
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service - Mulching

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Happy Monday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

During the remaining two months of 2009 I plan to finish strong with my 'Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint' priorities:

1. Personal Recycling:  I plan to continue to build a strong home & business Recycling Program.  I live in the country and can't get a trash hauler to provide recycling services to my property.  So, I'm building my own simple, efficient program.  I reduced my newspaper subscriptions to Saturday, Sunday rather than seven-day-a-week service.  I'm taking my newspapers, plastic, and cardboard items to the Spotsylvania County Recycling Center.  And I'm donating my used magazines to Fredericksburg's Friends Of The Library Program.  A very good start about which I am very proud!
2. Protect & Preserve Research:  I continue to educate myself about small steps that each one of us can take to protect the environment, and I'm posting that information here at I Resolve To . . . in an effort to help others to create or kickstart their own efforts.
3. Home & Garden Winterization:  Since August, I've been preparing my home and garden for winter.  I'm really looking forward to working in the yard in November and December when I'll mulch leaves, clear my garden beds, and put everyone to bed for the winter!
4. Revel In The Change Of Seasons:  One of the best ways to build enthusiasm for environmental protection is to spend time outside.  Outdoor activities can create or boost a healthy appreciation for the environment.  My own trees are ablaze with color - and I'm looking forward to my gardening and walking the pretty streets of Old Town Fredericksburg in weeks to come.

Maybe you'll consider joining me.  You don't have to make drastic, overnight changes in your lifestyle.  Start with something small:   Make a decision today to begin building your own new habits - one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Start by continuing your newly cultivated habit of driving fewer vehicle miles to conserve cash and gas . . . which also reduces your Carbon Footprint!  To keep you moving in the right direction, here is a list of informative websites that I have compiled this year.  They've helped in my own effort to protect and preserve the environment.  Enjoy!

Climate Change -Take Action Today!

• EarthLab
• Carbon Footprint 
• Clean Air-Cool Planet 
• StopGlobalWarming.Org 
• ConservaStore - Light Bulbs
• Conservation International 
• EnvironmentalLights.com - Light Bulbs
• Climatecrisis.net - An Inconvenient Truth 
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint 
• Environmental Defense - Fight Global Warming 
• Environmental Defense - 'How To Pick A Better Bulb'.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Department of Energy, Energy Star.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Personal Emissions Calculator 
• FastCompany.com - How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change The World(FastCompanyComLightBulbs.pdf).

Carbon Offsets

• TerraPass.Com
• CarbonFund.Org
• TreeHugger.Com
• The Climate Trust
• CarbonCounter.Org
• David Suzuki Foundation
• Wikipedia - Carbon Offsets
• The Environmental Defense Fund
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change
• NewYorkTimesFTCCarbonOffsetsJanuary2008.pdf
• BusinessWeekAnotherInconvenientTruthMarch2007.pdf
• ChristianScienceMonitorCarbonOffsetsJanuary2007.pdf
• Joint Statement By WWF, Friends of The Earth and Green Peace on Carbon Offets:  WWF-GP-FoE_on_offseting.pdf

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

• Earth Day Network
• Earth Day - Earth 911
• Earth Day - Wikipedia
• Earth Day - World Wildlife Fund
• Earth Day - EnviroLink Network
• Earth Day - The Wilderness Society
• Earth Day - The Nature Conservancy
• Earth Day - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• About.Com Earth Day - Washington, D.C., Maryland & Virginia 

Arbor Day - April 25, 2008

• Arbor Day Foundation 
• Wikipedia - Arbor Day 
• Plant-A-Tree-Today 
• Clean Air Gardening 
• Trees Are Good 
• American Forests
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting 

How To Help The Environment - Tips For Kids

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change Kids Site
• NRDC's Global Warming Challenge
• GlobalWarmingKids.Net
• Cool Kids For A Cool Climate
• Pew Center Global Climate Change
• Science News For Kids - Climate Change

Tips On Recycling

• Ecologue
• Earth 911
• Wikipedia - Recycling
• Grassroots Recycling Network
• PlanetPals - Recycling For Kids
• The Encyclopedia Of Earth - Recycling
• TreeHugger - How To Green Your Recycling
• RecycleWorks - San Mateo County, California
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project - Read, Rescue & Reuse

Tips On Reducing Plastic Bag Use

• Poconorecord.com - Plastic Bag Use
• Planet Ark - Why Are Plastic Bags A Problem?
• Environmental Literacy Council - Paper or Plastic?
• Salon - Plastic Bags Are Killings Us - SalonPlasticBags.pdf
• AlterNet, The Great Plastic Bag Plague - AlterNetPlasticBags.pdf
• Portland Business Journal - Whole Foods Market Bans Plastic: PortlandBusinessJournalPlasticBags.pdf 

Tips On Winterizing Homes

• E-How - How To Winterize A Home
• About.Com - Winterizing Your Home
• CBS News - How To Winterize Your Home
• About.Com - Easy Home Winterizing Checklist
• About.Com - How To Winterize Your Vacation Home
• MSN Real Estate - 10 Ways To Winterize Your Home, Now

Tips On Winterizing Gardens

• EHow - How To Winterize Your Garden
• Reader's Digest - Winterize Your Garden
• About.Com - Winterizing The Landscape In Fall
• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Now Is The Time To Winterize Your Garden
• Gardening With The Helpful Gardener - Preparing Your Garden For Winter

Tips On Mulching Gardens

• How Stuff Works - How to Mulch
• The Savvy Gardener - All About Mulch
• Earth 911 - How To Mulch Grass Clippings
• Do It Yourself - How To Mulch Trees And Shrubs
• About.Com - Rake Leaves And Make Compost, Mulch
• Dummies.Com - Understanding The Benefits Of Garden Mulch
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service - Mulching

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Pencil In My Daily Goals!

If you want keep your dreams, resolutions and daily goals front and center, pencil them in on your calendar each and every day!  Without that simple, vitally important habit, your 'In Box' will rule your life.  Worse, your dreams, resolutions and goals will hit the back burner.  Eventually you will give up out of sheer frustration.  A 'calendar habit' can be as fancy or simple as you want to make it.  There are so many different options from which you can choose:   The calendar program on your computer, a large wall calendar, a leather organizer, a Blog - whatever is easy, organized and works best for you. To make a calendar habit work efficiently, you need to choose a calendar makes you happy, build a plan that defines your daily tasks and goals, pencil them in every week, and review them every day.

Personally I use a leather organizer, my blogs, and a wall calendar to track my resolutions and daily goals to exercise, write, be kind, help the environment, and raise money for breast cancer research (a few of my resolutions).   Each weekend, I 'Check In'.  I Review and chart my progress, brainstorm new ideas, and add new daily tasks for the week to come.  It keeps me accountable and on track because I constantly am reminded of 'what I have done and what I need to do'.   I have discovered that, sometimes, you also need to step back from all the planning and doing, so that you can catch your breath, take a break, and avoid burn-out.  In the Fall of 2006, for instance, I took a break from my Lifetime Resolution  to exercise for 30-minutes each day and a few other priorities .  It paid off.  I came roaring back a couple months later, refreshed and ready to go in 2007 and 2008.

If you take a break the trick is to avoid getting too comfortable with your time off.  Your dreams, resolutions and goals, permanently, could hit he back burner if you're not careful.  When I took my 2006 time out my calendars served as a reminder that it was time  to get moving again.  Before I put my plans on hold, I was careful to review and update my strategy, calendars, deadlines, and next steps.  I knew exactly what I had done and what I needed to do, so I was able to pick right back up where I left off with my daily goals, and brainstorm the new ideas that would take my dreams to the next level.  Bottom line:  Keep your calendar, timeline, and written plan handy, where you can review it every day and Check In at least once each week to maintain accountability.   Your resolution is a work in progress.  It can become a Lifetime Resolution if you work at it passionately, patiently, and with tireless persistence.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - November 2, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

If you want keep your dreams, resolutions and daily goals front and center, pencil them in on your calendar each and every day!  Without that simple, vitally important habit, your 'In Box' will rule your life.  Worse, your dreams, resolutions and goals will hit the back burner.  Eventually you will give up out of sheer frustration.  A 'calendar habit' can be as fancy or simple as you want to make it.  There are so many different options from which you can choose:   The calendar program on your computer, a large wall calendar, a leather organizer, a Blog - whatever is easy, organized and works best for you. To make a calendar habit work efficiently, you need to choose a calendar makes you happy, build a plan that defines your daily tasks and goals, pencil them in every week, and review them every day.

