Attitude to Kick Start a Badass New Year

This year I'm pretty damn happy with my achievements and charged up to take on new ones for the coming year. It wasn't a piece of cake though, that's for sure. To get through the challenges, I talked to myself. A lot. I wanted to share with you some of the "lectures" I gave myself.

• You are responsible for your feelings. Nobody can "make" you feel something. Take control of how you respond to things. Allowing others to dictate your moods is just an excuse to wallow in your misery.
• Stop expecting so much from a relationship. More often than not people project ideals, impose restrictions and obligations that end up creating bitterness and resentment. Drop all that bullshit. When you find a connection with someone, simply enjoy it. Don't force it into some preconceived ideal. Love the person for who he/she is, stay right there in the moment and revel in the magic of human chemistry. Let it last for as long as it naturally will. Welcoming this type of freedom fosters happiness and attracts those who compliment you.
• Choose to be happy. Life will always have struggles. You can accept your situation or change it. Either way, stop bitching about it. Boldly go after what you want. Be relentless and direct in the pursuit of your goals. Have the balls to admit to yourself when you are making excuses, then stop making them.

Victims give up control of their feelings, the realization of their dreams, and the ability to be happy. This new year's, resolve to look yourself in the mirror and ask if you're choosing to be a victim. I bet you'll see opportunities where you never imagined.