New Year, New Blog, New Me

Happy New Year ~ As a start to 2017, I’m back on the map again with my blog – I’ve decided to reinvent my writing style, as well as my lifestyle in general. With the New Year starting, and my birthday around the corner, it’s not only the prefect time to look back on accomplishments, but also taking on honest look on areas I either fell back on or didn’t much progress on.

I decided that I don’t need to write just motivation blogs (which are great because of the effect it can heave to help others), but it’s more important for me to spontaneously share what’s currently on my mind. It’s my challenge to myself to write one blog everyday for at least one year in order to keep thoughts and creativity flowing.

This past year, I’m been proud that my photography business has been successful. Within a year of going full time I’ve had the opportunity to work with major international companies and meet great people. I also have more free time to spend with my baby daughter. It’s awesome being able to do what you love, travel, and have plenty of time for family – I’m truly blessed. Some people think a lot of money is what measures success; however, I disagree (although, anyone wouldn’t mind loads of cash – it just doesn’t need to be the main priority)

Ok, I’ll lay off any additional self-bragging. When I think about what I’d get out of life, I still feel quite confined. It’s not because I don’t have the time to do what I want, but it’s been because I’ve been too aimless. It’s easy to have ideas that are positive but simply not specific enough. If I want to improve something, I’d better have practical steps in mind, and more importantly, a tangible goal. “I’m going to be healthier this year” doesn’t hold as much value as saying, “I’m going to work out at least 4 days a week, drink at least 2 liters of water ever day, eat well-rounded meals, and get good rest.”

My goals are ambitious for this year. When I think about 30 year old Steve going to 31, I start to think, I’m about 1/3 through life – how satisfied am I with where I am, and if not, what can I do to change that? The answers are usually not too complex. Sometimes we pretend it’s complex because we make excuses when we don’t want to be honest with ourselves, or, we fall into habits of blaming circumstances and other people.

My goals and the Overview:

1. Be Healthy.

This is a big one that requires planning because there are a ton of things that can be done in this area. Personally, I have a specific exercise plan for exercising at least 5 days a week. It’s also important to reduce alcohol intake, sugary drinks, more have more fruit and vegetables. Consistent sleeping habits - It’s amazing how often we forget that the simplest building blocks to our health make a huge difference to our well-being.

2. Increase Fluency in Korean.

Learn or review at least 10 new words a day, and continually ask questions to my wife, who is, of course, Korean.

3. Get Wiser

Why go through all the possible mistakes when we can read books on development? I have a Kindle, a Prime Membership, and have access to tons of books for relatively low cost. I’m considering the Kindle Unlimited for access to even more titles. I’m more interested in self-development books than fiction, novels, entertainment, etc.

4. Blog Everyday

Get what’s on my mind out on paper and hope to have a positive impact. What better way to get out the clutter and keep creativity flowing? Blogs are so easy to make these days, even my wife has a blog dedicated to our little baby Vivi. You never know what friends you can make or who will stumble across your blog.

5. Read the Bible Everyday

There are one-year reading programs that spread out the whole Bible in reading groups that only take 15 minutes per day.

6. Less Stress.

I plan to stop working at 9pm and avoid browsing on a lit device, such as a phone, or computer. Tragedy news on TV & Internet is draining and brings anxiety to events we usually cannot control. I want to hang out with people that are positive and I actually enjoy spending time with.

Practice the word “No” without being rude is important. Self-respect is equally important as respect for others, and is necessary in order to be an effective person. Also, let go of friends who don’t show as much interest in you as you do in them. Value and make use of time alone.

Social media is getting out of control these days – sometimes it’s a good idea to create a limit on how much time we spend on them. It also can risk adding stress because everyone posts the best version of themselves on social media, so it can begin to subconsciously fool you into thinking you’re the only with a less extraordinary life. People are able to show what they want you to see; not the insecurities and the mundane. Also, political banter, gossip, clickbait, and articles meant to stir anger are far too common. Social media can waste our time and our energy far too easily.

7. Build Confidence

We’re limited in growth if we don’t get rejected, go through stressful times, or have to be patient. It’s important for me to build confidence by trying new things. Exercise and self-care is a great way to develop self-respect. If everything were easy, we wouldn’t have any need for confidence and strength. However, the world isn’t so kind at times, and we’d sure better be ready when it comes time to fight for (or protect) what’s important to us.

The biggest problem with having New Year’s resolutions is that they usually don’t last longer than the month of January. It’s due to being aimless, and being comfort can be a killer to progress.

What does the best version of yourself look like? Why is that important to you? How are you going to make that happen? What are the benefits to be had from becoming that person? These simple questions will do wonders in creating a plan for anyone to be the best they can be.

It’s impossible to be perfect, and it’s not necessary. It’s ok to stumble at times, but there is great honor, benefit, and reward for those who pursue excellence and have a priority upon what they believe and value. Our circumstances are often a direct result of our actions – choose what the best version of yourself would do, and you’ll be stepping in the right direction to consistently be that person.