Personally I use a leather organizer, my blogs, and a wall calendar to track my resolutions and daily goals to exercise, write, be kind, help the environment, and raise money for breast cancer research (a few of my resolutions).   Each weekend, I 'Check In'.  I Review and chart my progress, brainstorm new ideas, and add new daily tasks for the week to come.  It keeps me accountable and on track because I constantly am reminded of 'what I have done and what I need to do'.   I have discovered that, sometimes, you also need to step back from all the planning and doing, so that you can catch your breath, take a break, and avoid burn-out.  In the Fall of 2006, for instance, I took a break from my Lifetime Resolution  to exercise for 30-minutes each day and a few other priorities .  It paid off.  I came roaring back a couple months later, refreshed and ready to go in 2007 and 2008.

If you take a break the trick is to avoid getting too comfortable with your time off.  Your dreams, resolutions and goals, permanently, could hit he back burner if you're not careful.  When I took my 2006 time out my calendars served as a reminder that it was time  to get moving again.  Before I put my plans on hold, I was careful to review and update my strategy, calendars, deadlines, and next steps.  I knew exactly what I had done and what I needed to do, so I was able to pick right back up where I left off with my daily goals, and brainstorm the new ideas that would take my dreams to the next level.  Bottom line:  Keep your calendar, timeline, and written plan handy, where you can review it every day and Check In at least once each week to maintain accountability.   Your resolution is a work in progress.  It can become a Lifetime Resolution if you work at it passionately, patiently, and with tireless persistence.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - November 2, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - November 2, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Begin Planning For My 2009 Resolutions & Daily Goals!

I love this time of the year.  With the onset of Fall comes crisp air, clear blue skies, a tapestry of rich color on the trees, Halloween treats & pumpkin carving, and soon . . . Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New's Day 2009!  We're at 61 days and counting until we ring in the New Year and take a good long look at the achievements and the disappointments of 2008.  Personally, I try to make each and every day New Year's Day - a new blank page on which I can write my story.  I work hard to influence and shape my own story via my dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  Planning, patience, persistence, focus, commitment, and plain old hard work are among the ingredients that are necessary if you want to write your own story rather than have it written for you by your 'In Box' and the events of the day.

If you have a dream that is simmering on the back burner, why wait until New Year's day?  Why not use the next 61 days as a launching pad for your 2009 dream, resolution and daily goals?  If you are ready, start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, or doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!" Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward

If you're ready to get moving, but don't know where to begin have a look at my I Resolve To . . . Toolkit:

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips

I believe in leading by example.  I put my money and energy where my mouth is.  In 2008, I made a personal commitment to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life': 

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 
3. Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 
4. Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

With 61 days left in the year there is plenty of time to achieve my 2008 'gratitude resolution', and keep the forward momentum going on my Lifetime Resolutions, which include health and exercise, and my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book).  Here is the status of my efforts this week, as well as a look forward:

1. I achieved my resolution to walk 60 miles the weekend of October 3-5, raised $3000 for breast cancer research and I signed up to walk again in October 2009!  I'm planning my fundraising strategy - and preparing a special thank you package for my donors.  Their generosity helped me to achieve my goals.  I'm also creating a reminder of my accomplishments to keep me motivated, and urge others to follow my lead - a special photo gallery that chronicles my 3-Day weekend.   And I'm already training for next year's 60 mile walk!
2. I'm planning to make my first visit to a nearby farm horse rescue farm- Eagle Hill Farm - in October, and I intend to sponsor a colt for $300.
3. My home recycling program is underway.  Since I can't get my trash hauler to provide recycling out in the country - I'm taking my plastic bottles and newspapers to the Spotsylvania Recycling Center, and I'm donating my magazines to the public library.  I'm also stepping up my efforts to educate myself and others about ways that we can protect the environment, and posting the information here at I Resolve To . . .
4. PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - a daily effort to be conscious about my words, gestures and actions (how I treat others and myself) is on track.  It is becoming a habit to be much more conscious of what I am saying and doing - and I am trying to insert more kindness toward others into each and every day.  It's time to do some brainstorming about creative ways to reach out to others, particularly around the holidays in November and December.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I love this time of the year.  With the onset of Fall comes crisp air, clear blue skies, a tapestry of rich color on the trees, Halloween treats & pumpkin carving, and soon . . . Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New's Day 2009!  We're at 61 days and counting until we ring in the New Year and take a good long look at the achievements and the disappointments of 2008.  Personally, I try to make each and every day New Year's Day - a new blank page on which I can write my story.  I work hard to influence and shape my own story via my dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  Planning, patience, persistence, focus, commitment, and plain old hard work are among the ingredients that are necessary if you want to write your own story rather than have it written for you by your 'In Box' and the events of the day.

If you have a dream that is simmering on the back burner, why wait until New Year's day?  Why not use the next 61 days as a launching pad for your 2009 dream, resolution and daily goals?  If you are ready, start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, or doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!" Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward

If you're ready to get moving, but don't know where to begin have a look at my I Resolve To . . . Toolkit:

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips

I believe in leading by example.  I put my money and energy where my mouth is.  In 2008, I made a personal commitment to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life': 

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 
3. Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 
4. Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

With 61 days left in the year there is plenty of time to achieve my 2008 'gratitude resolution', and keep the forward momentum going on my Lifetime Resolutions, which include health and exercise, and my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book).  Here is the status of my efforts this week, as well as a look forward:

1. I achieved my resolution to walk 60 miles the weekend of October 3-5, raised $3000 for breast cancer research and I signed up to walk again in October 2009!  I'm planning my fundraising strategy - and preparing a special thank you package for my donors.  Their generosity helped me to achieve my goals.  I'm also creating a reminder of my accomplishments to keep me motivated, and urge others to follow my lead - a special photo gallery that chronicles my 3-Day weekend.   And I'm already training for next year's 60 mile walk!
2. I'm planning to make my first visit to a nearby farm horse rescue farm- Eagle Hill Farm - in October, and I intend to sponsor a colt for $300.
3. My home recycling program is underway.  Since I can't get my trash hauler to provide recycling out in the country - I'm taking my plastic bottles and newspapers to the Spotsylvania Recycling Center, and I'm donating my magazines to the public library.  I'm also stepping up my efforts to educate myself and others about ways that we can protect the environment, and posting the information here at I Resolve To . . .
4. PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - a daily effort to be conscious about my words, gestures and actions (how I treat others and myself) is on track.  It is becoming a habit to be much more conscious of what I am saying and doing - and I am trying to insert more kindness toward others into each and every day.  It's time to do some brainstorming about creative ways to reach out to others, particularly around the holidays in November and December.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - November 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Hold Myself Accountable!

If you are pursuing a dream, New Year Resolution, or series of daily goals, one surefire way to make consistent progress is to write things down and review your strategy and accomplishments on a regular basis - at least once a week.  If you have a New Year Resolution, or dream that is simmering on the back burner because you lack accountability and a strategy, why not get a jump on the New Year?  Get moving right now and take your first step toward daily action.  In just two months, on January 1, 2009, well-intentioned people will draft a list of new habits they feel they should cultivate to promote positive change in their lives - get more exercise, lose weight, stop smoking, and pay off debt, for instance.  The first mistake they make is crafting a list with too many resolutions.  The second mistake is that the list does not contain resolutions that generate sustainable enthusiasm, passion, interest, and desire.  Those mistakes can become a 'thing of the past' with the right resolution, system and attitude.

If you want to make 2009 different - a year filled with accomplishment, success, joy, and reward - pursue just one dream, make a promise to yourself to act daily, build a written plan, and 'Check In weekly'.  Hold yourself accountable one week at a time.  Personally, I check in every single day.  It helps me to know what steps I need to take today, tomorrow and the next day.  It also helps me to continuously brainstorm new ideas and build a strong long-range strategy.  Most importantly, it keeps me accountable and on track with my daily and weekly goals.  I constantly track and evaluate the goals I have completed and the goals that are beckoning from the horizon.

