When I was in High School I had one goal, one consistent goal that I carried with me all four years. I wanted to be accepted into Duke University. Now, that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s been following me for a while. I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned my fandom for Duke sports many, MANY times in the blogs and tweets, and I know I dropped in some hints in the old WTH comics back in the day.

Still, that was my goal. Even more than a goal it was a motivation. The odds were against me, especially after I had to move out of North Carolina. Regardless, I stuck to it and worked hard and tried to do anything I could. I took my AP courses, took the SAT and ACT multiple times, did as many after school activities as I was able to fit in, and even did some charity and community work when I was able. Nearing the end of my Senior year of school I was a borderline applicant. I had the grades and scores and resume to make it but I was not a shoe-in. Not by a long shot. Still, a lot of my teachers and friends thought I’d make it in – and I wanted to so desperately!

I still remember how heartbreaking it was when I didn’t.

My world shattered. I felt absolutely lost and void of hope. I had ONE goal for the past four years and I thought all my extra work was going to be enough to push me over that hill… but I fell short. I failed. And even worse, now I was just lost and adrift in the final semester of High School and just months away from being cast out into the wilds for the first time. It was the worst feeling ever.

… before I go any further I want to emphasis that you don’t need to feel bad for me. I still went to college, met all my best friends there, and am happy with my life so there’s no need to worry. It’s all good!

But, if it’s all good, why did I bring this story up?

Well, I brought it up because I was having a conversation with Brian the other night and realized that failing to get into Duke made me abandon the simple but necessary act of setting goals and striving for them.

I tried to think of any goal I’d ever had after that, and I couldn’t. I’m fairly certain that missing out on Duke actually made me afraid to work on a new goal because I never wanted to experience that type of failure again. Understandable but not very courageous.

Well, it’s time to change!

It’s time for me to grit my teeth, roll up my sleeves, and get to work. I could coast through the rest of my life like driftwood on the waves, but WHY? Why should I? Because I’m scared of failing again? Not anymore!

This year, 2012 is the year Joshua Jericho blazes his own trail. After a few weeks to think about where I am and what I’m doing and what I want out of life and what I want to do I know now that I have to set a goal this year and accomplish it. I have to prove to myself that I can do it!

So, what’s the goal?

Well, that’s the trick and where I had to spend a lot of time thinking it out. See, I want a goal that has a timeline of THIS YEAR, and is achievable but is not easy and will require some work. In short, I need something that I can achieve this year, but that I have to work to get so that it really means something!

So, after careful consideration I have selected my goal. This year I will publish a book!

This is something that I can achieve this year but will require work. First off, I’m going to need more comics to help fill the book. I’m going to need to plan and prepare and design the book. I’m going to need to fund the book (which means I can’t buy as many video games this year. *twitch*) and I’m going to need to find a publisher and a place to store the books when they arrive. There’s a ton of other stuff in there too, but needless to say it’s plenty of work to do.

BUT… it’s a goal I can accomplish if I put in the work.

Now, I’m not telling this to you guys cause I’m going to have a pre-order next week. Not even close! No way! Don’t fret! This is super, SUPER early planning day one almost. I’m not asking for or offering anything. All I’m doing is letting you all know (and putting into a very public writing) that I have a goal this year and I’m going to make it happen! This is my first motivational step! This is where it starts!

So, now it’s in the open. In my mind I have until December 31st of this year to get a self-published book in my hands. That’s the goal, and you better believe that this time I’m not going to fail! It’s going to happen!

So, with that said, check here for more updates throughout the year and I’ll let you know how things are progressing. Oh, and also for more comics.

Later dayz!

Wanted to give everyone a heads up that Friday’s comic will be late. I’m trying a new program to work on the art and was having some technical difficulties adjusting to it. I won’t be able to finish the comic tonight, and will have to put it on hold until after my day job. Hopefully I can get it up soon after that. Sorry everyone.