Diamond Notes: Be your best you this year Published Feb. 1, 2016 By Master Sgt. Ruby Tilley 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron First Sergeant CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Editor’s note: This is the seventh in a series of commentaries by Cannon’s first sergeants and additional-duty first sergeants providing mentorship and leadership experience to Air Commandos, while highlighting Air Force standards. As we kick-off the second month of 2016, many of us have resolutions or goals we set after the New Year and we are well into accomplishing them. Some of us however, might be lacking a little motivation or the drive we need to get keep pushing ourselves in these endeavors. Maybe you set a goal that now seems unrealistic, or suddenly it seems like the world does not want you to accomplish these goals. It’s at these moments that you must remember the “WHY.” Why did you set this goal and why is it important that you accomplish this goal? You set it for a reason and you owe it to yourself – so DO NOT give up! Even if you need to adjust your goal along the way or take smaller steps toward your goals, do whatever it takes. Surround yourself with encouraging people, those who will help you and hold you accountable. You have to stay motivated, but this is often easier said than done. One of the most difficult tasks when accomplishing any goal is maintaining the drive that originally led you to set the goal. Personally, I have never accomplished any goal all by myself. I have always found someone who was willing to help me and who would hold me accountable; someone who wanted to help me reach my goals for unselfish reasons. Whether I was training for a marathon or working toward improving my fitness test score, I surrounded myself with the right people. Throughout your journey this year, do not forget about the agencies around Cannon that are also here to help. Many of them offer education free of charge, so take advantage of them. Cannon’s network of agencies is large, but here are a few to get you started: the Family Advocacy and the Chapel offer free classes to help build stronger relationships; the Fitness Center offers fitness improvement classes and will teach you how to use gym equipment; and the Health and Wellness Center and Health Promotions offer free cooking classes and techniques to improve your overall health and wellness. Do not forget about the base library either; they have plenty of tools to help you reach any number of personal or educational goal. Whatever your goals are for this year, make them happen and do not give up – not even if there is another crazy snow storm! No matter the potential set-backs, do not be hard on yourself. Many times we are our biggest critics when we lose faith in ourselves and our abilities. If you are serious about your goals, do whatever it takes to set yourself up for success. Surround yourself with highly motivate people and find the support you need. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how many people within our Cannon community want to see you succeed and are willing to lend a hand.