If you are ready to rock and roll on 2009 (a bit early), start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, and doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!"  Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward 

If you're not sure what to do next, consider the I Resolve To . . . System:  1)  Dare To Dream;  2)  Decide;  3)  Define;  4)  Develop A Plan, and;  5)   Do It Daily.  Fulfilling dreams and keeping New Year Resolutions does not have to be an impossible dream.  Each year your list of resolutions doesn't have to languish - unfulfilled - somewhere on your desk.  The key to changing this negative annual ritual is to 'change what you are doing', your approach, and your attitude.  Don't make 10 resolutions that you feel are 'good ideas'.  Instead, choose one dream that fills you with enormous passion, interest and desire.  Don't flounder because you don't have a system.  Instead, choose a simple, common sense system, like the five steps that I list above.  Then get moving.   Don't procrastinate by waiting for just the right moment.  That moment may never arrive.  Make a commitment and take action every single day whether you feel like it or not - one small step at a time, one day at a time. Above all be accountable to yourself, your dream, resolution and daily goals by checking in at least once each week.

Here are three good reasons why you should Check In every week (not once a month or once a year):

1. Memory Is Not Perfect:  If you don't create a written plan, timeline and firm deadlines - and evaluate them regularly -  how will you identify progress, obstacles, or next steps?
2. Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind:  If you don't regularly review your plan, timeline, deadlines, and progress - action is easily delayed.  You put off until tomorrow, what you should do today because your strategy is not 'literally' front and center every day and every week. 
3. Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome Rules Supreme If You Are Not Careful:   It's hard to keep saying "Someday, I'll do that" when a goal sits on your list week after week, check-in after check-in.  Keep the Someday Syndrome at bay by evaluating obstacles, progress and victories regularly.  'Wins' inspire motivation, momentum, and more victories.  Admit it when procrastination is one of your obstacles and take steps to begin accomplishing your goals, starting with the easiest most achievable goal first, and working your through the harder goals one at a time.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 26, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 26, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Check In At Least Once Each Week!

If you have a dream one surefire way to make consistent progress is to write things down and review your strategy and accomplishments on a regular basis - at least once a week.  If you have a dream that's simmering on the back burner, why not get a jump on the New Year - get moving and take your first step today.  Just 68 days from now, on January 1, 2009, well-intentioned people will draw up a list of new habits they feel they should cultivate - get more exercise, lose weight, stop smoking, and pay off debt, for instance.  The first mistake they make is to make too many resolutions.  The second mistake they make is that the list does not contain resolutions about which they have great interest and desire.

If you want to make 2009 different - full of achievement, success, joy and reward - pursue just one dream, make a promise to yourself to act daily, build a written plan, and check-in weekly.  Hold yourself accountable.  Personally, I check in everyday.  It helps me to know what steps I need to take today, tomorrow and the next day.  It helps me to continuously brainstorm new ideas and build a strong long-range strategy.  Most importantly, it keeps me accountable and on track with my daily goals.

If you are ready, start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, or doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!" Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward

If you're ready to get moving, but don't know where to begin have a look at my I Resolve To . . . Toolkit:

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips

I believe in leading by example.  I put my money and energy where my mouth is.  In 2008, I made a personal commitment to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life': 

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 
3. Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 
4. Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

With 68 days left in the year there is plenty of time to achieve my 2008 'gratitude resolution', and keep the forward momentum going on my Lifetime Resolutions, which include health and exercise, and my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book).  Here is the status of my efforts this week, as well as a look forward:

1. I achieved my resolution to walk 60 miles the weekend of October 3-5, raised $3000 for breast cancer research and I signed up to walk again in October 2009!  I'm planning my fundraising strategy - and preparing a special thank you package for my donors.  Their generosity helped me to achieve my goals.  I'm also creating a reminder of my accomplishments to keep me motivated, and urge others to follow my lead - a special photo gallery that chronicles my 3-Day weekend.
2. I'm planning to make my first visit to a nearby farm horse rescue farm- Eagle Hill Farm - in October, and I intend to sponsor a colt for $300.
3. My home recycling program is underway.  Since I can't get my trash hauler to provide recycling out in the country - I'm taking my plastic bottles and newspapers to the Spotsylvania Recycling Center, and I'm donating my magazines to the public library.  I'm also stepping up my efforts to educate myself and others about ways that we can protect the environment, and posting the information here at I Resolve To . . .
4. PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - a daily effort to be conscious about my words, gestures and actions (how I treat others and myself) is on track.  It is becoming a habit to be much more conscious of what I am saying and doing - and I am trying to insert more kindness toward others into each and every day.  It's time to do some brainstorming about creative ways to reach out to others, particularly around the holidays in November and December.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 25, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

If you have a dream one surefire way to make consistent progress is to write things down and review your strategy and accomplishments on a regular basis - at least once a week.  If you have a dream that's simmering on the back burner, why not get a jump on the New Year - get moving and take your first step today.  Just 68 days from now, on January 1, 2009, well-intentioned people will draw up a list of new habits they feel they should cultivate - get more exercise, lose weight, stop smoking, and pay off debt, for instance.  The first mistake they make is to make too many resolutions.  The second mistake they make is that the list does not contain resolutions about which they have great interest and desire.

If you want to make 2009 different - full of achievement, success, joy and reward - pursue just one dream, make a promise to yourself to act daily, build a written plan, and check-in weekly.  Hold yourself accountable.  Personally, I check in everyday.  It helps me to know what steps I need to take today, tomorrow and the next day.  It helps me to continuously brainstorm new ideas and build a strong long-range strategy.  Most importantly, it keeps me accountable and on track with my daily goals.

If you are ready, start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, or doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!" Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward

If you're ready to get moving, but don't know where to begin have a look at my I Resolve To . . . Toolkit:

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips

I believe in leading by example.  I put my money and energy where my mouth is.  In 2008, I made a personal commitment to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life': 

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 
3. Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 
4. Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

With 68 days left in the year there is plenty of time to achieve my 2008 'gratitude resolution', and keep the forward momentum going on my Lifetime Resolutions, which include health and exercise, and my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book).  Here is the status of my efforts this week, as well as a look forward:

1. I achieved my resolution to walk 60 miles the weekend of October 3-5, raised $3000 for breast cancer research and I signed up to walk again in October 2009!  I'm planning my fundraising strategy - and preparing a special thank you package for my donors.  Their generosity helped me to achieve my goals.  I'm also creating a reminder of my accomplishments to keep me motivated, and urge others to follow my lead - a special photo gallery that chronicles my 3-Day weekend.
2. I'm planning to make my first visit to a nearby farm horse rescue farm- Eagle Hill Farm - in October, and I intend to sponsor a colt for $300.
3. My home recycling program is underway.  Since I can't get my trash hauler to provide recycling out in the country - I'm taking my plastic bottles and newspapers to the Spotsylvania Recycling Center, and I'm donating my magazines to the public library.  I'm also stepping up my efforts to educate myself and others about ways that we can protect the environment, and posting the information here at I Resolve To . . .
4. PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - a daily effort to be conscious about my words, gestures and actions (how I treat others and myself) is on track.  It is becoming a habit to be much more conscious of what I am saying and doing - and I am trying to insert more kindness toward others into each and every day.  It's time to do some brainstorming about creative ways to reach out to others, particularly around the holidays in November and December.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 25, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 25, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Show Kindness & Gratitude By Giving Back!

Happy Thursday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say "thank you?"   William A. Ward

"You say grace before meals.  All right.  But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink."   G.K. Chesterton

"Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all."  William Faulkner

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Happy Thursday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say "thank you?"   William A. Ward

"You say grace before meals.  All right.  But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink."   G.K. Chesterton

"Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all."  William Faulkner

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Make Kindness Part Of My Day Today!

Happy Tuesday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"The cool thing about free will is that even if one has a huge bag of karma there is still a lot of free will for all those souls coming into the world."   Kuan Yin

"Belief in karma ought to make the life pure, strong, serene, and glad.  Only our own deeds can hinder us; only our own will can fetter us.  Once let men recognize this truth, and the hour of their liberation has struck.  Nature cannot enslave the soul that by wisdom has gained power and uses both in love. "  Annie Besant

"Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity."   Edwin Hubbel Chapin

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 21, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Happy Tuesday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"The cool thing about free will is that even if one has a huge bag of karma there is still a lot of free will for all those souls coming into the world."   Kuan Yin

"Belief in karma ought to make the life pure, strong, serene, and glad.  Only our own deeds can hinder us; only our own will can fetter us.  Once let men recognize this truth, and the hour of their liberation has struck.  Nature cannot enslave the soul that by wisdom has gained power and uses both in love. "  Annie Besant

"Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity."   Edwin Hubbel Chapin

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 21, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 21, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Blog For Success!

