We're Still Here: This Is The Year You Keep Going

There was no death and destruction. The armageddon did not rob us of our hopes and dreams.December 21st, 2012 came and went and we're still here.Many people thought that, since the Mayan calendar ended on 12-21-12, the world would end. They thought we would lose everything.In honor of this life we are still living, and those hopes and dreams we still have the opportunity to go after, I believe we owe it to ourselves to dedicate this year to DOING.We often say we're going to do a lot at the beginning of the year.

This is the year I'm going to get a new job.

This is the year I'm going to finish my book.

This is the year I'm going to change lives.

But what happens in February? What happens when the enthusiasm wanes (as it will), and you're left tired and lacking in motivation?

This is the year you keep going.

I'm going to push you to make the commitment this year to stop giving up.This is the year you're going to keep going. This is the year in which giving up is no longer an option.If it matters to you, and it's important, you have it in you to find a way.Yes, it will be difficult...Yes, you'll want to watch TV instead...Yes, you'll moan, cry, argue, scream, and fight against yourself, but in the end, you'll keep going...I've talked about giving up before, and how it can be a good thing if you're going down the wrong path. Here's a simple way to find out if you should keep going, or if you should give up:

Is the effort worth the payoff? Is the payoff something I still want?

It's that easy. If you answer, "yes," to both questions, keep going.This time of year is full of inspiration and productive energy. USE IT! This feeling of readiness to change your life, this sense that the world is full of opportunities is your chance to prove that you can do this.Prove it to yourself. Take the year-long commitment today!Here's an image that you can pin, share on Facebook or tweet:

Every time you're feeling like quitting, take these steps:

1. Ask: Is the effort worth the payoff? Is the payoff something I still want?

2. Yes? Pull out the picture above and breathe it in for one full, deep, long breath.

3. Say to self: "This is the year I keep going."

This exercise will help ground you in this moment, when your motivation is high and your sight is clear. The excuses will fall away because they are only as strong as your focus allows them to be. Re-focus here on what matters: your life as you want it to be lived.Are you committing to not quitting? Tell us about it, stud...

The Keep Going 30-Day Challenge

Oooh, a challenge! Let's start this year off right, folks!What better way to ingrain a new habit of persistence than with a 30-day challenge?!It works like this:If you're committed to yourself and your dreams this year, put it in writing. In the comments below, write:

"I'm still here, and I'm going to keep [your goal here] this year."

Choose that one thing you've been waiting until the perfect time to give up or start doing. Do it now. NOW is the perfect time!Here's mine to give you an idea:"I'm still here, and I'm going to keep giving them hope this year."That may not make much sense now, but in a matter of weeks, it will...I'll keep checking in with you at the bottom of each post here, and I'll also be on Facebook if you have any questions or concerns to throw my way. Just click here to leave me a comment on the Strong Inside Out page!Tonight, go out and enjoy yourself, because YOU are something to be celebrated.This year is going to be a big one, guys. Remember this beginning. This is where it all started.See you next year. ;)Stay strong, guys,Amy