It's a New Year?!

Hot off the heels of 2020, hey 2021, it’s good to meet you. I suppose.

Since I’m writing to myself….. Let's get down to it.

Hey Alex, you know what the deal is. The only thing a new year means is another year that you’ll grow older. So what? Life isn't any different.

Looking back at 2020, despite ending it coming out positive for COVID, I'd say things went rather well.

Why?

Let’s review the year a glance:

You got a new job in your career at a tech company:

After 6 years of working two minimum wage jobs and going to school, you broke through that long-awaited door. All the blood, sweat, and tears it took to get to this point. You may be at the bottom now, but let’s celebrate the win.

You started practicing the guitar every day:

Of course. You still aren’t shredding like the greats, but the foundation is there. Since you were 4, you’ve always wanted to play. I remember like it was yesterday, your grandmother bought you your first acoustic guitar. Everyone in the family said that you would never play or learn.

It took you 20 years to gain the confidence that was crushed back then. Through your hard work and dedication over the year, the family witnessed you playing Def Leopard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”

Shredding will come one day. To keep you motivated, just think, the more you practice and the more you save, eventually you'll be able to play this bad boy.

You did that and should be proud.

You started posting regularly:

If anyone else is reading this... First, welcome to my not so private letter to myself. It looks like I accidentally posted this instead of keeping it in my non-existent diary. Welp.

I created an account on Vocal, with the hope that I would post Album reviews. History shows you posted one but obviously didn’t commit. That’s okay. Since August, you have committed to posting regularly and putting stuff out there, whether good or bad.

From October to December, you were busy and didn’t post. But the binder you made for taking notes on all the shows you were watching for future posts.

To think a year ago you didn't think you would have anything to write about. The whiteboard of ideas in your room says different. As it stands you could write a post every day this year.

But one step at a time.

You’ve been writing. Slowly but surely. Bestie has been editing. Without getting discouraged by the current trash written. Take your time. The only rush is the deadlines you put on yourself.

Another win to celebrate.

Your Internal growth:

Following 2019, you’ve done a ton to change your frame of mind. You’ve always been goal-oriented, but there was a disconnect of planning to turn those goals into reality. You acknowledge you are a work in progress and continue to put the things you want and what matters to you most ahead of all else. Continue to keep up the great work.

Coming back to the upcoming year.

You’ve never been one to believe in New Year’s resolutions, and that won’t change. While there may not be the best time to start a new thing or take on a new challenge, do yourself a favor and stop saying you will start tomorrow.

Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Tomorrow is another excuse to put off something that could be done today.

I know you don't accept excuses for others so why do you keep making them for yourself? Stop being hypocritical.

Motivation doesn’t come easy. Putting in the work to start something is difficult. Know that Motivation isn’t what will make your dreams come alive this year. It’s the hard work and commitment you’ve been practicing for years.

It's not selfish aiming that hard work and commitment to accomplish things for yourself.

Hey self, I know your attention span is probably escaping but wait because I have yet to say the most thing for this upcoming year.

Are you ready for it? It’s simple.

Believe that you can accomplish anything.

I know. It's cliche. It's not a revolutionary concept. The truth hurts.

Self-confidence doesn’t run high within everyone. It’s never run high within you. For years, you’ve cared about what others think. Spent time working to make someone else happy. Neglecting yourself because the uplifting of others around you was more important than self-care.

I'm telling you enough is enough.

Over the years, you’ve put off many goals and aspirations because of the fear of what others around you would think. The truth is, those people don’t care about you, aren’t living your life, and aren’t contributing towards your success. Only you can do that.

People love to pay attention to you when you are down since you are an easier target to project their misery.

You spend hours alone at home without them around. Why are you still caring about what they think?

Forget about them.

Similar to 2020, let 2021 be the year you continue to grow and focus on yourself. Continue to prosper and grow mentally.

I would say also try to grow vertically, but that’s been a hurdle for the last 15 years. But tis true, no matter how much milk you drink, it will never work. You weren’t blessed with height, and that’s perfectly fine.

Your MBA will be finished at the beginning of February, power through. Continue to stay positive and work on the things that interest you the most. Nothing of monetary value may come with it, but you will feel more enriched later on.

Remember, friend, I’ll always be in your corner cheering you on. I am your biggest fan and most vocal supporter. When the times get rough, I’ll always be there to remind you how far you’ve come.

Continue to do your best, because you are worth it.