Blogging is a great way to fulfill a grand dream, make and keep a New Year Resolution, and achieve daily goals.  In 2005, I started my very first Blog in an effort to track progress on my New Year Resolutions, write more frequently, showcase my photographs, and stay in touch with friends.  It worked.   I did all of that and more.  Like most things, I pursued Blogging with a passion.  As most Bloggers soon discover, posting new material every day takes time, but the rewards make the time and effort worth it.  You're probably asking, "How does a Blog help to achieve New Year resolutions?"  Here are four simple, common sense ways that Blogging can help you to turn your New Year Resolutions into reality:

1. Blogging is like keeping a personal journal, with one major exception, you publish your entries for world to see.  When you 'show up' each day, and record your posts, you are  taking two huge steps that can help you to keep your resolutions.  One:   You are writing things down, thus making it easier to track your progress, create timelines/deadlines, and assess when you need to make course corrections and 'reward' yourself for accomplishments.  Two:  Once you tell the world that you are exercising for 30-minutes each day, for instance - a very popular resolution - you need to make good on that promise, or you won't have anything to write about.  Blogging is a great way to maintain accountability, enthusiasm, motivation, and momentum.
2. Blogging can help you to meet like-minded souls with whom you can share your journey.  You brainstorm together, commiserate, cheer each other on, share 'what works and what doesn't work', and keep each other on track.  If, at first, you don't want to start your own Blog there are millions of individual Blogs - as well as entire communities - on virtually every topic under the sun.  You are sure to find a Blog, or community that fits you and your resolution.
3. Blogging is a great way to express yourself, celebrate your wins, let off steam when you're frustrated, work toward solutions, and achieve those 'A-Ha' moments when things suddenly become clear.  Writing things down helps you to brainstorm and think things through.  Taking that notion one step further, when you are part of a Blogging community, you can get advice from folks who share your dream, resolution, and daily goals.  They are celebrating similar successes and learning their lessons right along with you.  Some of those folks are also 'experts' who might consider serving as a mentor, if you ask!
4. Blogging is fun . . . plain and simple.  If you like to write, think, communicate, and achieve, it's a wonderful pastime, and a great way to ensure that you take small daily steps toward achieving your resolution.  Often just showing up - whether on your Blog, or while working on your resolution, is half the battle.  On those days that you feel totally sapped, both mentally and physically, try turning things around by working on your dream, resolutions and daily goals.  It just might add needed vigor, energy and inspiration to your life!

Give it some thought, then give it a try.  What do you have to lose?  Millions of people Blog each and every day.  You don't need to be an expert, or spend all of your waking hours Blogging.   You just need to take that initial step, one post.  One post leads to another, then another until you have a daily chronicle of your personal story, your journey!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 19, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Blogging is a great way to fulfill a grand dream, make and keep a New Year Resolution, and achieve daily goals.  In 2005, I started my very first Blog in an effort to track progress on my New Year Resolutions, write more frequently, showcase my photographs, and stay in touch with friends.  It worked.   I did all of that and more.  Like most things, I pursued Blogging with a passion.  As most Bloggers soon discover, posting new material every day takes time, but the rewards make the time and effort worth it.  You're probably asking, "How does a Blog help to achieve New Year resolutions?"  Here are four simple, common sense ways that Blogging can help you to turn your New Year Resolutions into reality:

1. Blogging is like keeping a personal journal, with one major exception, you publish your entries for world to see.  When you 'show up' each day, and record your posts, you are  taking two huge steps that can help you to keep your resolutions.  One:   You are writing things down, thus making it easier to track your progress, create timelines/deadlines, and assess when you need to make course corrections and 'reward' yourself for accomplishments.  Two:  Once you tell the world that you are exercising for 30-minutes each day, for instance - a very popular resolution - you need to make good on that promise, or you won't have anything to write about.  Blogging is a great way to maintain accountability, enthusiasm, motivation, and momentum.
2. Blogging can help you to meet like-minded souls with whom you can share your journey.  You brainstorm together, commiserate, cheer each other on, share 'what works and what doesn't work', and keep each other on track.  If, at first, you don't want to start your own Blog there are millions of individual Blogs - as well as entire communities - on virtually every topic under the sun.  You are sure to find a Blog, or community that fits you and your resolution.
3. Blogging is a great way to express yourself, celebrate your wins, let off steam when you're frustrated, work toward solutions, and achieve those 'A-Ha' moments when things suddenly become clear.  Writing things down helps you to brainstorm and think things through.  Taking that notion one step further, when you are part of a Blogging community, you can get advice from folks who share your dream, resolution, and daily goals.  They are celebrating similar successes and learning their lessons right along with you.  Some of those folks are also 'experts' who might consider serving as a mentor, if you ask!
4. Blogging is fun . . . plain and simple.  If you like to write, think, communicate, and achieve, it's a wonderful pastime, and a great way to ensure that you take small daily steps toward achieving your resolution.  Often just showing up - whether on your Blog, or while working on your resolution, is half the battle.  On those days that you feel totally sapped, both mentally and physically, try turning things around by working on your dream, resolutions and daily goals.  It just might add needed vigor, energy and inspiration to your life!

Give it some thought, then give it a try.  What do you have to lose?  Millions of people Blog each and every day.  You don't need to be an expert, or spend all of your waking hours Blogging.   You just need to take that initial step, one post.  One post leads to another, then another until you have a daily chronicle of your personal story, your journey!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 19, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto             

Kim M. Simpson - October 19, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Give Myself Credit For Progress!

I just love Saturdays, who doesn't?  It's the weekend after all, time to kick back, rest a little, have some fun, and get caught up around the house.  Even when I have to work, I make the best of it because the phones aren't ringing and the pace is a little slower - I try to feel good about all that I'm tackling and completing.  I'm also very fond of my weekends because they provide the quiet time I need to focus on my dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  Each and every Saturday I carve out some time to review my progress, make course corrections in my strategy, re-jigger deadlines, inject some fresh ideas into my plan, and 'Yes' pat myself on the back for a job well done . . . all the hard work and progress that I have made (regardless of how large or small the achievement).

Do you have a dream?  Are you working toward that dream, or is it sitting on the sidelines like so many well-intentioned New Year Resolutions?  Don't wait until January 1, 2009 to make good on that dream and turn your resolution into reality.  Stop procrastinating.  Start today.  That way you'll get a jump on the New Year and have the benefit of solid momentum, which can carry you through the long, dark days of winter when most resolutions die a lonely death.  You'll feel great that you're 'acting' on your dreams instead of engaging in the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome.'

If you are ready, start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, or doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!" Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward

If you're ready to get moving, but don't know where to begin have a look at my I Resolve To . . . Toolkit:

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips

I believe in leading by example.  I put my money and energy where my mouth is.  In 2008, I made a personal commitment to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life': 

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 
3. Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 
4. Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

With 75 days left in the year there is plenty of time to achieve my 2008 'gratitude resolution', and keep the forward momentum going on my Lifetime Resolutions, which include health and exercise, and my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book).  Here is the status of my efforts this week, as well as a look forward:

1. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family and colleagues I reached my goal of raising $3000+ for the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, and my team-mate, Rosemary, did likewise, which helped me to reach my overall goal of raising $5000+!  Even better I walked all 60 miles the week of October 3-5 during the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day event and I had a ball!  I met wonderful people, felt fabulous because I was able to lend a hand and help others, as well as a contribute to a wonderful cause.  Best of all, I achieved a major piece of my 2008 resolution.  I'm so happy with my experience, I signed up to do it again in October of 2009!
2. Due to my May surgery, I've been holding off on volunteering at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.  I'm leaning toward sponsoring a colt for a $300 contribution at a nearby farm - Eagle Hill Farm - and lending a hand, as well, in November and December.
3. I continue to move forward with my 'Give The Boot To Your Carbon Footprint' Project.  I'm doing new research into ways that I can help the environement (and am posting the information here at I Resolve To . . .).  I am also working hard to be more conscious of conserving and recycling! I'm regularly taking plastic bottles to the recycling center and I plan to recycle magazines at the local Friends Of The Library - they sell them at their book sales twice each year.  I'm also recycling my newspapers and have reduced my newspaper subscriptions to Saturday and Sunday.  The trick is to put together a system that is simple and won't take a lot of time, maybe two trips to the recycling center each month, otherwise I won't want to do it since my schedule is so full as it is.  Best of all, it's fall and I plan to spend some quality time mulching leaves, applying fresh bags of mulch to my garden beds, and putting my garden "to bed" for the winter.  I also plan to hit a pumpkin patch and do some hiking in parks on my 'wish list' of things to do - now, in October and November - while the leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp!
4. PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - a daily effort to be conscious about my words, gestures and actions (how I treat others and myself) is on track.  It is becoming a habit to be much more conscious of what I am saying and doing - and I am trying to insert more kindness toward others into each and every day.  It's time to do some brainstorming about creative ways to reach out to others, particularly around the holidays in November and December.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

                        

Kim M. Simpson - October 18, 2008
Copyright © IResolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I just love Saturdays, who doesn't?  It's the weekend after all, time to kick back, rest a little, have some fun, and get caught up around the house.  Even when I have to work, I make the best of it because the phones aren't ringing and the pace is a little slower - I try to feel good about all that I'm tackling and completing.  I'm also very fond of my weekends because they provide the quiet time I need to focus on my dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  Each and every Saturday I carve out some time to review my progress, make course corrections in my strategy, re-jigger deadlines, inject some fresh ideas into my plan, and 'Yes' pat myself on the back for a job well done . . . all the hard work and progress that I have made (regardless of how large or small the achievement).

