“You can only predict things after they have happened.” EUGENE INOESCO (1912-1994), France

With the new year upon us it is time to reflect and review 2009. Although nothing particularly spectacular happened in my life 2009 it was a great year for me.

Here is a quick review of my salient goals that I had for 2009:
• Increase disposable income/control finances: This was the most important goal for me as I believe money is a salient catalyst to freedom. On November 16, 2009 I accomplished this goal by disposing my old occupation for a new one. My new occupation is much more rewarding and offers more freedom (no cubicles). I am excited about starting the new year with my new job and look forward to making my disposable income work for me.
• Start businesses that I have not acted on for the past two years: This goal was not accomplished, but I did not fail at it. In the summer of 2009 I decided to be come a partner in a start-up couture clothing line named “Jn. Marie.” I have decided not to pursue “Status Basketball Camp” or “b-ballersource.com” in order to focus on Jn. Marie Fashion. Our Goal is to have our line launch in the fall of 2010.
• Lose weight: This goal should really say “reduce body fat.” At 6′4” 225 lbs I was hardly big. The issue for me is body fat. However I do feel like I should be closer to 215 lbs. Long story short I am still at about 225 lbs. What I learned last year is that I had the wrong focus. I will reveal my fitness plans for 2010 in a future post.
• Play in Semi Pro League: This should have never been a goal for 2009. Now I just play for they love of playing and where that takes me is where it takes me.
• Read at least a book a month: This was another silly ass goal. I didn’t come close to a book a month. Now I just read when I desire. Attaching some goal to reading takes away from the joy.
• Simplify: I did okay with simplifying last year, but not good enough. This goal is more like a life long principle. I will get better with simplifying with time.

Despite accomplishing almost none of my goals for the year that I posted in my March 12, 2009 entry, it was still a great year. How so? Well fist we have to look at how I define and gauge my success. For now, if I finish a year wiser, smarter and as a better person than I was in the previous year then the year was a success. So by my definition, 2009 was a huge success.

2009 was a year where I rebuilt myself internally. The work that was done can not be seen or touched but the work was done. I feel that I know have the solid foundation that is needed to support my larger than life dreams. I also meet some wonderful people in 2009, including one individual in particular that revived my true spirit with out even knowing it. I now see life in a simple way. I don’t feel the need to attached “outcomes” and “expectations” to everything anymore. I take life as it comes and simply do what I know I am supposed to and desire to do. With this view I can not lose. 2009 formed me into and stronger and happier man. Thank you 2009!