At the beginning of 2009, I had my goals set.
- Ignore the negative press
- Stay positive
- Set my financial goal of xyz$
- Set a goal of taking a great vacation (even though we have 5 kids, 3 in college) I knew this was a long shot, but no dream- no possibilities.
My mantra for the year was "2009 will be FINE!"
and guess what?! It was!
- Whenever I heard the (daily) doomsday news reports, I put my hands over my ears and said" "blah blah blah blah blah..."
- I remained positive
- I only missed my goal by less than 10% (if you aim for nothing- you are sure to hit it, so I an happy with the results!)
- I took the best vacation EVER! ...and guess what?! It was practically GIVEN to me. I estimate this was a 4500$ vacation (Wilea) and for the whole thing for my husband and I, we spent only 1200$ total!
What happened? I believe two things:
#1. God blessed me this year, and I better not take that for granted. I have had many difficult years personally - and each year brings something to be exceedingly grateful for, along with immense challenges. I am a Christian, and I believe God's hand is in all aspects of my life. Rain or shine.
#2. I opened myself up to receive the blessings.
#3. I am eternally grateful for my family, my business, my talents, my friends, my church, my health and the simple pleasures of life. Gratitude is a central part of my life.
Maybe this was a difficul year for you in some way. Perhaps it was your best? Worst? Easiest? Hardest? Regardless, I am guessing you gained a wealth of knowledge, and are more prepared for 2010.
What are your goals for 2010? Here are mine:
- Give more (time, energy and money)
- Focus on health
- xyz$ earned
- Take a great vacation with entire family!
I will check back with you at this time next year! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas and Happy NEW year!
PS I am not intending to brag, but rather to ENCOURAGE YOU to set your goals high, and stay focused!!!
BethAnn Long ~ Spokane Realtor- Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South Inc.
509-362-4607
...there's no place like your home!
BethAnn, congrats on your 2009. I love your positive outlook and attitude!
Make your day great, make someone Else's day fantastic!
Paul
Beth Ann - good for you. You are doing all the right things - and being grateful gets you more! Best of luck for 2010!
P.S. - it was my best year ever!
Beth Ann, now I am trying to think up a mantra for 2010, maybe "2010: the year I CAN"? And I totally agree with you about goals. I always set optimistic goals and do much better trying to meet them than meeting easy ones.
made Him take notice of what you were doing?
If you gave examples of the gratitude you have by what good works you did to show it, this would have been an even MORE encouraging post, sis.... and I would most definately feature it...........
*hint hint*
;-)
I don't think I can guess why or why not I have been rewarded in my life. Blessings come in many ways, and are usually undeserved. Rain falls on the just and unjust. Good things happen to bad people, bad things happen to good people. As I said, I have also faced great challenges.
I worked hard, stayed focused and was motivated by having a very large family. :)
My gratitudes are:
my family
my hubby
my kids
my music
a home
amazing friends
a career I love
......and for my daily bread
I don't subscribe to any name it and claim it stuff, But I do believe goals are important, and if we " believe" that the market is TERRIBLE then we probably won't do very well.
BethAnn - an inspirational story, even if you did not intend it to be an inspirational story. Thank you, and good luck
Thanks Jon!
BethAnn, your post brought a smile to my face and a warm feeling inside. Congratulations on setting achievable goals and reaching them. Best wishes for all your goals in 2010!