Do you have a dream?  Are you working toward that dream, or is it sitting on the sidelines like so many well-intentioned New Year Resolutions?  Don't wait until January 1, 2009 to make good on that dream and turn your resolution into reality.  Stop procrastinating.  Start today.  That way you'll get a jump on the New Year and have the benefit of solid momentum, which can carry you through the long, dark days of winter when most resolutions die a lonely death.  You'll feel great that you're 'acting' on your dreams instead of engaging in the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome.'

If you are ready, start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, or doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!" Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward

If you're ready to get moving, but don't know where to begin have a look at my I Resolve To . . . Toolkit:

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips

I believe in leading by example.  I put my money and energy where my mouth is.  In 2008, I made a personal commitment to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life': 

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 
3. Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 
4. Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

With 75 days left in the year there is plenty of time to achieve my 2008 'gratitude resolution', and keep the forward momentum going on my Lifetime Resolutions, which include health and exercise, and my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book).  Here is the status of my efforts this week, as well as a look forward:

1. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family and colleagues I reached my goal of raising $3000+ for the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, and my team-mate, Rosemary, did likewise, which helped me to reach my overall goal of raising $5000+!  Even better I walked all 60 miles the week of October 3-5 during the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day event and I had a ball!  I met wonderful people, felt fabulous because I was able to lend a hand and help others, as well as a contribute to a wonderful cause.  Best of all, I achieved a major piece of my 2008 resolution.  I'm so happy with my experience, I signed up to do it again in October of 2009!
2. Due to my May surgery, I've been holding off on volunteering at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.  I'm leaning toward sponsoring a colt for a $300 contribution at a nearby farm - Eagle Hill Farm - and lending a hand, as well, in November and December.
3. I continue to move forward with my 'Give The Boot To Your Carbon Footprint' Project.  I'm doing new research into ways that I can help the environement (and am posting the information here at I Resolve To . . .).  I am also working hard to be more conscious of conserving and recycling! I'm regularly taking plastic bottles to the recycling center and I plan to recycle magazines at the local Friends Of The Library - they sell them at their book sales twice each year.  I'm also recycling my newspapers and have reduced my newspaper subscriptions to Saturday and Sunday.  The trick is to put together a system that is simple and won't take a lot of time, maybe two trips to the recycling center each month, otherwise I won't want to do it since my schedule is so full as it is.  Best of all, it's fall and I plan to spend some quality time mulching leaves, applying fresh bags of mulch to my garden beds, and putting my garden "to bed" for the winter.  I also plan to hit a pumpkin patch and do some hiking in parks on my 'wish list' of things to do - now, in October and November - while the leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp!
4. PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - a daily effort to be conscious about my words, gestures and actions (how I treat others and myself) is on track.  It is becoming a habit to be much more conscious of what I am saying and doing - and I am trying to insert more kindness toward others into each and every day.  It's time to do some brainstorming about creative ways to reach out to others, particularly around the holidays in November and December.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

                        

Kim M. Simpson - October 18, 2008
Copyright © IResolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

                        

Kim M. Simpson - October 18, 2008
Copyright © IResolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Revel In The Change Of Seasons, Autumn & Its Glory!

One of the best ways to reinforce the importance of protecting and preserving the environment is to spend time outside - to appreciate nature in all of its glory.  Autumn is a wonderful season to tie on the tennis shoe and head outside for a nice long hike in the woods.  It's a fabulous opportunity to get your hands dirty in the garden - prep it for winter, mulch some leaves, and plant some Spring bulbs. Fall is is a great time visit a pumpkin patch - celebrate Halloween!  That's what's on my list of 'Things To Do' in coming weeks and I hope you'll join me.  Revel in the change of seasons, enjoy Autumn and all of its glory!

It's Friday - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

As always, when I decide to do something, doing my homework is among my first steps.  Since I'm planning to carve out some time enjoying nature in coming days and weeks, I've been cruising the Internet looking for just the right pumpkin patch, printing directions to the horse farm where I plan to volunteer, and looking for local and state parks where I can hike and enjoy the flaming show of fall colors that is igniting across the countryside.  Here are some of my picks in my neck of the woods Fredericksburg, Virginia.  I hope they give you some ideas of your own!

• Fredericksburg Battlefield - On My Weekly Walk Route!
• Blue Ridge Parkway & Skyline Drive Virginia - Time For Fall Colors!
• Belvedere Plantation - Spotsylvania County, Virginia - Pumpkin Picking Time!
• Eagle Hill Equine Rescue - Culpeper, Virginia - A Great Volunteer Opportunity!
• Westmoreland State Park - Westmoreland County, Virginia - Fossils, Shells & Sharks Teeth!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 17, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

One of the best ways to reinforce the importance of protecting and preserving the environment is to spend time outside - to appreciate nature in all of its glory.  Autumn is a wonderful season to tie on the tennis shoe and head outside for a nice long hike in the woods.  It's a fabulous opportunity to get your hands dirty in the garden - prep it for winter, mulch some leaves, and plant some Spring bulbs. Fall is is a great time visit a pumpkin patch - celebrate Halloween!  That's what's on my list of 'Things To Do' in coming weeks and I hope you'll join me.  Revel in the change of seasons, enjoy Autumn and all of its glory!

It's Friday - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

As always, when I decide to do something, doing my homework is among my first steps.  Since I'm planning to carve out some time enjoying nature in coming days and weeks, I've been cruising the Internet looking for just the right pumpkin patch, printing directions to the horse farm where I plan to volunteer, and looking for local and state parks where I can hike and enjoy the flaming show of fall colors that is igniting across the countryside.  Here are some of my picks in my neck of the woods Fredericksburg, Virginia.  I hope they give you some ideas of your own!

• Fredericksburg Battlefield - On My Weekly Walk Route!
• Blue Ridge Parkway & Skyline Drive Virginia - Time For Fall Colors!
• Belvedere Plantation - Spotsylvania County, Virginia - Pumpkin Picking Time!
• Eagle Hill Equine Rescue - Culpeper, Virginia - A Great Volunteer Opportunity!
• Westmoreland State Park - Westmoreland County, Virginia - Fossils, Shells & Sharks Teeth!

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 17, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 17, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Be A Team Player, Be Consciously Kind!

Happy Thursday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. "  Vince Lombardi

"Respect your fellow human being, treat them fairly, disagree with them honestly, enjoy their friendship, explore your thoughts about one another candidly, work together for a common goal and help one another achieve it."  Bill Bradley

"Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success."  Henry Ford

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

Happy Thursday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. "  Vince Lombardi

"Respect your fellow human being, treat them fairly, disagree with them honestly, enjoy their friendship, explore your thoughts about one another candidly, work together for a common goal and help one another achieve it."  Bill Bradley

"Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success."  Henry Ford

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Take My Foot Off The Gas Pedal!

Happy Wednesday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

As gas prices continue to drop - the national average has fallen below $3.00 per gallon for the first time since January according to a CNN report CNNGasPricesOctober2008.pdf.  That's great news for both our pocketbooks and for the environment - if we continue to drive fewer vehicle miles.  When gas prices soared, driving and gas use dropped dramatically in the United States.  If we could learn to live with a bit less driving to preserve the health of our pocketbooks - why not continue that trend, maintain that 'new' habit? 

