One more trip around the sun

It's the time of year when we all take a deep breath and appraise our accomplishments of the past year.

Dammit, I promised myself I wouldn't begin this blog entry with the words "It's the time of year..." but it's all I could think of. How ridiculously cliche' of me. Forgive?

I was talking to my friend Dave today, and I told him that this is the year I am going to make some major changes, advances, updates and reorganization. I am going to revise my website, my demos, and I'm going to become more agressive about landing commercial business.

The words sounded strangely familiar... because I said them EXACTLY one year ago. None of those things happened in the past year. I had the best of intentions, I really did.

I would like to say it's because I didn't have time, but that's not exactly right. I would like to say it's because I don't know what I want to do, but that's also inaccurate.

It's because I just didn't DO it.

That's not like me. I'm a self-starter (but I suppose we ALL think we are, don't we?) who built a voice over career one client at a time, through hard work and long hours. I generally know how to start and finish projects. But this year, I lost my drive and self-motivation.

If I didn't get it done last year, it'll probably get done this year... but pressure won't help. My resolution this year is to never make another one. I will do what I must. Beyond that is all optional.

A few "musts:"

Stay alive, nourished and healthy.

Keep my belongings safe and dry.

Be content with what I have provided for myself.

Cultivate and nurture friendships.

Make sure the people I love know it.

The rest is completely optional.

No resolutions, I'll just do what I can. Anything more than "must" is gravy.

Happy New Year.