2011 is here and as I look back at the past 365 days, extract the good from the bad, the challenges, pain, growth, and accomplishments, it always amazes me the constant patterns in my life. So it is with 2011 that I attempt to not make a change, but develop a more balanced life that reflects those who came before and the activities that led to their success. I looked at successful people from the past and trends that I could replicate. Using these few key trends, I am positive that my chances of having a successful year will rise, and rise by taking it one day at a time.
Here are a couple of trends that will make all the difference. 
The first trend is to develop a large library in your home and READ. Reading will stimulate your mind and creativity. Did you know that the average CEO reads four books a month and earns 536 times the salary of their average employee? While the average American employee reads one book a year and 60% don’t make it past the first chapter. That is alarming and is a huge wake up call!
Charlie Jones once said, “a person will be the same person as they are today years from now with the exception of the books they read and the people they meet.”
So it is my intention in 2011 to read diligently, learn, develop a love for learning, while engaging others in the world to develop long lasting relationships. Remember, ss an old saying states, “readers are leaders.”
Secondly, create a journal and stimulate your conscious by, clearly defining your goals, asking well worded questions, and handling pressing problems.
Looking at 2011, it can get overwhelming by all the facets of life; family, health, finance, property, taxes, friends, business, work, etc. So I am going to keep it really simple, with a balanced approach to clearly defining my goals.
1. Create a balanced condition within my everyday life.
2. Read, learn, teach, and impact others through my knowledge and experience.
3. Be present in everything I do and put fear in it’s place by taking risks.
Creating journals within a journal is the route I am choose to take. In these journals I will ask questions and not worrying about the answers, always having faith that they will come when the time is right. I spend a good bit of time away from my family, and I want to include them in my everyday life and allow them to see through my eyes what I experience. So I have three pages dedicated to my children, and one to my wife. These pages will be the reflection of my thoughts toward each family member on a daily basis, and hopefully leave a legacy for my children.
I see journalling as an opportunity to aid in handling pressing problems that will arise and allowing an outlet to gather my thoughts before responding to issues, thus avoiding direct criticism of the situation or person. I will strive to handle pressing problems by confronting them with the truth, and encouraging others to hang in there and work through their challenges.
I encourage you to “hang in there”, whatever the challenge may be today or tomorrow. You can do it!
Thanks for reading and have an amazing 2011!
Jamieson Slough