With that in mind, I did more homework to discover ways that we can improve our driving habits in ways that will benefit the environment - beyond driving less.  Here are a number of websites that provide good information about 'how to develop better driving habits' and 'why it's important for the health and preservation of the environment . . . 

• EarthLab
• Drivers.Com  
• EcoDrivingUSA.Com
• CarbonFootprint.Com 
• Wikipedia - Carbon Footprint
• Natural Resources Defense Council

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

Happy Wednesday! - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

As gas prices continue to drop - the national average has fallen below $3.00 per gallon for the first time since January according to a CNN report CNNGasPricesOctober2008.pdf.  That's great news for both our pocketbooks and for the environment - if we continue to drive fewer vehicle miles.  When gas prices soared, driving and gas use dropped dramatically in the United States.  If we could learn to live with a bit less driving to preserve the health of our pocketbooks - why not continue that trend, maintain that 'new' habit? 

With that in mind, I did more homework to discover ways that we can improve our driving habits in ways that will benefit the environment - beyond driving less.  Here are a number of websites that provide good information about 'how to develop better driving habits' and 'why it's important for the health and preservation of the environment . . . 

• EarthLab
• Drivers.Com  
• EcoDrivingUSA.Com
• CarbonFootprint.Com 
• Wikipedia - Carbon Footprint
• Natural Resources Defense Council

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Consciously Kind!

Happy Tuesday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become.  And they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead."   Edith Wharton

"By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach."   Winston Churchill

"The best portion of a good man's life - his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."   William Wordsworth

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 14, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Happy Tuesday - It's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become.  And they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead."   Edith Wharton

"By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach."   Winston Churchill

"The best portion of a good man's life - his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."   William Wordsworth

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 14, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 14, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Continue To Drive Less Despite Falling Gas Prices!

Remember those soaring gas prices?  Remember the days not long ago when we thought $5.00 per gallon might become the norm?  Those days appear to be over for now.  The one benefit of the worsening economy is that gas prices are dropping significantly.  According to a USA Today Article, GasPricesUSAToday10-14-08.pdf, the average price of gasoline fell 33-cents during the past week, the largest price decline ever recorded by the government.  That's good news for consumers who have been hard hit by soaring prices for just about every basic need - from food to a wide range of products and services - along with diminished retirements accounts that tanked during Wall Street's crisis.  Recent weeks haven't been pretty for the economy, the average consumer, or the corporate CEO.

While soaring gas prices hurt our pocketbooks, they also did somethingbeneficial for the environment because folks drove fewer vehicle miles, thus helping to reduce carbon footprints around the world.  I'm hopeful that folks will reduce their gas-guzzling ways for good - to preserve hard-hit pocketbooks and protect the environment.   It's Monday - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

Maybe you'll consider joining me.  You don't have to make drastic, overnight changes in your lifestyle.  Start with something small:   Make a decision today to begin building your own new habits - one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Start by continuing your newly cultivated habit of driving fewer vehicle miles to conserve cash and gas . . . and to reduce your Carbon Footprint!  To keep you moving in the right direction, here is a list of informative websites that I have compiled this year.  They've helped in my own effort to protect and preserve the environment.  Enjoy!

Climate Change -Take Action Today!

• EarthLab
• Carbon Footprint 
• Clean Air-Cool Planet 
• StopGlobalWarming.Org 
• ConservaStore - Light Bulbs
• Conservation International 
• EnvironmentalLights.com - Light Bulbs
• Climatecrisis.net - An Inconvenient Truth 
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint 
• Environmental Defense - Fight Global Warming 
• Environmental Defense - 'How To Pick A Better Bulb'.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Department of Energy, Energy Star.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Personal Emissions Calculator 
• FastCompany.com - How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change The World(FastCompanyComLightBulbs.pdf).

Carbon Offsets

• TerraPass.Com
• CarbonFund.Org
• TreeHugger.Com
• The Climate Trust
• CarbonCounter.Org
• David Suzuki Foundation
• Wikipedia - Carbon Offsets
• The Environmental Defense Fund
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change
• NewYorkTimesFTCCarbonOffsetsJanuary2008.pdf
• BusinessWeekAnotherInconvenientTruthMarch2007.pdf
• ChristianScienceMonitorCarbonOffsetsJanuary2007.pdf
• Joint Statement By WWF, Friends of The Earth and Green Peace on Carbon Offets:  WWF-GP-FoE_on_offseting.pdf

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

• Earth Day Network
• Earth Day - Earth 911
• Earth Day - Wikipedia
• Earth Day - World Wildlife Fund
• Earth Day - EnviroLink Network
• Earth Day - The Wilderness Society
• Earth Day - The Nature Conservancy
• Earth Day - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• About.Com Earth Day - Washington, D.C., Maryland & Virginia 

Arbor Day - April 25, 2008

• Arbor Day Foundation 
• Wikipedia - Arbor Day 
• Plant-A-Tree-Today 
• Clean Air Gardening 
• Trees Are Good 
• American Forests
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting 

How To Help The Environment - Tips For Kids

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change Kids Site
• NRDC's Global Warming Challenge
• GlobalWarmingKids.Net
• Cool Kids For A Cool Climate
• Pew Center Global Climate Change
• Science News For Kids - Climate Change

Tips On Recycling

• Ecologue
• Earth 911
• Wikipedia - Recycling
• Grassroots Recycling Network
• PlanetPals - Recycling For Kids
• The Encyclopedia Of Earth - Recycling
• TreeHugger - How To Green Your Recycling
• RecycleWorks - San Mateo County, California
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project - Read, Rescue & Reuse

Tips On Reducing Plastic Bag Use

• Poconorecord.com - Plastic Bag Use
• Planet Ark - Why Are Plastic Bags A Problem?
• Environmental Literacy Council - Paper or Plastic?
• Salon - Plastic Bags Are Killings Us - SalonPlasticBags.pdf
• AlterNet, The Great Plastic Bag Plague - AlterNetPlasticBags.pdf
• Portland Business Journal - Whole Foods Market Bans Plastic: PortlandBusinessJournalPlasticBags.pdf 

Tips On Winterizing Homes

• E-How - How To Winterize A Home
• About.Com - Winterizing Your Home
• CBS News - How To Winterize Your Home
• About.Com - Easy Home Winterizing Checklist
• About.Com - How To Winterize Your Vacation Home
• MSN Real Estate - 10 Ways To Winterize Your Home, Now

Tips On Winterizing Gardens

• EHow - How To Winterize Your Garden
• Reader's Digest - Winterize Your Garden
• About.Com - Winterizing The Landscape In Fall
• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Now Is The Time To Winterize Your Garden
• Gardening With The Helpful Gardener - Preparing Your Garden For Winter

Tips On Mulching Gardens

• How Stuff Works - How to Mulch
• The Savvy Gardener - All About Mulch
• Earth 911 - How To Mulch Grass Clippings
• Do It Yourself - How To Mulch Trees And Shrubs
• About.Com - Rake Leaves And Make Compost, Mulch
• Dummies.Com - Understanding The Benefits Of Garden Mulch
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service - Mulching

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 13, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Remember those soaring gas prices?  Remember the days not long ago when we thought $5.00 per gallon might become the norm?  Those days appear to be over for now.  The one benefit of the worsening economy is that gas prices are dropping significantly.  According to a USA Today Article, GasPricesUSAToday10-14-08.pdf, the average price of gasoline fell 33-cents during the past week, the largest price decline ever recorded by the government.  That's good news for consumers who have been hard hit by soaring prices for just about every basic need - from food to a wide range of products and services - along with diminished retirements accounts that tanked during Wall Street's crisis.  Recent weeks haven't been pretty for the economy, the average consumer, or the corporate CEO.

While soaring gas prices hurt our pocketbooks, they also did somethingbeneficial for the environment because folks drove fewer vehicle miles, thus helping to reduce carbon footprints around the world.  I'm hopeful that folks will reduce their gas-guzzling ways for good - to preserve hard-hit pocketbooks and protect the environment.   It's Monday - Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

Maybe you'll consider joining me.  You don't have to make drastic, overnight changes in your lifestyle.  Start with something small:   Make a decision today to begin building your own new habits - one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Start by continuing your newly cultivated habit of driving fewer vehicle miles to conserve cash and gas . . . and to reduce your Carbon Footprint!  To keep you moving in the right direction, here is a list of informative websites that I have compiled this year.  They've helped in my own effort to protect and preserve the environment.  Enjoy!

