Making a Change

Written by Jordan Punches
2010-11 State Sentinel

      A NEW YEAR!  Excitement and hope are in the minds and eyes of everyone around the world as they look at the new year hoping to start with a clean slate.  With the new year comes the infamous "New Years Resolution."  Now we all know that we set these new goals every year in hopes to better ourselves in some way.  Some say they want to lose weight or do less of some unhealthy task while others strive for better grades or a promotion at work.  What a GREAT tool for us to improve  upon the areas we feel we need work on, but, what if we take a step back and look at the goals we are setting a little closer.
     Obviously these goals are meant to improve us on the personal level.  The problem is that many people get selfish when setting these goals and think of how they can improve ONLY themselves. What if we thought a little bigger than ourselves? As important as it is to always ensure that we are growing as individuals we must also do our part help to grow our community and world. How can we do this?  It as as simple as setting a goal to be kinder to those in your place of work or trying to positively influence at least one person a week (or even better, once a day!).  Be creative my friends am don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to achieve these goals.
     This is important because in helping others we are most often times helping ourselves also (can't get any better than a buy one get one free deal).  If we look at an example of matching goals we could put a personal goal (ie. get promoted at work) and a community goal (ie. be kinder to the individuals I work with.) together.  In perusing the community goal your boss may see it fit to give you a promotion or raise in pay because of your outgoing kindness.  Now I know this is a random example and may be stretched but you get the point.  This could work for a multitude of settings and I encourage everyone to give it a try. 
     In the end it is up to you and you alone of what or who you would like to change or impact in the coming year.  My only advice to you is make sure you do something!  It is so easy to sit by and let life pass when you can be out there and engaged in the world.  With that thought I ask....Are you Making a Change?