July 1, 2019 (Mid-Year Review)

The beginning of July is a pivotal time of the year.

Literally.

We are turning the page to begin not just another month, we are also beginning the second half of the year. Even though the week marks the Fourth of July and Independence Day celebrations which take much of our focus and attention, in reality it is July 1st that should actually be grabbing our attention. The first of July actually presents a great opportunity for celebration and reflection.

As the midpoint of the year, July first is a great time to review all of those goals or “resolutions” that we outlined at beginning of the year.

How are those goals coming along?

Have we made any progress?

Do we need to make any modifications?

Several years ago, I made the decision to abandon making “New Year’s Resolutions”, and instead decided to choose one word for an upcoming year.

My word for 2019 is SIMPLIFY.

Each letter in that word stands for a strategy that I have embraced to move my life forward during this year.

As I review each of those goals, I recognize that I am making progress!

S - Skill Development I began 2019 with a dream of becoming more proficient in technical skills that would help me to develop content and present that content in a way that would become more user-friendly. I have developed the skills necessary to make short internet videos that tell a good story. It’s still a “work in progress”, but at least I’m in the beginning stages, with a few of these videos already getting attention!

I - Improvement I’ve been steadily working toward improving this skill set

M - Mindful I’ve been more aware of how I’m spending my time and working to set aside times for creative endeavors to help me advance my goals

P - Physical I’ve been monitoring my personal physical movement goals and have consistently been getting at least 10,000 steps per day on my “Fit Bit”

L - Less stuff I have started a great “purge” around my house…getting rid of stuff that I don’t use and don’t need

I - Images I’ve been working at creating positive self images of improvement

F - Food I’ve been more mindful of the fuel I’m putting into my body..and have LOST 13 pounds since January 1

Y - Youthful I’ve been keeping a younger mindset

This is the first year I’ve done a mid-year assessment. So far, I’ve been making great progress in my goals.

I’m excited to see where the next 6-months will take me…

January 1, 2020.

I’ll be looking back at 2019…and picking a NEW WORD for the brand new year!