My Personal Growth Plan

A co-worker and I were discussing New Year's resolutions after coming back to work from the holiday break. In talking, she recommended I watch Joel Osteen's Sermon #388 "Developing a Growth Plan." According to Mr. Osteen, if a person devotes an hour a day to learning a new talent/subject, that person will become in an expert in that area in three years or less.

Now, I've seen stories about Joel Osteen on the news (maybe it was a 60 Minutes segment) and I was skeptical. He talks in that "salesman" voice and his church is way too big and new age-y for me. I'm a more traditional gal--when it comes to church services, that is.

But something about this theory sparked my interest. Maybe it's because it's the beginning of a new year and I actually decided to have some goals (aka resolutions) this go-round. Maybe it's because 2008 was such a bitch of a year and I want to hear some good news for a change. Perhaps my quarter-life crisis is taking a breather since I finally have my first real, full-time (big girl) job. Who knows? I decided to give Joel Osteen and his sermon a chance.

I just finished watching it, and I do feel it was beneficial. If anything, it gave me a pep talk and reinforced my desire to never stop learning. (Downside: It did make me yearn for my college years. I miss being in an academic environment). Most importantly--and this may sound cheesy--it gave me hope for the future. As long as I keep working toward my goals and try to better myself as a human being, I think good things will come my way.

As my mom says, "As long as you have a plan you'll be okay." In short, here are some of my rough goals for my personal growth plan:

1. Try to write everyday, i.e., update this blog. The goal is to find a subject about which I am passionate so I can write a book or just figure out what the heck I want to do with my life.

2. Expand my mind with culture--literature, art, music, travel, food, wine

3. Become a social media expert--or learn just enough to keep up :)

4. Learn to be grateful for what I have. I need to figure out how to execute/measure this one. It sounds so easy, but I never seem to be satisfied even though I really am blessed.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure there are more to come. We'll start with baby steps, ok?

I want this blog to help keep me in check. A check-up from the neck-up, yo.