“You can only predict things after they have happened.” EUGENE INOESCO (1912-1994), France

With the new year upon us it is time to reflect and review 2009. Although nothing particularly spectacular happened in my life 2009 it was a great year for me.

Here is a quick review of my salient goals that I had for 2009:
• Increase disposable income/control finances: This was the most important goal for me as I believe money is a salient catalyst to freedom. On November 16, 2009 I accomplished this goal by disposing my old occupation for a new one. My new occupation is much more rewarding and offers more freedom (no cubicles). I am excited about starting the new year with my new job and look forward to making my disposable income work for me.
• Start businesses that I have not acted on for the past two years: This goal was not accomplished, but I did not fail at it. In the summer of 2009 I decided to be come a partner in a start-up couture clothing line named “Jn. Marie.” I have decided not to pursue “Status Basketball Camp” or “b-ballersource.com” in order to focus on Jn. Marie Fashion. Our Goal is to have our line launch in the fall of 2010.
• Lose weight: This goal should really say “reduce body fat.” At 6′4” 225 lbs I was hardly big. The issue for me is body fat. However I do feel like I should be closer to 215 lbs. Long story short I am still at about 225 lbs. What I learned last year is that I had the wrong focus. I will reveal my fitness plans for 2010 in a future post.
• Play in Semi Pro League: This should have never been a goal for 2009. Now I just play for they love of playing and where that takes me is where it takes me.
• Read at least a book a month: This was another silly ass goal. I didn’t come close to a book a month. Now I just read when I desire. Attaching some goal to reading takes away from the joy.
• Simplify: I did okay with simplifying last year, but not good enough. This goal is more like a life long principle. I will get better with simplifying with time.

Despite accomplishing almost none of my goals for the year that I posted in my March 12, 2009 entry, it was still a great year. How so? Well fist we have to look at how I define and gauge my success. For now, if I finish a year wiser, smarter and as a better person than I was in the previous year then the year was a success. So by my definition, 2009 was a huge success.

2009 was a year where I rebuilt myself internally. The work that was done can not be seen or touched but the work was done. I feel that I know have the solid foundation that is needed to support my larger than life dreams. I also meet some wonderful people in 2009, including one individual in particular that revived my true spirit with out even knowing it. I now see life in a simple way. I don’t feel the need to attached “outcomes” and “expectations” to everything anymore. I take life as it comes and simply do what I know I am supposed to and desire to do. With this view I can not lose. 2009 formed me into and stronger and happier man. Thank you 2009!

“The man that makes everything that leads to happiness depend upon himself, and not upon other men, has adobted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom.” Plato (427-347 BC), Greece

I am happy to relaunch jcrowlife.com with a new focus and vision. When I started this blog back in March, I thought I wanted to be a professional blogger and make some cash writing about entrepreneurial lifestyle design. What the fuck was I thinking?! After a few posts I quickly discovered I am no expert in entrepreneurial lifestyle design (rather I am a student) and that I absolutely don’t want to do what it takes to make money blogging. I am better served developing the business that I have as they have revenue potential superior to any blogger.

This time around I will be focus on the one thing that I am the world’s number one authority and expert on, Myself! The blog is now simply about the goals, ideas, and opinions of myself. The content of posts will vary and will not be intended to conform to a particular theme. There is no schedule for new posts. Updates will come whenever I feel like posting. This blog will serve as a cathartic outlet for me, I could care less what others take from it. While I am no longer writing for readers, I am here to share and hope to engage in some insightful discussions. So please feel free to share your thoughts with me.

What’s New?

1. I have changed the blog theme for a cleaner feel. There was too much going on with my previous theme and I enjoy the simplicity of this current theme. Please excuse the current construction on the site.
2. I recently got a new job that gives me more freedom and nearly doubles my income. My top priority for 2009 was to increase my income and I have over exceeded my expectations.
3. I started a new business venture! I have put some other things on hold to dedicate time to my new role as co-founder and CEO of a start-up clothing line named “Jn. Marie.” At the time this is the only buisness I am focused on developing. We are preparing to launch in fall of 2010. You can see more at www.jnmarie.com.
4. I am happier than ever! I have found a new joy for life. Iver the past few months I have learned how to “let go” a little more.

The above is just a short list of what is new. My life has improved quite a bit in 2009 and I am looking forward to the remaining of the year and what it brings. Check check back soon for my next post!