There's a popular misconception in today's society. Somehow, the masses have been convinced that the start of the New Year is January. It's a month of short days dressed in frigid temperatures that echos Revelations rather than Genesis. May I offer an alternative? Join the leagues of men south of the Mason-Dixon who celebrate September as the proper start of the New Year. Why? Well, September brings with it that most dangerous mistress named Hope. Hope that the summer sun has done its worst and a reprieve is in sight. Hope of a 0-0 college football record in small towns and big cities. Hope a wing shooter possesses as he ponders his upcoming hunts.
I look forward to celebrating the start of the "New Year" dove hunting deep in the soul of South Texas. It's hot, as you would assume. Stamped with thorns, cactus, and shrubs, it's not known to be the most fertile or forgiving land God created. Yet it yields people who are strong, generous with what they have, and who have in them the independence Texans are known for worldwide. And if the conditions are right, it's a damn good spot to hunt dove too.
I'd compare dove hunting to a three-part cocktail. One-third sportsmanship: The gratitude one feels after landing a shot successfully can shock a man at first. One-third camaraderie: Old stories being shared as new ones are being made with genuinely good men around you is a blessing that fills the heart. Then there's the final part: An unfiltered connection to God's creation; Fresh air has solved many mental and physical ailments.
The wings of September are near. I plan to greet them sitting on a swivel bucket with the Rio Grande at my back and a field of sunflowers standing before me. I imagine watching the burning sun break into the morning light and asking myself, "When's the last time I watched the sunrise?" I promise to do it again soon, and at the moment, I mean it. Then, a pop goes off. Then another. After a few minutes, an unorganized choir of shotguns is spattering the sky, and another year has begun. I hope I have enough shells. I hope I'm able to get my limit. Because September is a time for hope.
I love audio books, they're a great way to kill time during the commute. Recently, I finished an audio book called "The Ultimate Jim Rohn Library." It's a collection of motivational speeches mixed in with practical advice. Jim was the one of the original self development guys. In fact, Tony Robbins still uses some of the same stories and lessons Jim introduced decades ago. I'm not too big on the "self-help" train but I believe when you find a good tool, use it, no matter where it's from.
One of the big takeaways from Jim Rohn's book that I've acted on came from his section on goal setting. It's all about action. I love it because if you're serious about accomplishing anything you should give it enough attention to sit down and write it out. You don't have to have a concrete vision in your mind, the important thing is to just start. Follow the instructions below to set your own goals using Jim Rohn's goal "workshop."
Write down 5 things have you already accomplished (Mr. Rohn starts positive, we've all done something we're proud of at this point.)
Next, write down what do you want in the next 10 years (make a list of 50 things.)
Look at your list and mark how long it will take you to achieve each goal using the following: 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years.
Next, pick out the 4 most important 1 year goals.
Write down why those 4 goals are important.
Finally, write down what kind of person you would have to be to achieve the goals you've written down.
Now that you have your goals, take action. Replace and celebrate each goal you accomplish accordingly.
Here are my first ten books I *plan* on reading this year. What's on your list? Any recommendations?
Washington, by Ron Chernow
Bob Kleberg and the King Ranch: A Worldwide Sea of Grass, by John Cypher
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, by Jon Meacham, Edward Herrmann, et al
The Sommeliers Atlas of Taste: A Field Guide to the Great Wines of Europe, by Rajat Parr, Jordan Mackay, et al.
Lincoln's Battle with God: A President's Struggle with Faith and What It Meant for America, by Stephen Mansfield and Thomas Nelson
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, by Edmund Morris (I've put a small dent in this one already but drifted away from it...)
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Suzanne Toren, et al.
The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas père and Robin Buss
The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War, by Michael Shaara