A Resolution for Excellence

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

January is typically the time of year when we pledge ourselves to all kinds of New Year's resolutions designed to make our lives better. There are common themes to these resolutions like losing weight, quitting smoking, or getting healthy. During the first few weeks, efforts to change are usually very strong. Gradually the motivation slows down and eventually wanes away to a distant memory in the backs of our minds. Instead of participating in this frustrating cycle, make the commitment to become the best person that you can be all year round ? a commitment to excellence.

The difference of committing to excellence is that you are changing more than just the surface; there is a shift in how you approach everything that you do. Excellence can be defined in many different ways for many different people. It depends on what your priorities are and what you value in your life. Maybe it's the relationships you have, or the work that you do, or the people that you help. Whatever it is, dedicate yourself to being the best that you can be regardless of other people's standards. Remember also, that this is a change you will make from this point forward. Excellence is not defined by a single act, but by consistent behavior.

There are many ways that you can approach this commitment, but I would recommend formalizing the process. Writing your ideas down on paper can help you to sort out your thoughts and make it more concrete. Some simple steps might include:

1) List all the things that you value, and that give your life importance

2) Prioritize the items on the list

3) On a scale from 1 ? 10 (1 = I am not doing my best and 10 = I am doing the best that I can) rank how you think you are doing in each area

4) Take an honest look at your list, and make a commitment to dedicate your energies to making improvements where needed

Committing to excellence will also change the language that you use. Instead of thinking to yourself "I will survive" or "I can make it through", say instead, "I'm going to get the most out of this" or "I'll do the very best that I can". Focusing on what you are doing when you are doing it will ignite your spirit and fire your energy. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and share your inspiration with others. Aspire to reach beyond. Live excellence.

Dr. Tanja Haley is a psychologist in private practice in Calgary, Alberta. She specializes in working with couples, and with adults dealing with stress, depression, and trauma issues. Along with a full-time private practice, Tanja also teaches for the Campus Alberta program in counselling and is an Oral Examiner for the College of Alberta Psychologists. You can contact Tanja at dr.tanja@shaw.ca, or visit her website: http://www.drtanja.com

---

Google News Updated : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:08:49 GMT Prime Minister Chances Early Election in Canada - New York Times Prime Minister Chances Early Election in Canada New York Times - 1 hour ago By IAN AUSTEN OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper, putting aside the date he had set by law, formally propelled Canada into a federal election campaign on Sunday. Canadian PM calls October election Financial Times With economy slow, Canada to hold early elections Christian Science Monitor United Press International - AFP - Aljazeera.net - The Associated Press all 1,873 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:06:35 GMT Falcons head coach: ‘Matt did a very good job’ - Atlanta Journal Constitution Canada.com Falcons head coach: ‘Matt did a very good job’ Atlanta Journal Constitution - 38 minutes ago By CARROLL ROGERS Q. How did the third play - the touchdown from Matt Ryan to Michael Jenkins - develop? New Falcons head coach Mike Smith said of Matt Ryan, ‘It was a great way to see our rookie quarterback throw his first NFL pass. In-game analysis of the Lions' loss in Atlanta Detroit Free Press Lions' poor tackling about talent, not coaching MLive.com Sports Network - The Canadian Press - DetNews.com - FanHouse all 475 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:30:18 GMT Populists Gain Seats in Election in Hong Kong - New York Times Radio Australia Populists Gain Seats in Election in Hong Kong New York Times - 36 minutes ago By KEITH BRADSHER HONG KONG - Chinese national pride after the Olympics and growing distress over inflation combined to produce a leftward shift in legislative elections here on Sunday. Hong Kong Democrats Retain Veto Bloc in Legislative Elections Voice of America Key wins for Hong Kong opposition BBC News AFP - Aljazeera.net - International Herald Tribune - The Associated Press all 341 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:32:36 GMT Patriots overcome injury to Brady, top Chiefs - Sports Network CBC.ca Patriots overcome injury to Brady, top Chiefs Sports Network - 53 minutes ago Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Randy Moss had six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown as New England overcame an early injury to quarterback Tom Brady to escape Kansas City, 17-10, in the season-opener for both clubs at Gillette Stadium. Patriots QB Brady out of opener vs. Chiefs The Associated Press Cassel comes through for Patriots Boston Globe SportingNews.com - Reuters - ESPN - Newsday all 1,861 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:15:11 GMT Cage's 'Bangkok' tops worst movie weekend since 2001 - USA Today E! Online Cage's 'Bangkok' tops worst movie weekend since 2001 USA Today - 9 hours ago By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY After a record $4.2 billion in movie ticket sales this summer, the industry suffered its worst weekend in seven years, with the top movie at the box office doing less than $8 million. Video: 'Bangkok Dangerous' - Not a Safe Bet AssociatedPress Fall box office off to slow start Variety New York Times - Los Angeles Times - Reuters - New York Daily News all 261 news articles Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:23:28 GMT Health Highlights: Sept. 6, 2008 - Washington Post TheMedGuru Health Highlights: Sept. 6, 2008 Washington Post - 9 hours ago On the heels of the huge nationwide salmonella outbreak that caused more than 1400 illnesses from Mexican peppers, a regional Oregon alfalfa sprout distributor has recalled its product in Oregon and Washington state after the sprouts were linked to 13 ... Salmonellosis outbreak prompts sprout recall Forbes Salmonella outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts Seattle Post Intelligencer Seattle Times - eFluxMedia - TheMedGuru - HeraldNet all 81 news articles Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:31:13 GMT Veteran Financiers to Head Fannie, Freddie - Washington Post Times Online Veteran Financiers to Head Fannie, Freddie Washington Post - 22 minutes ago By Thomas Heath and Dina ElBoghdady The new chief executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have long histories in the financial services industry. Video: Feds Take Over Mortgage Giants AssociatedPress FDIC to help small banks with Fannie, Freddie exposure MarketWatch Reuters - New York Times - Forbes - CNNMoney.com all 5,434 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:46:18 GMT Clickbank Datafeed Make Money From Home