Climate Change -Take Action Today!

• EarthLab
• Carbon Footprint 
• Clean Air-Cool Planet 
• StopGlobalWarming.Org 
• ConservaStore - Light Bulbs
• Conservation International 
• EnvironmentalLights.com - Light Bulbs
• Climatecrisis.net - An Inconvenient Truth 
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint 
• Environmental Defense - Fight Global Warming 
• Environmental Defense - 'How To Pick A Better Bulb'.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Department of Energy, Energy Star.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Personal Emissions Calculator 
• FastCompany.com - How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change The World(FastCompanyComLightBulbs.pdf).

Carbon Offsets

• TerraPass.Com
• CarbonFund.Org
• TreeHugger.Com
• The Climate Trust
• CarbonCounter.Org
• David Suzuki Foundation
• Wikipedia - Carbon Offsets
• The Environmental Defense Fund
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change
• NewYorkTimesFTCCarbonOffsetsJanuary2008.pdf
• BusinessWeekAnotherInconvenientTruthMarch2007.pdf
• ChristianScienceMonitorCarbonOffsetsJanuary2007.pdf
• Joint Statement By WWF, Friends of The Earth and Green Peace on Carbon Offets:  WWF-GP-FoE_on_offseting.pdf

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

• Earth Day Network
• Earth Day - Earth 911
• Earth Day - Wikipedia
• Earth Day - World Wildlife Fund
• Earth Day - EnviroLink Network
• Earth Day - The Wilderness Society
• Earth Day - The Nature Conservancy
• Earth Day - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• About.Com Earth Day - Washington, D.C., Maryland & Virginia 

Arbor Day - April 25, 2008

• Arbor Day Foundation 
• Wikipedia - Arbor Day 
• Plant-A-Tree-Today 
• Clean Air Gardening 
• Trees Are Good 
• American Forests
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting 

How To Help The Environment - Tips For Kids

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change Kids Site
• NRDC's Global Warming Challenge
• GlobalWarmingKids.Net
• Cool Kids For A Cool Climate
• Pew Center Global Climate Change
• Science News For Kids - Climate Change

Tips On Recycling

• Ecologue
• Earth 911
• Wikipedia - Recycling
• Grassroots Recycling Network
• PlanetPals - Recycling For Kids
• The Encyclopedia Of Earth - Recycling
• TreeHugger - How To Green Your Recycling
• RecycleWorks - San Mateo County, California
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project - Read, Rescue & Reuse

Tips On Reducing Plastic Bag Use

• Poconorecord.com - Plastic Bag Use
• Planet Ark - Why Are Plastic Bags A Problem?
• Environmental Literacy Council - Paper or Plastic?
• Salon - Plastic Bags Are Killings Us - SalonPlasticBags.pdf
• AlterNet, The Great Plastic Bag Plague - AlterNetPlasticBags.pdf
• Portland Business Journal - Whole Foods Market Bans Plastic: PortlandBusinessJournalPlasticBags.pdf 

Tips On Winterizing Homes

• E-How - How To Winterize A Home
• About.Com - Winterizing Your Home
• CBS News - How To Winterize Your Home
• About.Com - Easy Home Winterizing Checklist
• About.Com - How To Winterize Your Vacation Home
• MSN Real Estate - 10 Ways To Winterize Your Home, Now

Tips On Winterizing Gardens

• EHow - How To Winterize Your Garden
• Reader's Digest - Winterize Your Garden
• About.Com - Winterizing The Landscape In Fall
• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Now Is The Time To Winterize Your Garden
• Gardening With The Helpful Gardener - Preparing Your Garden For Winter

Tips On Mulching Gardens

• How Stuff Works - How to Mulch
• The Savvy Gardener - All About Mulch
• Earth 911 - How To Mulch Grass Clippings
• Do It Yourself - How To Mulch Trees And Shrubs
• About.Com - Rake Leaves And Make Compost, Mulch
• Dummies.Com - Understanding The Benefits Of Garden Mulch
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service - Mulching

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 13, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 13, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Visualize My Dreams!

If you truly want to achieve a dream, resolution, or daily goal you have to know 'what you intend to do and how you intend to do it'.  You have to be specific.  It is exhilarating to commit to a huge, undefined dream, but to succeed, you have to boil it down to its core essence, so that you have clarity of thought, intention and focus.  That clarity will enable you to build a comprehensive plan that you can implement one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Clarity will help you to visualize - to see in your mind's eye what you intend to achieve, where you want to end up - and to keep your eye on the prize throughout the journey.

I use the I Resolve To. . . Formula For Success as a starting point.  It's a simple, common sense way to achieve things great and small:  Begin with a cherished dream, one in which you have enormous desire and interest. Turn that dream into a specific, one-sentence resolution that clearly states your intention.  Make that resolution a reality with daily goals that can be achieved one small step at a time at a time, one day at a time.

     Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment

Focusing on just one large, life-changing dream at a time is a critical component of any successful strategy.  To do otherwise is overwhelming and a surefire way to set yourself up for frustration and failure.  When you know 'what you intend to achieve and how you are going to achieve it', the daily journey is smooth, enjoyable and satisfying.  Add four other key daily ingredients - planning, organization, simplicity, and implementation - and you remove the guesswork as well, replacing it with a solid system that will take you from start to finish.

The Tennis Court was a great training ground for a dreamer like me.  As a kid, and throughout my high school and college years, I played competitive tennis.  I love tennis today as much as I did when I was a 12-year-old.  Picking up my racket and hitting the court brings great joy to my life.  As a youngster, I learned that you have to work hard, show up every single day, and do your very best if you want to achieve your dreams.  Daily practice didn't make me or my tennis game perfect, but it did help me to hone my skills and build good habits both on and off the tennis court.  The same is true whether on a court, or in virtually any endeavor that a person chooses to undertake in life. 

As I practiced my strokes day after day, I learned to visualize my intended goals, what I planned to achieve - all things large and small - in my game and in my life.  I knew where the sweet spot was on my racket - that fabulous point when tennis ball meets racket just so, and the ball soars across the net for a winning point.  I practiced hard and often so that my skills became habitual and instinctive, and so that I didn't have to think about everything that I was doing, every single second.  My strokes, serve and overall game became almost automatic.  I visualized my outcome from the outset, which helped me with each stroke, each point, each game, each day.  I went to bed thinking and dreaming - visualizing - about hitting the sweet spot, and sending the ball across the net and inside the while lines.  I learned young how important it is to visualize what you intend to achieve, to build a plan that will get you there, and to take small steps each and every day, so that you can make dreams a reality over time.

I also learned early in life that every shot doesn't necessarily bring victory and every day doesn't bring success.  I discovered when you make a mistake, or feel like you have failed, it isn't failure at all if you learn your lessons, move forward with pride and a positive attitude, and try to do better the next time.  Sometimes finding and maintaining that spark of optimism can be really really tough, but digging deep for a positive attitude can propel you toward victory on another day.  If you keep the forward momentum going each and every day - even when you feel like you can't go another step let alone another mile - and keep your eye on the prize throughout  by visualizing your intended outcome, you may not always get exactly what you desire, but you will enjoy a remarkable journey.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 12, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

If you truly want to achieve a dream, resolution, or daily goal you have to know 'what you intend to do and how you intend to do it'.  You have to be specific.  It is exhilarating to commit to a huge, undefined dream, but to succeed, you have to boil it down to its core essence, so that you have clarity of thought, intention and focus.  That clarity will enable you to build a comprehensive plan that you can implement one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Clarity will help you to visualize - to see in your mind's eye what you intend to achieve, where you want to end up - and to keep your eye on the prize throughout the journey.

I use the I Resolve To. . . Formula For Success as a starting point.  It's a simple, common sense way to achieve things great and small:  Begin with a cherished dream, one in which you have enormous desire and interest. Turn that dream into a specific, one-sentence resolution that clearly states your intention.  Make that resolution a reality with daily goals that can be achieved one small step at a time at a time, one day at a time.

     Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment

Focusing on just one large, life-changing dream at a time is a critical component of any successful strategy.  To do otherwise is overwhelming and a surefire way to set yourself up for frustration and failure.  When you know 'what you intend to achieve and how you are going to achieve it', the daily journey is smooth, enjoyable and satisfying.  Add four other key daily ingredients - planning, organization, simplicity, and implementation - and you remove the guesswork as well, replacing it with a solid system that will take you from start to finish.

