This blog is for all those people who are trying to set goals or make positive changes in their lives.  January is the time of year when we all think about our lives and many of us make New Year’s Resolutions.  The most common New Year Resolutions are personal ones: eat better, exercise more, cut spending, lose weight, have better family time, etc.

Unfortunately, statistics show that by the end of January, at least half the people have abandoned their resolutions and by the end of March, up to 90% have given up.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  We can change - if we are willing to allow ourselves to learn from our experiences.  The following story demonstrates this.

 Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters  - by Portia Nelson

Chapter 1:   I walk down the street.   There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.   I fall in.   I am lost.   I am helpless.  It isn’t my fault.   It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2:   I walk down the street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.   I pretend I don’t see it.   I fall in again.   I can’t believe I am in the same place, but it isn’t my fault.  It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3:   I walk down the street.   There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.   I see it there.   I still fall in.   It’s a habit.   My eyes are open.   I know where I am.   It is my fault.   I get out immediately.

Chapter4:   I walk down the street.   There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.   I walk around it.

Chapter 5:   I walk down a different street.

Before we can make any changes in our lives, we have to first be willing to accept that we are responsible for our lives.  But with that acceptance, comes a wonderful freedom and opportunity.

In my next blog, I will talk about what that opportunity is.  Until then, stay out of deep holes.