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 Day 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 Day. I’ve always called it, “The Can’t Miss Holiday.” That’s because, even in years like these, there are only two scenarios that can present themselves on this holiday:
- Scenario #1. The present year has not been a good year. For many, this past year has been difficult professionally, and/or personally. The New Year symbolically signals it’s over; it’s behind you; it’s done. Remember 2009? Remember the pandemic? I don’t remember a whole lot of businesses that were flourishing. I, for one, could not wait to have those particular long, long years to come to an end. Eventually they 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! Before you throw your arms in the air and mutter, “Who had a strong year this year?” remember it has been a good year for some.
Are you planning on making 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 wrapped up, learn from it. What parts of this past year we’re positive? Ask yourself why, and commit yourself to not just repeating it, but improving upon it. It’s been a difficult year for many, including me, but push past the obvious. If you could live this year again, ask yourself what you would have done differently, and commit yourself to learning from it.
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 the positive ways you coped with a tough year, and the things you might have done better. It’s inclusive and it provides an important moment for us all to simply stop and think. Enjoy the opportunity to make 2026 your best year yet. Happy New Year!
My new podcast, The Presentation Whisperer Show, is up, running and just cleared the first 25 episode bar!
You’ll hear candid conversations with top professional speakers, seasoned trainers, and authors finding their voice. We’ll be uncovering the secrets behind powerful delivery and go beyond the surface to reveal what really makes a presentation resonate. Whether you’re a keynote speaker, a trainer, or simply someone with a message to share, you’ll walk away with practical tools and inspiring ideas to elevate your delivery. Give it a try! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-presentation-whisperer-show/id1844512932
Because every presentation matters.
To all fans of The Blarticle®
After sixteen years and over 500 posts, I’ve gathered some of my very best into a new book: It’s a Blarticle®! 45 Quick, Powerful Lessons in Persuasion, Performance & Personal Growth.
You can find it now at all major online retailers, including Amazon, in both paperback and eBook formats…
…but since you’ve made it this far, I’ll take that as proof you’re a true Blarticle® fan! I’d like to thank you with a free copy of the eBook. Grab yours here: https://jolles-associates.kit.com/ebook
I hope you enjoy it, and as always, I hope you and can take something from it.
Stop Winging It. Start Winning It.
Whether you’re on stage or in the sales seat, there’s a smarter way to show up.
From keynotes that land, to sales tactics that stick, I coach my clients to perform like pros!
If you’re serious about raising your game, let’s talk.
If you follow me on LinkedIn, and I sure hope you do, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jolles-8a459b12/ I started a newsletter about a year ago! It’s called, “When Every Word Matters,” a biweekly dose of tips, tactics, and techniques to boost your communication game! If you aren’t connected with me on LinkedIn, reach out! https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jolles
Want to listen to this BLArticle® read by the author? Tune in to “Pocket Sized Pep Talks” and you’ll hear a collection of BLArticles® and interviews updated often! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pocket-sized-pep-talks/id1497772972