Today didn't happen as I intended. I woke up at 7:30 as planned, only to discover that my mother was awake as well. She wanted me to help her with a few things so I did. Then it dawned on me that I really needed to complete the revisions to the synopsis of my book to turn in to my coach.

Instead of breaking in my new mountain bike, I opted to stay inside to work on the synopsis which I'm proud to say is finally complete and ready to submit to my book coach. I decided that I will just take my bike out for a spin later as the sun goes down, hopefully it will be cooler although today isn't as hot as yesterday.

It's just about 3:15 and I have another manuscript to complete before my work with my editor tomorrow on a Skype call. The plot thickens as this next project will most certain turn heads, it's bright, colorful and cheery!

Stay tuned.

Over the weekend, after attending a barbecue with family, I decided to fully commit to starting some type of fitness regime. Before going to the family outing, I had made up in my mind that I wasn’t going to consume any meat since it takes so much longer to digest through our bodies than vegetables do. Once at the gathering, as usual, there were plenty of hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken, both fried and barbecued. I opted for potato salad, coleslaw, salad and fried fish. I know the fried fish wasn’t the best choice, but it was better than the other options and it was quite tasty.

I woke up this morning at 7:30 as I planned to. Checked a few notes on Facebook, then got dressed for my first morning jog in over 10 years. Thankfully, I’m naturally slim, but that doesn’t mean that I’m in shape as I quickly learned. I started out of the apartment at 8:30 with the goal to run around the avenue and down the suburban road. After about 5 minutes of running, I was out of breath. I couldn’t believe myself. I just knew I’d be able to run at least 10 minutes before taking a break to walk, but that wasn’t my reality.

As I ran here’s what happened:

1. I came across 2 dead squirrels.
2. I startled a Mexican woman who was pushing her baby in a stroller.
3. A heavyset woman rolled her eyes at me when I spoke to her as she waited for the bus.
4. I lightly flirted with 3 Spanish guys who were in conversation at their truck. I just said hello and walked really slow. One of them caught my eye.
5. I notice at least 6 people texting and driving. People are asking for an accident. It’s just not safe.
6. I found a jungle gym that I plan to revisit my next go round to do pull ups and other exercises.
7. An African woman slapped her toddler in the face at least 3 times because he wouldn’t stop crying. NEWSFLASH: Slaps hurt and make crying worse.
8. A man in a gray Oldsmobile caught my eye long enough for him to turn his car around to say hello. I told him that I thought he looked familiar and kept jogging. He wasn’t attractive once I actually saw his full body inside the car.

I’m looking forward to my morning jogs and this was only Day One!

Making Resolutions for 2013

If you are going to make New Year’s resolutions for 2013, do them right. Don’t make lofty and vague pledges without any real teeth.

Setting goals is a great start, but that’s only half the battle, says Amanda Augustine, job search expert for The Ladders and host of the upcoming Job Central event Thursday at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.

Most of us tend to fall down in keeping up with our resolutions after a few weeks, but if finding a new job is on your list of goals this is the year to make it stick. When creating a job-related resolution, make sure to outline clear steps with concrete deadlines to keep you on track.

Here are three expert tips on how to make job resolutions a reality in 2013.    

Stop Holding Yourself Back

When it comes to landing our dream job, we can be our own worst enemy. Most people talk about making a change, but fail because they don’t dedicate themselves and their time to their goals.

Augustine suggests seeking out and committing to specific activities that will advance a career, create a schedule to include the activities and setting check-points for progress.  

Job seekers often hold themselves back by not adjusting their approach to finding new opportunities. Augustine says you have to “try things that are outside your comfort zone” if you want real results.  

Repeating old patterns will likely get the same tired results, so try new job-seeking activities like networking events, professional association meetings and social media to find your next opportunity.

Make a YOU Plan in 2013

You have to have a goal or clear destination for your job search. However, it’s one thing to decide on a destination, it’s entirely another to actually get there. Augustine suggests creating a roadmap on how to achieve your resolution. Consider the following when creating your roadmap:  

• Make a list the necessary activities for getting positioned for the right opportunity
• Identify any requirements or barriers to completing these activities
• Create a schedule for activities
• Set regular check points for monitoring progress (weekly, monthly, quarterly)

Take the time to schedule out the specific activities that will move you in the right direction. Remember: Your job is landing a job, so you need to treat your search process that way.  

Harness the Power of Three            

 “When you’re looking for a job, don’t rely on only one method” Augustine asserts, “Incorporate three primary methods to make sure you’re learning about all the opportunities out there.”

Here are three methods:

1. Apply (and properly follow-up) to online job listings
2. Network with your social and professional contacts
3. Engage recruiters

When all is said and done, your goals are your own and your marks for personal success are up to you to define. Create a reasonable vision that’s truly your own, draw a roadmap, and don’t be afraid to share it with your friends and family! Good luck in 2013!

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/01/07/make-2013-year-fulfill-your-career-goals/#ixzz2HUVLp3sn

Performance Champion