(ThyBlackMan.com) Every year around this time, I start to reflect on life, sometimes my own. I think about the past, the present and the future. I think about things that could have happened, things that shouldn’t have happened, things that probably will happen and also the stuff that definitely won’t happen. I think about the fact that there are 8,760 hours in a year and that I want to use as many of these hours as possible to do something that makes my life worth living.
So, if you can forgive the apparent narcissism, I thought I’d process out loud and let you know what my plan is for Boyce Watkins during the year 2012. Perhaps this can help you put together your own mission for fulfillment this year. If you can dream it up and put enough energy behind your ambition, anything is possible for those who truly believe, so I encourage you to make this the year where you live your life to the fullest.
Here are the things I’m personally plan to do with myself during the year 2012:
1) Dig deeper to reach my goals
I don’t know about you, but I believe that nearly all of us are a work in progress. Most of us come up short when it comes to reaching our objectives: we plan to lose 20 pounds and barely lose two, we plan to write that book that 
ends up becoming nothing more than a few paragraphs, the list goes on and on. We start the year feeling good and full of energy, with many of our dreams turning to dust by summer time. This year, I want to dig deeper, be better and see my goals to fruition.
2) Live life with a purpose
We are all here on earth for a reason. Unfortunately, too many of us have no idea what that reason is. I will find the purpose that God has created for me and allow this purpose to be the spiritual fuel that gets me out of bed in the morning. I hope you will join me in that journey.
3) Fill my brain up with something meaningful and positive
Education should be a lifelong process. There is always something to learn and time is short. If you aren’t any smarter this time next year than you are right now, you may have missed out on an opportunity to better your situation. I’ve been teaching at the college level for about 18 years now, but I actually learned more after completing my doctorate than I ever did in school.
Additionally, keeping your mind filled with positive energy might mean shifting around a few relationships or changing your own psychological habits. Negative people should have no space in your psyche, and negative situations should be avoided if at all possible. If you can’t avoid a negative situation, then you must strengthen yourself to bring enough positive light that it brightens even the darkest of scenarios. This takes both strength and practice, but you can do it.
No matter how your life is going, you’re always happier when you choose to be happier. It’s probably simpler than you think.
4) Take better care of my health
It’s hard to stay on top of your health: eating right, exercising, regular doctor’s visits. Black men have a nasty habit of not managing our health as well as we should, and I’m far too similar to my brothers in that regard. But being physically, mentally and spiritually healthy is an important part of having a complete life. My doctor saw me a few times last year and he’s going to see me even more in 2012 – I also plan to get good use out of that gym membership.
Let’s be physically and mentally healthy together.
5) Understand the meaning of love and pursue it in every way imaginable
Life is a journey of love. The hard part about love is that we don’t know what it means. But the love you receive from God, the love you have for yourself and the love you receive from family are among your most cherished possessions. They must never be taken for granted and should be nurtured at all times.
Romantic love? Well, that’s a math equation that this mathematician is clearly not equipped to solve. My recommendation? If you want to manage a relationship, raise children or keep a family together, you should read a few books on the subject. Make sure the books are written by a licensed therapist and not Steve Harvey.
This is going to be the best year ever, for all of us, I can already tell. By staying focused and giving 100% to your life’s purpose, I guarantee that this time next year, you’ll be flying high and feeling better about your life. Don’t give up on your dreams, you’ve only got a limited time on earth to be the person you are meant to be. Now, go out there and get it.