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Resistance Is Natural - but Not Helpful - in Times of Change

Here are five feelings we all experience in changing times.... Read More

Stained Glass Windows

Elizabeth Kubler Ross once said, "People are like stained glass... Read More

Fear Emotions - Positive or Negative?

What is fear's purpose? How do you handle it? While... Read More

Playing With Mindfulness: Sneaking In The Back Door

I often meet people who say things like, "I've been... Read More

How to Make Bite Size Resolutions for 2005

It never fails. Another new year approaches. You watch that... Read More

The Simple Life

When we talk about a Simple Life, we are not... Read More

Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is more deadly than failure itself.... Read More

Facing Our Fears

'You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in... Read More

Its Not Your Fault

Have you ever wondered what's really holding you back from... Read More

Quick Steps To Handle Setbacks

Looking for a way to handle a setback?Edward W. Smith,... Read More

Perseverance As A Virtue

"Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed... Read More

Mortgage Marketing - How to Maximize Your Motivation

Do you have the motivation to succeed in the mortgage... Read More

Problems or Opportunities?

As best I can tell hereâ??s how it breaks down.Some... Read More

Change 101: How to Handle the Changes that Come Your Way

One of the few things that are constant in this... Read More

The Time to Act

Engaging in genuine discipline requires that you develop the ability... Read More

Testy Horses and the Art of Speed Waiting

"What are you waiting for?" said Nelson, looking at me... Read More

Finding Direction: Finding Passion Series - 2 of 3

In order to find the right direction for ourselves, we... Read More

How to Eat an Elephant

I recently returned from a wonderful vacation in the U.S.... Read More

Is Fear Killing Your Dreams?

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in... Read More

ACTION is More Important than Knowledge!

It was Albert Einstein who stated that 'imagination is more... Read More

Going The Extra Mile

There is one sure way to get what you want... Read More

Going with the Flow

This whole idea of change is founded on a single... Read More

Do You have a Dream?

Do you find yourself sitting at work longing to be... Read More

What Is The Value In Wanting To Accomplish Something?

When I listen to people tell me about some of... Read More

How Mind Implants Increase Business Success

If your business isn't as successful as you envision, what's... Read More