The Tennis Court was a great training ground for a dreamer like me.  As a kid, and throughout my high school and college years, I played competitive tennis.  I love tennis today as much as I did when I was a 12-year-old.  Picking up my racket and hitting the court brings great joy to my life.  As a youngster, I learned that you have to work hard, show up every single day, and do your very best if you want to achieve your dreams.  Daily practice didn't make me or my tennis game perfect, but it did help me to hone my skills and build good habits both on and off the tennis court.  The same is true whether on a court, or in virtually any endeavor that a person chooses to undertake in life. 

As I practiced my strokes day after day, I learned to visualize my intended goals, what I planned to achieve - all things large and small - in my game and in my life.  I knew where the sweet spot was on my racket - that fabulous point when tennis ball meets racket just so, and the ball soars across the net for a winning point.  I practiced hard and often so that my skills became habitual and instinctive, and so that I didn't have to think about everything that I was doing, every single second.  My strokes, serve and overall game became almost automatic.  I visualized my outcome from the outset, which helped me with each stroke, each point, each game, each day.  I went to bed thinking and dreaming - visualizing - about hitting the sweet spot, and sending the ball across the net and inside the while lines.  I learned young how important it is to visualize what you intend to achieve, to build a plan that will get you there, and to take small steps each and every day, so that you can make dreams a reality over time.

I also learned early in life that every shot doesn't necessarily bring victory and every day doesn't bring success.  I discovered when you make a mistake, or feel like you have failed, it isn't failure at all if you learn your lessons, move forward with pride and a positive attitude, and try to do better the next time.  Sometimes finding and maintaining that spark of optimism can be really really tough, but digging deep for a positive attitude can propel you toward victory on another day.  If you keep the forward momentum going each and every day - even when you feel like you can't go another step let alone another mile - and keep your eye on the prize throughout  by visualizing your intended outcome, you may not always get exactly what you desire, but you will enjoy a remarkable journey.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 12, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

If you truly want to achieve a dream, resolution, or daily goal you have to know 'what you intend to do and how you intend to do it'.  You have to be specific.  It is exhilarating to commit to a huge, undefined dream, but to succeed, you have to boil it down to its core essence, so that you have clarity of thought, intention and focus.  That clarity will enable you to build a comprehensive plan that you can implement one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Clarity will help you to visualize - to see in your mind's eye what you intend to achieve, where you want to end up - and to keep your eye on the prize throughout the journey.

I use the I Resolve To. . . Formula For Success as a starting point.  It's a simple, common sense way to achieve things great and small:  Begin with a cherished dream, one in which you have enormous desire and interest. Turn that dream into a specific, one-sentence resolution that clearly states your intention.  Make that resolution a reality with daily goals that can be achieved one small step at a time at a time, one day at a time.

     Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment

Focusing on just one large, life-changing dream at a time is a critical component of any successful strategy.  To do otherwise is overwhelming and a surefire way to set yourself up for frustration and failure.  When you know 'what you intend to achieve and how you are going to achieve it', the daily journey is smooth, enjoyable and satisfying.  Add four other key daily ingredients - planning, organization, simplicity, and implementation - and you remove the guesswork as well, replacing it with a solid system that will take you from start to finish.

The Tennis Court was a great training ground for a dreamer like me.  As a kid, and throughout my high school and college years, I played competitive tennis.  I love tennis today as much as I did when I was a 12-year-old.  Picking up my racket and hitting the court brings great joy to my life.  As a youngster, I learned that you have to work hard, show up every single day, and do your very best if you want to achieve your dreams.  Daily practice didn't make me or my tennis game perfect, but it did help me to hone my skills and build good habits both on and off the tennis court.  The same is true whether on a court, or in virtually any endeavor that a person chooses to undertake in life. 

As I practiced my strokes day after day, I learned to visualize my intended goals, what I planned to achieve - all things large and small - in my game and in my life.  I knew where the sweet spot was on my racket - that fabulous point when tennis ball meets racket just so, and the ball soars across the net for a winning point.  I practiced hard and often so that my skills became habitual and instinctive, and so that I didn't have to think about everything that I was doing, every single second.  My strokes, serve and overall game became almost automatic.  I visualized my outcome from the outset, which helped me with each stroke, each point, each game, each day.  I went to bed thinking and dreaming - visualizing - about hitting the sweet spot, and sending the ball across the net and inside the while lines.  I learned young how important it is to visualize what you intend to achieve, to build a plan that will get you there, and to take small steps each and every day, so that you can make dreams a reality over time.

I also learned early in life that every shot doesn't necessarily bring victory and every day doesn't bring success.  I discovered when you make a mistake, or feel like you have failed, it isn't failure at all if you learn your lessons, move forward with pride and a positive attitude, and try to do better the next time.  Sometimes finding and maintaining that spark of optimism can be really really tough, but digging deep for a positive attitude can propel you toward victory on another day.  If you keep the forward momentum going each and every day - even when you feel like you can't go another step let alone another mile - and keep your eye on the prize throughout  by visualizing your intended outcome, you may not always get exactly what you desire, but you will enjoy a remarkable journey.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 12, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

If you truly want to achieve a dream, resolution, or daily goal you have to know 'what you intend to do and how you intend to do it'.  You have to be specific.  It is exhilarating to commit to a huge, undefined dream, but to succeed, you have to boil it down to its core essence, so that you have clarity of thought, intention and focus.  That clarity will enable you to build a comprehensive plan that you can implement one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Clarity will help you to visualize - to see in your mind's eye what you intend to achieve, where you want to end up - and to keep your eye on the prize throughout the journey.

I use the I Resolve To. . . Formula For Success as a starting point.  It's a simple, common sense way to achieve things great and small:  Begin with a cherished dream, one in which you have enormous desire and interest. Turn that dream into a specific, one-sentence resolution that clearly states your intention.  Make that resolution a reality with daily goals that can be achieved one small step at a time at a time, one day at a time.

     Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment

Focusing on just one large, life-changing dream at a time is a critical component of any successful strategy.  To do otherwise is overwhelming and a surefire way to set yourself up for frustration and failure.  When you know 'what you intend to achieve and how you are going to achieve it', the daily journey is smooth, enjoyable and satisfying.  Add four other key daily ingredients - planning, organization, simplicity, and implementation - and you remove the guesswork as well, replacing it with a solid system that will take you from start to finish.

The Tennis Court was a great training ground for a dreamer like me.  As a kid, and throughout my high school and college years, I played competitive tennis.  I love tennis today as much as I did when I was a 12-year-old.  Picking up my racket and hitting the court brings great joy to my life.  As a youngster, I learned that you have to work hard, show up every single day, and do your very best if you want to achieve your dreams.  Daily practice didn't make me or my tennis game perfect, but it did help me to hone my skills and build good habits both on and off the tennis court.  The same is true whether on a court, or in virtually any endeavor that a person chooses to undertake in life. 

As I practiced my strokes day after day, I learned to visualize my intended goals, what I planned to achieve - all things large and small - in my game and in my life.  I knew where the sweet spot was on my racket - that fabulous point when tennis ball meets racket just so, and the ball soars across the net for a winning point.  I practiced hard and often so that my skills became habitual and instinctive, and so that I didn't have to think about everything that I was doing, every single second.  My strokes, serve and overall game became almost automatic.  I visualized my outcome from the outset, which helped me with each stroke, each point, each game, each day.  I went to bed thinking and dreaming - visualizing - about hitting the sweet spot, and sending the ball across the net and inside the while lines.  I learned young how important it is to visualize what you intend to achieve, to build a plan that will get you there, and to take small steps each and every day, so that you can make dreams a reality over time.

I also learned early in life that every shot doesn't necessarily bring victory and every day doesn't bring success.  I discovered when you make a mistake, or feel like you have failed, it isn't failure at all if you learn your lessons, move forward with pride and a positive attitude, and try to do better the next time.  Sometimes finding and maintaining that spark of optimism can be really really tough, but digging deep for a positive attitude can propel you toward victory on another day.  If you keep the forward momentum going each and every day - even when you feel like you can't go another step let alone another mile - and keep your eye on the prize throughout  by visualizing your intended outcome, you may not always get exactly what you desire, but you will enjoy a remarkable journey.

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!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 12, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - October 12, 2008
Copyright ©I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved