Turning 36, The top 5 things I learned that made this birthday a success

On October 1, 2011 I had the privilege of turning 36 years old. I gave up on new years resolutions and decided to start a birthday resolution. Turning 35 was one of the most depressing moments of my life. At that point last year, I had accomplished little, saved little, and was behind on my promises. My goal was to see what I could accomplish as I officially grow another year older. I silently resolved to make 35 to 36 the most productive year of my life. I can without a doubt say the past year was a success. That fact was hit home Saturday as all I have worked for this past year was cemented by a stunning blog review at http://www.cachecrazy.com/2011/10/are-you-spartan-tough.html ;

I realized I needed tools, education and a change in personal philosophy if I was going to accomplish anything. Below are the top five things I used to help make my year a success.

1. Goals

Goal setting became difficult for me because I had tried to follow so many different methods usually at the same time. Yea pretty dumb I know. I had become so neurotic over the whole idea of goals, was I doing them right? What happens if a goal isn’t accomplished? Finally I ditched all my mental static and found one method and stuck with it. I used a 30 day goal setting challenge that can be found at www.chalenejohnson.com. It can be done in less than 10 minutes a day and will build a foundation that leads to success. Trust me it works.

2. Journal

I started a journal to help keep my ideas, goals and anything I find or hear that will make my life and business better written down. I tried using my phone to do this, but it never worked out well. The phone just pisses me off and I end up playing Angry Birds. Nothing beats hand written ideas transferred to paper. I found the best time to get ideas in my journal is right before I go to bed. Buy an empty book for 26$ and challenge yourself to put something of value into it.

3. Pictures

Never miss the moment to take a picture, and with any phone this can be done. But don’t just rely on your phone, take your camera everywhere. Pictures are a treasure that can be passed down for generations. I have very little from my parents and grandparents in the way of pictures. For, me that part of my families history through pictures would have been a great asset to hand down through the generations. Life moves fast, and as parents know this all too well. Capture the moments.

4. There are no limits

Once I began to see my life as limitless, it opened up a whole new world to me. Not only do I see my physical fitness as limitless, but my mental fitness as well. Never stop pushing yourself to become a better you. Move out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to learn, try and do new things.

5. Slow down

One of the things I do miss about living in North Carolina is the slower pace of life. People can bust on the south all they want, but one thing they do have right, work to live, not live to work. The hustle of the northern lifestyle is a stressful, hurry, rush, quick, now, faster, go assortment of mental mayhem!!! Screw that crap. I’m all about getting stuff done, but I’m not killing myself to do it. I don’t rush at work, at home or on the road. If you accomplish my #1 on this list, #5 will be cake.

Now don’t think this has been a flawless year for myself or my family, there have been many bumps in the road. I’ve learned some great lessons, (the hardest way possible of course) but nonetheless, it’s made me better, stronger and wiser. I’m excited to have turned 36 and look forward to what my “new’ year will bring.