The New Year's Evolution

a⋅chieve⋅ment

1.	something accomplished, esp. by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed: his remarkable achievements in art.

2.	act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment: the achievement of one's object.

3.	Heraldry. the full display of the armorial bearings of an individual or corporation.

Synonyms:
1. Achievement, exploit, feat are terms for a noteworthy act. Achievement connotes final accomplishment of something noteworthy, after much effort and often in spite of obstacles and discouragements: a scientific achievement. Exploit connotes boldness, bravery, and usually ingenuity: the famous exploit of an aviator. Feat connotes the performance of something difficult, generally demanding skill and strength: a feat of horsemanship. 2. fulfillment, realization.

What have you achieved today?

Take a look at the things you do everyday--- whether it's going to work, paying bills, cleaning house, raising kids, etc.--- events and situations that are almost automatic, depending on how well you stay on top of things. Now, considering that these 'automatic responsibilities' consume a large portion of your day and evening; it's fair to say that all of these things can be labeled as 'sustaining and maintaining', right? So, I ask you again--- What have you achieved today?

The daily grind of the world never ends, and lately, I've taken a close look at just how many people 'sustain and maintain', yet have little time, if any, to achieve. There's nothing worse than seeing someone with a skill or talent that goes to rot... Even worse still when they write off an exceptional skill or talent as nothing, do nothing, and THEN complain that nothing in life works for them... To those folks, I offer these words: Talent is doing easily what other people find difficult. Genius is doing easily what talent finds difficult. Idiocy exists when either side does nothing while seeking everything. Nothing of worth comes easy, nor is it achieved without sacrifice... Nonetheless, I listen to folks around me talking about what they do, or hope to do, or wish they could do if they had money or time, etc.--- this is a scenario we've ALL fallen prey to at some point or another.

Achievement, for the most part, can happen when you can begin AND complete something WITHIN the everyday chaos that is 'sustaining and maintaining'. Most people think when achievement is mentioned, it means obscene amounts of cash, and while it's nice to consider, the true objective should be fulfillment first and foremost. Obstacles will ALWAYS be there in some way, shape, or form... Again, I ask you: What have you achieved today?

As we prepare to leave this year behind and enter a new decade, I urge you to take this question with you. Add it to your New Year's Resolutions--- you know, those things you TALK about doing that you rarely fulfill?

What have you achieved today once you realize that tomorrow's NOT promised?

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PLANET GRIFFIN!