12/28/2018
STRIDING INTO A NEW YEAR
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
— Lao Tzu
When my good friend Jimmy Sowders turned 60 this past fall, he pledged to not allow age to diminish his dogged determination to “make a difference” in the world.
He was so adamant about this quest he vowed to begin 2019 on a distinctly positive and productive path. Jimmy’s vocation revolves around eye care, but the dude is a helluva salesman. I’ve encountered few people more persistent when it comes to promoting a meritorious mission.
Dr. Sowders is especially excited and enthusiastic about the inaugural First Step 5K Run and Walk, slated for Jan. 1 at Bedford’s Downtown Depot.
So, Jimmy, what are you envisioning with this new event?
“The year is at an end, Old Man 2018 is creeping along with his cane and worn top hat,” he described in vivid detail. “He’s taken a beating. It has been said he’s leaving a world that has never been so divisive, that is ruled by addiction, crime and hate.”
Downright ominous, huh?
“Yes,” he conceded, “but New Year Baby 2019 is ready to explode on the scene with fireworks and fanfare, carrying endless potential and possibilities. How can we help 2019 be successful? How can we make a difference? How can we make improvements? How do we make those changes? How do we get from Point A to Point B?”
Good questions, Jimmy! I assume you have some answers ...
“At times, it feels you can’t make a difference, whether bettering yourself or the world,” he explained. “Yet everyone possesses the ability to make change, and it starts with you and your actions. You can’t wait for someone else to make you and your world better. You have to take that first step!”
But what if one is sorely lacking in navigational skills?
“Well, where do you want to go?” he asked. “What do you want to accomplish? Who do you want to help? What change do you want to make happen?
“Take 20 minutes and write down your goals. Where do you want to be when 2019 ends? Establish major goals, with minor goals or milestones you have to reach on your way to that major goal.”
So preparation and planning are paramount to this process?
“You have to take that first step and write down those goals,” he insisted. “Set fitness goals, family goals, community goals, and business goals!”
Anything else?
“Don’t limit yourself,” he cautioned. “You can accomplish more than you think you can. But ...”
Let me guess ... you have to begin with that first step?
“Exactly!” he confirmed. “And there’s no telling where this journey will take you!”
