QH: New Year's Resolution

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." -Abraham Lincoln 

As we start off 2015 I want to challenge each and every one of you to make a New Year's Resolution that will help you become a better naturalist. Whether it is a goal to improve an aspect of your teaching, become an expert in a topic, or just get outside more during the winter time I believe that it's important to set the bar early. Too often it can be easy to fall into a rut that is created by following the same routine day in and day out. By making a New Year's Resolution, you can use it to serve as motivation to push past the norm. Make the goal achievable and set smaller goals that will help you reach your goal. Stick with it and you be surprised by the results when the end of the year comes around.

One of the best ways to follow through with a goal is to tell someone what your resolution is so they can be supportive and help keep you accountable. Let me know what your New Year's Resolution is going to either in the comment section below or on Twitter. I will do my best to help keep you on track!

2014: My Year In Review

 "Celebrate what you want to see more of." -Tom Peters

2014 has come to a close and it is the perfect time to reflect on how the past year went. Personally, I had a year that challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone to become a better naturalist. Here are some of the things I did in 2014 in regards to EE:

 -Completed an unpaid internship at an area nature center
 -Graduated from college to earn my B.S.
 -Got First Aid and CPR certified
 -Spent the summer working as a naturalist at the nature center I interned at
 -Worked as a naturalist at a residential ELC

 -Took classes towards my Graduate Certificate in Environmental Education

 -Attended a state naturalist conference
 -Started this blog

I would like to think that I had a pretty successful year. At the very least, it certainly kept me busy! From what I've learned during my adventures of 2014 is that gaining practical experience is key. Make it a priority going into the New Year to try new things and to put yourself in situations that are going to allow you to grow both personally and professionally. Don't be afraid to network and make those important personal connections with fellow naturalists. Who knows, those connections could come in handy and help you land the position you are looking for down the road!

In all, 2014 was one heck of a year. I am really proud of all that I have accomplished so far and I am even more excited what's left to come (including some awesome ideas for this blog!). I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and I look forward to the adventures that are to be had in 2015!

The Best,
eeNatureGuy