Can Reflection lead to Action?

Today is New Year’s Eve Day. 2009 officially starts tomorrow. Tonight many people will be watching the ball drop at Times Square in New York City, drinking an (or maybe more than “an”) alcoholic beverage, eating junk food, and making merriment. It’s tradition to celebrate the start of a new year which is only a few hours away.

But, when it’s all over, what will you do tomorrow? Will you wake up early and start your new fitness routine? Will you rush to the grocery store to buy all the fresh fruits and veggies that are on sale? How about installing a new accounting program to keep track of all of your spending habits? Maybe you’ll enjoy the day and just relax.

For millions of people tomorrow will mark a day of new beginnings. But, did you reflect on your achievements last year? Did you have both successes and failures?

Michael Jordan once said, “I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”

Does this make sense?

To me, it makes perfect sense. Knowing why you failed, making the necessary changes and adjustments to correct your mistakes, are the keys to moving forward.

Here’s a personal example:

At the beginning of last year, I had a goal of working out 5 days per week. I failed to achieve that goal. Why?

Upon reflection, I failed because:

1) I let work interfere with my work out schedule.

2) I failed to keep track of my progress so I felt no sense of success, even though I did achieve some smaller goals.

3) I made excuses for my lack of fulfilling my goals.

I now know where my weaknesses lay. I’m the reason.

And, to be quite frank, in the back of my mind, I knew that was the case, but until I actually took a good, long hard look in the mirror and took some time for reflection, the truth would have stayed in the back of my mind never to emerge. I would have continued to do the same thing, making the same mistakes, year after year.

Looking within ourselves and seeking truth is often one of the hardest things we need to do.

But, seeking is only the first step.

Action is next.

“Ok. Can we now quit predicting 2009 and just get on with doing it ...

Because, after all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

© Iowa Avenue

Photo courtesy of ahisgett