Try Something New - Finish What You've Started

As interested as I am in human potential, especially in the realm of all things physical, I’ve never been impressed by the practice of setting new year’s resolutions. First off, like most holidays, its continued practice is almost entirely due to its ability to perpetuate consumerism. Secondly, and more depressing, is the way that New Years has become a sign post of sorts for people to make commitments to change which they intend, almost from the get go, on breaking. How many times have I heard “I’m gonna go get another gym membership. I’ll probably only last one month.” It seems that something is flawed in this practice and I’d like to suggest a slightly different approach.

I’ve never understood why our calendar year starts just after the beginning of winter (in the northern hemisphere that is), a season which marks the end of most life cycles. Bears retreat into hibernation, surviving on fat reserves they’ve spent the rest of the year developing. After gifting us their sweet fruit, trees drop leaves and hold tight to the ground while the daylight quickly disappears into darkness. Winter is a time of survival. Life hunkers down, relying on its deepest reserves of vitality, and simply waits it out.

So how can we adapt the idea of new year’s resolutions to better fit into the cycles of the planet? Given that January 1st happens to be during time of year where survival is most difficult might we consider turning our focus to the preservation of this past years projects? Its not as if last year was a total waste right? Don’t get me wrong here. It was a shit storm by all accounts, especially for me and my loved ones, but over the course of 365 days all of us created success in our own way. It seems silly to turn quality attention away from these things and put all that we have into something new. Its cold and wet and the holidays have sapped our emotional energy. Credit cards are maxed and the swine flu is out to get everyone. While the waves are big, the water is frigid and, worst of all, taxes are coming. Hold on tight to that which you’ve already committed to. On New Years forget about starting, but rather remind yourself of all the things you’d like to finish. Look in the mirror and instead of seeing the ways that you’ve failed, acknowledge the dreams, projects and accomplishments of this last year and vow to not drop the ball. Its the end of the race. Don’t give up now.

I’ve got two major projects on my plate, both catalyzed by my little tumble over the summer. Long time readers of this blog know that I injured my shoulder just before flying off to Europe in the summer of 2008. Well, that injury never got better. In fact, its felt like a lead weight for a long time now. The SLAP lesion will require surgery and an extended recovery period (I’m told up to 3 months in a sling - then rehab), something that would normally scare the shit out of me. Like most athletes I fear life on the couch. The thought of not being able to get out there, train, compete, fail and then eventually succeed is terrifying. While those numbers seemed daunting a year ago, these days, 3 months sounds like a long weekend. Shit, I’ve been on crutches for more than 4 months and I’ve got at least a few more to go. If I ever walk again, shoulder surgery is gonna be a piece of cake. So the goal on this front is two fold. Find the will to get through this whole leg issue, and then when I get the green light, commit to yet another “vacation” and repair the shoulder.

The second project is the more interesting one. Life on the couch is one of movies, books, and whole lot of contemplation. Since my return from Europe, I’ve known, in some walk-in closet of my mind, that a big change is necessary in my professional life. Cooking for the rich and famous has been great, but simply put, Micah needs to step it up a bit. However, the same road block is there every time I seek out other options. I need more skills, knowledge and experience. So a few months ago I started looking into graduate programs. There were some missteps initially, but in move that is very out of character, I’ve decided to apply to a number of MBA programs. (Cut in audio clip of a record stopping here). I figure the best way to improve any system is to strengthen the weakest link. The skills I serve to learn in an MBA program seem the best suited for this sort of action in my life. Applications are due around Feb 1 and I’ve got tons of work to do. So, the goal here is to finish this process off by submitting superb applications and finding my way into a quality program this fall.

If all goes well I’ll be pretty psyched come 2011. My body will finally be healthy enough to support my thirst for adventure and I’ll have plenty to keep my mind busy with as I wrap up the first semester of school. Sounds nice. I think I’ll get out there and make it happen.

Bosco says "Be like me. Work hard and finish what you've started. Its been the key to my success."