Take this for example: growing up, I used to be a sickly little guy. I had a horrible diet as an infant and toddler which I think contributed to my weak immune system but I also simply had a small threshold for pain. If something scared me or was too painful, I’d faint. Just before I my seventh grade year I decided that it was time for me to take control of my life. I put together a strict diet chalked full of fruits, vegetables and proteins. On top of that, I began exercising intensely. Yes, in seventh grade I did all this. My favorite place was the library and I always read titles a bit above my head so I guess I picked up some miracle stories along the way.

I was already on the track team but wasn’t nothing you could call an athlete. I also began meditating and taking acting classes so that could gain control of my nerves, loose my fear of strangers and work on my stutter. The outcome: I became the best in the state in my main track event and a nationally ranked athlete, I became more or less fearless, all the while improving my overall health and quality of life. It sounds so simple and easy but it took me a lot of hours upon hours or training and hard work. Plus, my parents were my toughest coaches and biggest cheerleaders.

Had you known me as a child you would not have recognized me in high school. I was pretty much an over achiever with mediocre grades. I was seen as a jock since I became a captain of my track team as a sophomore, I was leader, having been named president of five major clubs, and I was a recognizable face having been an anchor and director for our school’s media program.

On the flip side, I had reverted to being relatively shy (by my standards) during my first couple years of college. I broke out of my shell during my senior year. My friends constantly pushed me to run for president of the student council or homecoming king. I didn’t have any interest in school politics or contrived ego boosts but they branded it as the ultimate trophy, stating that I would be sure to win “since no one knows more people on campus” than I did.

I didn’t see myself as the big man on campus. I wasn’t in a frat. I didn’t date the hottest girl and I didn’t have a car. At least in my mind these things mattered. But now, I am definitely not the big man on campus. I have been out of school for about 15 months and am already on my second job.

No one knows me here. I’m just the “new guy” or the “new-black-guy” or the “new-tall-guy” or the “new guy who-always-goes-to-the-gym-during-lunch”. Look, let’s get one thing straight, I’m NOT complaining. I’m just saying it’s funny how things change.

2012 is going to be “The Year of Doing” in my book and I sure as hell look forward to all of the changes that will be coming my way.

The Road Less Traveled

I plan to call everyone that I consider a friend at least once every two weeks. I want to speak to my siblings and best friends at least once a week but aim for more and I will speak with my parents at least once every day even if it’s just to call and say “I love you”.

Goal #2 Build the best body of my life

This is going to be a thorough plan consisting of everything from the frequency of gym visits to the amount of calories that I ingest.

Goal #3 Write three (3) screen plays

Goal #4 Write one novel

Goal #5 Complete my book of poetry

Goal #6 Make several key contacts in the entertainment industry

Goal #7 Tap into my spirit

Goal #8 Be more of a free spirit.

Goal #9 Be slow to anger

Goal #10 Be more patient

This also means spending less time with people that get on my nerves or that I simply don’t get along with and spending more time with loved ones. “Why would you ever waste time with people that you don’t get along with?” you ask. We make up plenty of reasons but none of them are ever good enough. 2012 is the year of “ME”. I’ve had enough of that drained feeling your left with after spending time with that person who really has a way of pushing your buttons.

By focusing on me, I mean focusing on my feelings. What is my body or my heart telling about this person or situation. If I am constantly left feeling drained after an interaction then my body is telling me that I have to change the nature of my relationship with that individual or, if that isn’t an option, then I have to somehow limit or completely discontinue my interactions with that person. There is always a solution. There is no reason why I have to be a martyr for toxic relationships.

Well I decided to make all of my New Year resolutions public. That way I feel pressure to really hold true to them. Besides, no one likes public failure. Hopefully this will give me the motivation that I need to step out of my shell and really shine as the person that I want to be and feel deep down inside that I truly am.

Now, enough with the sentiment. The truth of the matter is that I know that people who are truly happy are the ones that are strong enough to accomplish those goals which they set out to do. All too often have I been the hindrance to my own success and thus, my own happiness. Here are my goals and 2012 is the year of no compromise.

1)      Build stronger relationships with those people that mean most to me

2)      Build the best body of my life

3)      Write three (3) screen plays

4)      Write one novel

5)      Complete my book of poetry

6)      Make several key contacts in the entertainment industry

7)      Tap into my spirit

8)      Be more of a free spirit.

9)      Be slow to anger

10)  Be more patient

I’m older now. I’m no longer in high school. I cant afford to be jaded about my own upbringing or find people on which to place the blame of my own shortcomings. Though what this man said that day rang true, there comes a point in a person’s life when they have to break free of all of the pressure and suggestions to be anyone other than who they truly are. I would be the only one responsible if I allowed myself to just float down the stream of life half awake and simply surviving just because I was going with the flow. No one is going to know you better than you know yourself. So if you don’t know yourself very well then you have a big problem on your hands. No one has power over you unless you give them power. I learned a long time ago that my parents don’t know everything about everything. No one does but I sure as hell know a lot more about what I want out of life than they do. Don’t let anyone tell you what’s best for you. If they were so damn sure about what was best of you then their lives would be in tip top shape. So unless you’re some guru sitting in the lotus position with a damn halo floating around your head, don’t offer any unsolicited advice.

“Success come to those who are able to look fear in the eye and not cower.”

-Quentin