Around this time of year, people start to make all kinds of New Year's Resolutions. Usually, I'm not one to partake in creating these goals but this year I have different feelings about it. There is so much that I want to achieve that it only makes sense for me to create some goals to get there. Before I start thinking in depth about what I want my goals for 2018 to be, I decided to look at inspirational quotes that will help me achieve any goal that I plan to make next year. I hope that these quotes are as beneficial for you as they are for me.
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
— Theodore Roosevelt
This quote really stood out to me because sometimes I left self-doubt stop me from pursuing what I actually want. Without confidence and self-belief, you can't possibly achieve your goals. The past few months I have believed in myself wholeheartedly and was able to become not only one of the class representatives for my graduate program but also was able to become the Creative Director for the summer issue of On the Danforth. My plan is to continue to live by this motto as I move forward in my career in publishing. I will believe that I can do anything that I put my mind to. That itself is half the battle.
"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today."
— H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
When I plan each day, I always take into account what "Present Brianna" will like and ignore what "Future Brianna" would want me to do. This means that I spend a fair amount of time cursing at "Past Brianna" for not dealing with my current problem before it became an issue. I chose this quote because I want to make all of my decisions based on what will make "Future Brianna" happy. Doing this will make "Present Brianna" happy in the long run, even if it means not being as happy in the short term.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart."
— Helen Keller
This quote really stuck out to me because all of the goals I have thought about this far have been about achieving things greater than receiving materialistic rewards. This year I want to focus on rewards that are emotionally rewarding. I want to do things that make me proud of myself. Things that I can't necessarily touch but can achieve.
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."
— Jimmy Dean
This quote stuck with me because my life motto is that the only constant is change. And while change is uncontrollable, it is manageable. You just have to do everything in your power to make the best of an unpredictable situation. This is how I want to deal with problems in the future. Knowing that I can't control them but there are things in my power that I can do to make it better. To make it through. To let go of what I can control and embrace what I can.
"Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret to success."
— Swami Sivananda
This year I am going to completely immerse myself into the smallest tasks. Instead of just focusing on the bigger picture, I am going to give 110% to every little task that needs completion. Together, all of the small successes and accomplishments weigh more than the large tasks on their own.