Words to live by...at least for a while.

BEGIN
intransitive verb

to do the first part of an action : go into the first part of a process
transitive verb
to set about the activity of: start

synonyms
commence, start, initiate, mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation

PERSEVERE
verb

to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
synonyms carry on, persist
related words hang on; follow through; knuckle down
near antonyms give up, quit, surrender, yield; falter, hesitate, vacillate, waver

EXCEL
transitive verb
surpass in accomplishment or achievement
intransitive verb
to be distinguishable by superiority, to be greater, better, or stronger than

I love to observe and learn from others' examples. I used to view this as a personal lack of ingenuity, effort, and/or creativity. But in trying to embrace my otherwise appearing dull laziness, I just make sure to give credit to the brilliant mind and talent I seek to imitate.

A year or two ago, my sister-in-law came up with her own alternative to New Year's resolutions. She chose one word to use as her daily inspiration for tackling the big and small, daily and once-in-a-lifetime encounters throughout her year. I thought it was a lovely idea--kind of like wearing an inspirational vinyl sticker saying on your heart (ha ha, sorry for the jab if you're a sticky words lovin' sort). Anyway, I'm going to copy sweet Andrea's idea this year. I couldn't be succinct enough to stick to one word (stop laughing, I know, I'm a little talky) so I chose three. They are simple but will help me in each task phase of each area of my life--personal, familial, physical, and professional.