What Best Describes You?

"A permanent state of transition is man's most notable condition."
- Juan Ramon Jimenez

January 1st has come and gone and by now many that have set goals for the new year are either full speed ahead on their new initiatives, haven't even started toward them, or have possibly already abandoned what they thought was the right goal for them. After reading the quote above, I was overwhelmed by my own contradictory thoughts about what this quote meant to me, and whether or not I agree with it.

Let's take a look at how I interpret this quote. "A permanent state of transition" - the ability to "go with the flow" or "roll with the punches" rather than being content or stubborn and set in our ways - "is man's most notable condition." - is what gives "man" the ability to continue to progress and dictate their own destiny. On one hand, the ability to adapt to your environment and adjust your approach when something isn't working out the way you anticipated is a great way to help you get through challenges and handle situations. On the other hand, if you live your life just "going with the flow," the flow may take you right down the drain depending on what flow you follow!

As usual, I feel a healthy balance of the two is probably your best bet. If you're the type of person that just takes life as it comes at you, you may find out after it's too late that life isn't always on your side. On the contrary, if you're always seeking the next best thing, and never content with what you have, you may never get a chance to enjoy what you've already accomplished.

After thinking more about this, I feel I have struck a good balance on my expectations for 2010. I have modest, but important goals to both progress personally and professionally, as well as enjoy the things that I have and not try too hard to get too far, too fast!