Greetings!  I hope everyone celebrated the New Year in style.

Aside from a spike in calendar purchases, the one thing synonymous with January 1st is the New Years resolution.  Admittedly, we all make at least one.  Embedded in our less-than-perfect nature is the inherent love of a fresh start.  Whatever you did last year, here is your chance to do it better.  We love the opportunity to have a clean slate.

Along with this idea, I wanted to offer up a little support to keep you on track and motivated as the year progresses – because nothing sucks more than failing to keep a promise to yourself.  From my experience, here are the best ways to stay in the groove and accomplish those goals.

Read This

If books are your outlet, then here are a few of my favorites by category:

Environment: If you want to lessen your environmental impact and put in the extra effort to do good this year, I suggest “The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget.”  This handy work will keep everything in perspective while holding you accountable.  All credit to Santa Claus for delivering this one to the Chapman house.

Health: As most of our resolutions fall into the “getting into shape” realm, I have a few to get the blood pumping.  If you find that keeping up the regular exercise as easy at is used to be, then pick up “Every Second Counts”  by Lance Armstrong (with Sally Jenkins).  Whatever difficulties you are going through, they probably isn’t as stifling as a bout with multiple forms of cancer.  Leave it to the seven-time Tour De France champion and Cancer activist to get you off your butt.

If running is your passion, I highly recommend “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall.  It will definitely help you find joy in putting one foot in front of the other.  This helped me get ready for a 200 mile relay, and the highly entertaining romp is enough to get anyone moving.

Community: If you want to feel like your altruistic self is lacking, then pick up “Mountains Beyond Mountains.”  In this revealing account, Tracy Kidder details the life and efforts of Paul Farmer, an M.D. who has done more good for the world than any of us can imagine.  Mad props to my buddy Ben Wilson for this one; it completely changed my perspective on what one person can accomplish.

Watch This

Maybe I’m just a goob, but Rocky IV gets the job done, regardless of what type of motivation I require.  Once you see Sly running up snow covered mountains, chasing chickens, and carrying logs, you might just want to get things together.  Unless you are taking on the Communist regime and a juiced up Giant, then whatever you have in the works will seem much more doable.  (ps – this is just a movie, but you and I both know it rocks your face off).

“Without Limits” will get you signing up for every road race on the calendar…guaranteed.  This mini-bio of Steve Prefontaine is the stuff of legends.

My wife highly recommends “Pay it Forward” if things are looking down for your non-profit efforts.  This will give you the inspiration necessary to keep going and do as much good as possible.

If All Else Fails…

Nothing will keep you going like a buddy.  I have trained for several marathons by myself, and the outcome for both was regrettable.  Make things easier on yourself and find a partner to corroborate your efforts.  Whether it be an athletic goal, a fundraising effort, or a resolve to detach from the grid, it always helps to have someone on your side. 

DoGood!

chappy

Please feel free to email me with any comments, suggestions, or ideas: Matt@DoGoodedness.com.