For most of my life, I have always been a Star Trek fan. While I am by no means a “Trekkie” or “Trekker” – as the die-hard fans call themselves – I do love the movies and each of the television series without feeling the need to put on a Klingon costume for any occasion. What I have gained from the show, however, is the hope that one day our species will long to, “boldly go where no where no man has gone before” – and to embrace the belief that we – as Captain Jean Luc Picard once put it – “abandon the acquisition of wealth and work to better ourselves.” But as I think of my life as I pass the new year and approach my thirty-fifth birthday – boldly going where I have never gone before – I have made a decision that I, ironically, based on my resolution, “feel” is the right one for my New Year’s Resolution – I plan to, from this point forward – maintain a Vulcan way of life.

According to Star Trek lore, Vulcans are a species that, while having superior technological and intellectual intelligence over humans – lack one thing that we possess – emotions. While I certainly realize that there are no such things as Vulcans – I do realize that Human emotions can sometimes result in illogical decisions on the part of a particular human. In my case for example, I have made some very illogical decisions – both in my professional and personal life – based on emotions. In fact, I have been unable to succeed in both jobs and relationships as of late due to the fact that I have let my emotions get the best of me – and it is time I put that to an end.

In other words, some of my past employers have burnt me so bad that I have gone into brand new jobs with the belief that the same thing is going to happen to me – not even giving the new employer the benefit of the doubt. I have also gone into relationships thinking that the woman I am dating is going to leave me, cheat on me – or break my heart – without giving her the benefit of the doubt either. In some cases, the boss and/or girlfriend have been genuine – and in some cases – like the most recent examples of both situations – they did, in fact, prove my emotions to be correct. But is it possible that our emotions as humans literally “create” what we think? Could it be that our thoughts and beliefs dictate the course of our lives? For me, there is only one way to find out…

…to go into each future professional and personal encounter without an emotional attachment. That is my New Year’s Resolution for 2007 – to very tightly shield and guard my emotions as I try in this New Year to look for a new job – and a new love.

I can cite so many examples of times I have let my emotions get the best of me – but there is no point. I could summarize it all by saying that each time I did – my emotions got the best of me and it resulted in an employer firing me – or a woman leaving me for someone else. But as I go forward without past ties and keep my emotions in check – I will have the upper hand in being able to plot my course based on my terms. And while I will be kind, professional and even sincere to anyone I encounter – I will certainly not allow workplace friendship – or alleged romantic love – to cloud my vision of what lies ahead.

Thirteen days from now, I will be thirty-five. At this time, I have a lot to accomplish and much to do to regain the happiness and success I once had. If I plan to achieve this – I must do it with the utmost determination – and without the distraction of emotions that will only hold me back from what lies ahead.

Happy New Year to all – and live long and prosper.