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Throughout the year, I will be listing quotes that I have found interesting or witty and will explain what they mean to me.  The quote may have reminded me of a funny story, elicited a certain emotion, or inspired me to do something.  Hopefully the quote and my explanation can connect with you on some level, too.

Here goes.

“Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” – Ben Franklin

This is a pretty simple quote but its simplicity resonates with me.

I have found that as a human race we are often afraid to use our talents to the best of our ability.  We get caught up in the mediocrity and daily rituals of the world and we forget that we were given certain talents and abilities in order to impact others.  Or, what happens more often than not, fear overtakes us.  Thoughts of failure, disappointment, and struggles fill our minds and block out any positive thinking that might have come over us.  At this point, we just don’t bother to use our talents because we rationalize that wasted talents are better than failed talents.  Wrong.

Failure is a fact of life and it is through failure that we experience growth and development.  Failure improves our talents and never destroys them.  Negative thinking and the fear of failure destroys talents.

It is my hope that I will begin to use my talents more often as the year progresses.  I am trying to avoid the fear of failure and fully utilize my abilities to change my world.  I am currently engaged in helping Folk Media, LLC with blogging and community outreach.  I am a people person and a writer so I feel that my talents are used well in my role.  I will also begin to use my passion for video and video editing more throughout the year as I volunteer at my church.  I am starting small but the possibilities are endless.

What are some talents that you have not been using?  What feelings of failure are you harboring that are weighing you down?  I challenge you to spend some time reflecting on those questions and, if you feel comfortable, share with us.

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It’s been quite some time since I blogged on this site.  In fact, I didn’t blog for the last third of 2009.  Since I am in school from September to December, it can be tough to sit down and knock out consistent blog posts…or so I thought.

I have been doing some heavy reading lately on productivity and organizing (David Allen’s Getting Things Done) and I realized that it wasn’t that I didn’t have the time to write, it was that I was wasting too much time.  The time that I was wasting could have been sufficient for blogging.

Since I have realized my blunder, I am committing to myself and my readers (you) that I will be posting at least once a week to this site.  I am starting small and that number may fluctuate from week to week, but I will commit to posting at least once a week in 2010.

However, a steady steam of blog posts is not my only resolution for this year.  You will find my other resolutions below.  I have a variety of them and will keep you updated on my progress with each one as the year progresses.

I suggest that you take some time to figure out what you could do in 2010 to improve and push yourself.  It doesn’t have to be anything big.  In fact, it could be a task you perform once a month or only once in the year.  The feeling of accomplishment is second to none.  When you accomplish one goal or task, I believe you have the potential to accomplish anything.

Eric’s Goals for 2010

Financial

• Save each $5 bill until July 1, 2010
  • Action Step:  Empty wallet each morning

Self Development

• Read at least 30 minutes a day
  • Action Step:  Create a schedule that allows for reading time
• Write at least 30 minutes a day
  • Action Step:  Create a schedule that allows for writing time
• Cook at least one meal a week
  • Action Step:  Locate simple recipes and steadily increase cooking skills
• Exercise at least 3 hours a week
  • Action Step:  Prepare to exercise for an hour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Focus on self promotion
  • Action Step:  Connect with at least one person each day I to work or anything dealing with Folk Media
• Read at least one chapter in my Bible each day
  • Action Step:  Read my Bible either first thing in the morning or right before bed

Other

• Update ericalpin.com at least once a week
  • Action Step:  Write one or more blog posts on my day off
• Calculate and finish card collection
  • Action Step:  Enter 50 to 75 cards daily
• Stay connected with others through social networking
  • Action Step:  Connect with at least three people a week
• Maintain an updated brand website
  • Action Step:  Update brand website with changes on the first rest day of each month

You’ll notice that after each goal, there is an action step listed.  This action step allows for me to know exactly what I need to do to achieve my goal.  My action steps will change throughout the year but they are essential.  Without action steps, the mind wanders and wonders how to complete the goal.  Action steps lead the way to success.

What are your goals or resolutions for 2010?  What action steps will you take to make sure your accomplish your goals?

Home, Management, Productivity 2010, Action Step, Goals, Management, Productivity