I’m a New Year’s Eve man. No doubt about it, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. What can you say about New Years Eve that isn’t positive? Christmas is a wonderful holiday, but not everyone celebrates Christmas. The same could be said for Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, Hanukah, Festivus, and many more. All wonderful days for those who celebrate… but not holidays for everyone.
Then there’s New Years Eve. I’ve always called it, “The Can’t Miss Holiday.” That’s because there are only two scenarios that can present themselves on this holiday:
- Scenario #1. The present year has not been a good year. Perhaps the year has been difficult professionally, or personally. The New Year symbolically signals it’s over; it’s behind you; it’s done. Remember 2009? I don’t remember a whole lot of businesses that were flourishing. I, for one, could not wait to have that long, long year to come to an end. Eventually it did. Somehow, moving to another year presented a clean start. It provided a psychological boost.
- Scenario #2. The present year has been a good year. Perhaps the year has been a successful year professionally, or personally. The New Year may symbolically signal it’s over, but why would that be disappointing? Most people I know who are coming off a strong year can’t wait to get at the next one!
Want to make some New Year’s resolutions? Good for you, and even better if you set goals you have a realistic opportunity to meet. How you celebrate New Years Eve is up to you. Drink, think, dine, wine, or sleep the night away; it’s irrelevant to me. My wish for you is this: Regardless of the year you are wrapping up, learn from it. Was it a great year? Ask yourself why, and commit yourself to not just repeating it, but improving upon it. Was it a difficult year? Ask yourself why, and commit yourself to problem solving your way to a solution that makes sense.
For some, it’s just another day on the calendar, but for people like me, it’s far more. It’s a clean slate for a new year; a year full of possibilities. It’s a chance to reflect on what’s worked and what hasn’t. It’s inclusive and it provides an important moment for us all to simply stop and think. Enjoy the opportunity to make 2018 your best year yet! Happy New Year!
Rob- terrific, positive, forward looking blarticle!! A very Happy New Year to you. Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year! Michael
Why thank you! For those of us, “half-full folks,” New Years is an amazing night. But I like what comes next, and that’s working to implement those promises made. Happy New Year to you Michael, and thank you so much for posting!
Rob, like you, I also think that New Year’s is always a great beginning, hopefully a celebration of the past year, and a special time for deep reflection and visioning. When I look back and assess the year behind and prepare for the years ahead, I focus on three key themes before I begin my process of visioning my 3 month, 12 month, 3 year and 5 year goals… my family, my business and my passions. However, my starting place is always getting a gage on the balance of how I wanted to spend my time and how I actually spent my time—“Life Balance”. Studies show the average American spends 32.4% sleeping, 24.27% in front of a screen, 32.04% working, 9.7% doing chores and less than 2% with family, friends, making memories and getting to those amazing fulfilling moments that will someday define one’s legacy. Steve Covey asks the question, “What if you lived your life by your compass and not your watch”? This year, as I set my goals, I will start with a vision of how to divide my time. I will keep my focus on my noble vision while building in my family and friends. Most people genuinely believe they will do meaningful and significant things–in the future! In reality, when given the choice, most will put the serious stuff off and let other stuff get in the way. As John Fogerty says in his song…”Someday never comes”. Rob, as an Iron Man who has risen to the top of his field and has made a life out of challenging himself everyday, you know what I mean. For myself and the rest of us, let’s except the challenge to think BIG on our 2018 goals and do move quickly towards the things that hard. Happy New Year to you and all!
Ah, my cousin Brian has made himself known to BLArticle® nation! At one point in my life I was blessed to be one of 36 cousins with the name Jolles. If there was ever a rival to my positivity, it’s this man. Please note, regarding his process, vision, balance, goal setting, and zest for life, he means everything he says! Your words are beautiful, and your friendship means the world to me. Let’s do what we do Brian; enjoy our New Year’s Eve, and attack the year ahead! Thanks for posting Brian.
After reading Brian, above, I checked my vitals. Yes, there are some unusual potentials ahead, thanks to you, Rob. I’m grateful for the many unmerited gifts showered upon us, such as a spouse of 57 years and two fabulous daughters, wonderful son-in-law, and two great grandchildren in their 20’s. Other than that….Hello?
You think you need to check your vitals when you read Brian, try sitting in the same room with him. With Brian on one side, and me on the other, let’s just say it’s a loud room! Congratulations on your wonderful marriage, and family. That speaks volumes as to who you are. Here’s to 2018 Jerry where I believe there may be a new addition to the family. I’ll let you tell the world when you’re ready! Thank for posting my friend.
thanks Rob — all so true… i myself am looking forward to putting 2017 behind me and onto 2018! i saw a quote somewhere that was fun – “if you are a glass half empty person, then put it in a shot glass and get over it!! happy & healthy new year to you and the family…
Thanks for the positive, forward thinking memento! Yes, say “Goodbye” to 2017, and show “Welcome” to 2018! I have a mixed reflection of the past year, and one of things I’m most grateful is the wisdom I gained from Rob’s BLArticle®. Happy New Year!
Aaaaaah! There’s too much light in the room! Too much!
I’ll have my 2017 neat, please.
Here’s to Auld Lang Syne and many thanks for the inspiring words, Jolles cousins.
Rob,
Great reminder to reflect on the year behind us – and then look forward to unwrapping the gift of 2018 one precious day at a time. Happy New Year My Friend!
JV