Balancing act...

Today's an inspirational one... getttttt ready.

So for those of you recent post-graduates who spent some time after college searching around for a suitable career, you know that this time was perfectly spent finding new ways to entertain yourself. Whether it was picking up a new hobby, learning how to be more intelligent with $3 crossword books, swapping your car for jogging shoes as a viable mode of transportation, or teaching your cat new tricks (don't knock it until you try it), you became an honest master of distraction.

Here's the thing about that, once you get used to being a non-genius, yet equally interesting version of Demitri Martin, once you obtain a full time job, those great qualities you picked up due to lack of activity, which made you super rad, fall to the wayside. This is an adjustment period. Suddenly grocery shopping is an option instead of a necessity, things like emails turn into a chore rather than exciting electronic packages tied up with imaginary bows, filled with fashion tips and stories from your college roommates, and your cat is more fun to cuddle with and relax than something that challenges your skill and tests just how patient you can actually be.

Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT complaining about having a job, along with which comes a large occupation of my time. I'm however proposing a new view point: instead of thinking how sad it is that your time no longer is disposable, but look at this new time restraint as the next level of the challenge of life. You know, level 1 wasn't hard.... level 2, while you're actively looking for a job, maybe working part time, gets a little more difficult. Level 3, when you have a full time job, has arrived, guys. Get a good stretch in and get ready for the challenge. Important piece of advice before getting to far into the Rainbow Road: you'll fail. You won't make all of your goals every day (for those of you that do, way to go).

After awhile you'll notice which goals that are part of each level will change. You know when you were young and your mom said, "There are plenty of fish in the sea," the life is your sea, babe. These fish are all different sizes, some long, some short, and you don't have to have all of the fish at once. Instead, focus on one or two to begin with and work consciously on those. Reflect every day on how you did. Anecdote: if you think you're amazing and can complete all of these goals right off the bat, all at once, chances are you're setting yourself up for failure.

Good luck to you goal makers, goal achievers, and anyone who takes advice from a sage 24 year-old living in New York who is happily sauntering her way through life.