We stand on the threshold of a new year, and many people are looking forward toward new opportunities, challenges and thresholds of achievement. Now is the time to look back, learn, and whenever possible, laugh. As human beings, we live in a body that is constantly changing, in a universe that is ever-expanding, exploding, destroying and creating. Life is not a constant, it can be chaotic. But change, although sometimes stressful or even frightening, is also dynamic, creative and liberating. We all benefit when we live in balance.

I love speaking and doing standup. I’ve performed in front of audiences of thousands and wowed them, and groups of less than a dozen people, and done just as well. But I didn’t start out that way. I learned by trial and error. And I learned some valuable techniques that I now use in any and every public speaking situation. You can use these tips and probably save yourself some of the growing pains I experienced.

Here’s something I learned from years of performing standup in clubs, colleges, auditoriums and a federal penitentiary: Standup comedy is metaphor for life. It’s tough, thrilling, often painful, often fun, always rewarding. And in standup, as in life, there are myriad things that are completely beyond your control. You learn by trial and error, but learn to make the best choices you can under pressure. And when -- not if -- you fail, you get back up onstage as soon as possible, knowing that the process will ultimately bring you success.

Resiliency is the ability to bounce back, adapt to adversity, and roll with the punches. Resilience gives us the flexibility to restore ourselves, and our lives after difficulty, trauma, and loss, and it is a quality in high demand during these rapidly changing times.  Although there may be a genetic factor involved, resilience is not something you are either born with or not.  You can learn, build, and develop your resilience. A sense of humor, like resilience, can also be learned and developed, and it can really help you to roll with the punches.
Here are four strategies to help you build your resilience:

Optimism is capital, it’s premium metaphysical real estate, the domain of Kickass Personal Transformation. When you invest in optimism, you get back heavy returns. How you think about yourself, life, and others determines the quality of your experiences, your worldview, and your impact on the rest of humanity and nature, so why not engage in a proactively positive outlook? The process is simple, effective, and can be initiated instantly by harnessing the power of the present moment. Cultivate your “now” awareness, and begin creating thoughts and feelings of joy, love, and the certainty that good things are coming your way. The choice is yours -- you hold the key to your own happiness, so find what pocket it’s stashed in.

Fun inspires, heals, and empowers. No kidding. Fun and a sense of humor will propel you toward your goal more quickly, and give you inspiration, motivation, and a sense of well-being along the way. Remember, fun is not something you look for outside of yourself. It's something you own, embrace, and develop within as you live life in the present moment.

it's easy think that fun and happiness are things that we might wish would happen to us; things that mysteriously come from some source outside of us — but that is a mistaken belief. It is totally up to you whether you enjoy life and feel positive about yourself and your future. Take the step now, and start having fun.

Positive visualization is a powerful and effective tool which can help you to reach any goal, overcome any obstacle, and realize any dream. One very important thing to remember about positive visualization is that the more specific your vision is, the better your results. Attain a relaxed mental state, and charge up your positive emotions -- you can do this by listening to music that lifts you up, or by exercising -- anything that increases your endorphins. Endorphins, positive emotions, and a feeling of serenity will turbo-charge your visualization. Many people use photos, clippings from magazines, or images from the web to help the mind fix itself on a clear picture or symbol of what you desire to manifest.

Kickass personal transformation is a journey punctuated with laughter and an increasing ability to recognize the humor in situations and relationships. Transformation, recovery, and healing are turbo-charged when you step outside yourself and embrace a sense of playfulness and joyful discovery. When you relax and take it easy, living life in the present moment, the beauty of life springs up to meet you on your path.

On the journey to kickass personal transformation, every positive action develops confidence. Visualizing, planning, and discussing goals and dreams are part of your process  -- but action builds confidence in yourself and your ultimate goal. So allow yourself to realize that each small step is significant if it is followed by another small step. Often, the big leaps don't present themselves until you've done ten thousand small steps. That's okay! The key is to allow yourself to recognize each small accomplishment and celebrate it as you follow the path to success.