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2016: A new year and a better me

Cartoon by Kristen Hudson

Orionna Brumfield
Staff Writer

I often hear people say, “Next year, I am going to do better and I will have a fresh start to get what I want.” Phrases like these often become New Year’s resolutions, but for how long?

A resolution is one decision to do or to not do something. We make those decisions every day, not just for the new year.

I want to encourage you to let your good decisions/new intentions make you a better person, but not just for the new year; they need to stay consistent for the rest of your life.

In my opinion, New Year’s resolutions never last because life happens. We are not able to plan everything, so when the unexpected happens, some of us are tested.

Take me for example: one of my goals this year is to have balance. However, when I have free time, I want to do everything BUT my homework. This causes stress when I only have a few hours left to complete an assignment I knew about for at least two or more days.

Some of you might ask, “Orionna, why did you wait?” and I’d respond, “Well, I had one more days” or “The weekend is here! I will do everything Sunday night.”

Truth is, anyone (including myself) can THINK there’s time BUT we never know what can happen tomorrow.

As I said earlier, some of us are tested, and all tests can come in a variety of ways. If there’s an opportunity to go to a big event, to see your cousin who just popped up, or to watch a marathon of a popular show you missed, would you do what you originally planned to that day?

I cannot speak for anyone else, but if I was in any of those situations, I would probably live in the moment by taking those chances. I consider myself lucky to still make due dates, but I know I need to change my ways before that luck runs out… which brings me to me next point.

The disease of procrastination has plagued me, and played a very negative role in my life. Now that I know this, I have to work on doing better.  On a brighter note, I do realize I have to cure my disease. You have to recognize the disease you have contracted before you can work on becoming better.

What disease(s) have you contracted?  Disease of Laziness? Disease of Giving Up? Disease of Bad Attitudes?

Whatever it is, you need to LET GO OF IT NOW. These traits will only hinder you. There is no reason to look back 10 years later at an issue that was never resolved. Now is the time to start planning for the life, career, or even business you always dreamed of having.

Remember, we cannot continue to go through life thinking we can do things later when we have the time to do them NOW.

All of your goals are possible, but you have to put the time in to accomplish them. A wise man told me, “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.”

If we take care of what is needed now, we can enjoy what we always wanted later.

Will you continue to go through life with procrastination, excuses, laziness, or bad attitudes? Or will this new year make a better you? Trust me, I have learned my lesson, I hope you have too!

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