Every December, as the end of another year approaches, people begin to think about their New Year resolutions.  I personally have never been much of a “New Year Resolution” kind-of-girl.  My goal has always been to make positive changes in my life on a day-by-day basis.  It’s not the easy way, but definitely the most effective way to stay on top of life.  I call this my “check-up from the neck-up.”  You may know it as an attitude adjustment.  It’s been a 20 year process to perfect this habit, and even now it takes exhausting effort on my part to maintain.  My career and family have always been very important to me, and I knew that if I waited until January 1^st each year to make behavior or attitude changes, I would get lost in a sea of negative issues -- and would probably end up divorced and out of a job.  That idea has never been acceptable to me.

If you are reading this article, you are one of many people that has been blessed with the opportunity to see a Yew Year.  Personally, I always feel a sense of privilege in the fact that I even get the chance to be here and have to ability to change myself or my life in any way I choose.  Imagine a life where we didn’t have a choice, or a world where the ability to make positive changes in our behavior was not an option.  That’s a scary thought, and a scary world.  Having said that, I would like to encourage you to give yourself a “check-up from the neck-up” on a daily basis, and not wait until January 1^st each year. 

A good “check-up from the neck-up” always begins with an attitude assessment.  Why is attitude so important?  Your attitude determines your approach to life, and I believe we are individually responsible for our view of life.  I also believe that it is impossible for us to tailor-make all situations to fit our lives perfectly, but it IS possible to tailor-make our attitudes to fit any situation.   It just takes practice.  Like anything else in life that is worthwhile; it takes effort.

What is your attitude about life?  Is the world out to get you, or are you out to get the world?  Is the glass half empty, or half full?  Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence, or are you just not looking down to see the beauty of your own yard?  Are you worried about failure, or do you welcome it and let it PUSH you forward?

If you want to achieve your goals and live a happy and prosperous life, you would be wise to begin your adventure by adjusting your attitude day-by-day.  Begin your mornings with an appreciation for life and attack your day accordingly.  Never forget, with the right attitude, there is no “New Year” or “day-by-day” resolution that you cannot successfully attain.  Happy New Year!