Look at your present situation. Examine all aspects of your life: spiritual, physical, personal, family, professional, financial, emotional, relationships, social, community and so on. Take each aspect and ask the following questions:

1. What were my goals for this year?
2. Am I happy with my performance this year?
3. If so, Why?
4. If not, Why not?
5. What could I have done to improve my performance?
6. What will I not do again?
7. What must I do to improve my performance next year?
8. What will happen if I do improve my performance next year?
9. What will happen if I don't improve my performance next year?

Once you have answered the above nine questions - in writing, you should have a good idea of what you must do in each area of your life to make this year the way you want it to be. This is the basis for the learnings and personal adjustments you must make.

The first basic learning is that you can't wait until the New Year arrives to start working on it. You should always "Face the Facts." Regularly review and evaluate where you are in each aspect of your life. Determine the learnings and personal adjustments you must make right now. Write them down on a separate sheet of paper for frequent review.

The second basic learning is that you must take full responsibility for all aspects of your present life in order to change them. This is your "wake up call."

If you keep doing what you've always done,
You'll keep getting what you've always gotten.

Once you take full responsibility for every aspect of your life, you can ask yourself, "What were the thoughts, habits, and associations that brought about the results I am now experiencing?

For example, your challenge may be tardiness. You are always late for everything. Ask yourself, "What happens when I am late?" Write it down. "What does not happen when I am late?" Write that down also. List what happens when you are on time. Which is better?

Rather than blaming other people, circumstances, or conditions for your present situation, take responsibility for finding a ways to overcome in spite of them.

Don't waste time fighting alligators.
Drain the swamp.

The third basic learning is for things to get better, you must get better. Recognize and acknowledge your situation. Determine the areas you need to work on to get better. Commit to do the work. Do it until it is done.

If you don't fix it, it will stay broken.

Prayer for growth and improvement,
Help me to be better than I have been.
Help to be as good as I can be.
Help me to be as great as you want me to be.
In your name, Father.
So be it, Amen.

© 2004 LifeSkill Institute, Inc.

Based on The Twelve Universal Laws of Success, Second Edition, Expanded, ISBN 0-9748362-1-4 a new book by Herbert Harris, available at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or through the LifeSkill Institute, Inc. Call (800) 570-4009 to order books. Get your FREE copy of "Twelve Affirmations to Live By" poster by E-mail to: lifeskill@earthlink.net

Brother Herbert Harris will be keeping the Black community updated on thoughts for success and how we can succeed in our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Harris' column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail H Harris at: lifeskill@earthlink.net

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