10 New Year’s Resolutions for My (and Your) 2017 Personal Growth

1. Live in the Moment

This is a daily reminder to all of us to focus on the present moment and concentrate all our thoughts, energy and actions into “getting the job done” to the very best of our abilities. This is about having the mindfulness to be emotionally, mentally and spiritually present, not just physical. Let’s face it, sometimes, all of us are “not really there” in a given moment.

We spend lots of time thinking about our future, as well as being too absorbed in our pasts when the most important concern is the present moment. On the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment, my number one strength is, “Futuristic.” Trust me, this can be both a blessing and a curse. I need to constantly remind myself of the famous Theodore Roosevelt quote:

“Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.”

Everything that we aim to accomplish comes from being present in the moment. This requires that we give our full attention, a positive attitude and our maximum effort to all that we do.

2. Be Specific About What You Want

The distillation of the best advice that I received from millionaires, executives, managers and everyday people in 2016 was this: Be very specific about what you want in life. When you are, you will get what you ask for.

For me, this meant beginning to develop a Five-Year plan in painstaking detail. No, I’m not talking about the color of the T-shirt that I’ll wear on August 21, 2019. I’m talking about the things that I want to have in my life and the things that I do not. Write these things down, be crystal-clear about your goals and how you want the journey to be in between.

We cannot possibly plan everything and I’m not suggesting that your journey will all go according to the plan you develop. It will not. But it’s still worth developing the plan and using it as your compass to guide you through to your prize at the end.

"Plans are nothing. Planning is everything!" - President Dwight Eisenhower

This is one of the most cathartic and challenging exercises I’ve ever endeavored to begin. I’m still not finished. It’s taught me a tremendous amount about my myself, in terms of the process, self-reflection and honest self-assessment that comes with such an introspective evaluation.

3. Complete Confidence

A big part of the start of this year is to learn from all that I experienced and lived through in 2016, make sense of it, keep prospering and keep moving forward. Confidence is a a state of mind. It’s part of our attitude. We can integrate confidence into our planning and approach.

Call this sanguine, call it cliché, but believe me when I tell you: 2017 will be the best year of my life. I believe this and I speak it over my life. In thought and in action, I have faith and confidence that I will achieve all of my goals. Because I am going to make it happen and I will not be denied! I encourage you to do the same.

4. Finish the Drill

For me, finishing the drill means completing the writing for my first book. I can see the finish line in sight. It’s clear. I just have to keep going and get there. I have to stay motivated and execute the tasks on my daily plan.

Whats your biggest goal? Where are you in the process and what are the current roadblocks that stand in your way?

I implore you to step up and take action for yourself, not out of duty or obligation, but out of a burning desire to find achievement and success in what you do. It’s easy to start, it’s hard to finish. Steel your mind and dedicate yourself to closing out whatever you’ve started.

5. Unwillingness to Compromise on Our Values

I think so much of establishing a values-based structure that I’m writing a book on it. Values serve as a standard for informing our decisions. Every decision that we make is born from our values structure. Values are constants that will carry us throughout our lives and keep us in check. Values are great measuring tools for our performance, decision-making and behavior. I know what my values are. Things like honesty, gratitude, respect, enthusiasm, open-mindedness and self-control.

What are yours?

Once you have chosen virtuous, ethical values that stand the test of time, do not compromise them for anyone. Always tell the truth. Live with love in your hearts. And treat others with respect. These are things that cut across any race, ethnicity and religion. They will carry you far in life.

6. Leave the Negative in the Past

2016 was a great year for me but it was also chock full of adversity. I switched careers. I struggled to adjust to a new location. I was forced to make decisions that were both uncomfortable and untimely. Work relationships that I previously established completely disappeared. I found out who my real allies were and who the pretenders were.

What I thought had worked well for me in the past suddenly changed. It was time to hit the reset button and start fresh. While all of these things were truly a blessing in the disguise of a curse, it was hard to first understand this.

There were battle wounds, emotional cuts and bruises to sort out. It’s tough being told that you’re not good enough. But it’s also the best kick in the ass you may ever receive in life. It has been for me. Even as I improved and grew last year, I still struggled with negative emotions at times. But I’ve decided to leave those things in the past and move forward this year.

I’m not saying there won’t be rainy or cloudy days, where we struggle with sickness, worry or fear. We’re human, after all. These days strike the best of us! Know that these days are simply part of the process of finding our moments in the sun. I've made the very conscious decision to leave the negative emotions from events of 2016 behind me. I’ve learned my lessons. I’m moving forward with confidence and conviction. Are you?

7. Personalize Your Approach More

This means being more empathetic, selfless and caring with people. It means being a better listener and being present with greater interest and concern for other people. It’s about building and nurturing relationships in an authentic way that excites, invigorates and inspires both myself and others.

For me, this is the continuous refinement of my niche as a writer, coach and human being. Cutting through the generic malaise of everyday life and trying to be the unique version of who I really am. I’m still on my way. I’ve had some brilliant revelations pop into my life about the type of writer I want to continue evolving into and the business professional that will add value to the lives of others.

All of this begins with a more personal, emotionally intelligent and empathetic approach. It's easy to settle for less and be mediocre. It's hard to hunger for more and live generously and boldly. It's the hard that makes it great.

8. Focus with Greater Precision and Efficiency on Time Management

I have begun this in earnest starting this week. I gave thought, off and on, during the Christmas break to the type of tools and technologies I wanted to start utilizing to make my work day more efficient. I use Microsoft Outlook as my calendar and tasks tool. But I’m also very open-minded about using Evernote (to replace OneNote) and looking into tools like Trello, Taco or others that will make me more productive.

I’m still gathering feedback and soliciting advice on this one. What works best for you? What are you using that makes you productive? I’m all ears. Share in the comments section, below!

What I do know is that I’m ambitious and driven enough to continue this quest to find tools and technologies that make me more efficient in my task completion and a better manager of my time. Seek and ye shall find.

9. Develop a Daily Inspirational Routine

See my post here for more guidance on this. I simply believe that daily inspiration enables us to operate at our peak potential. Please read the post and let me know your thoughts. A routine and a morning practice will help you establish your mental, emotional and spiritual approach for the day.

10. Regain my Swagger?—?Don’t be Afraid to Speak Up

I may call Atlanta home for now, but I’m a New York guy trapped here in the (unofficial) capital of the South. When I’m in my “New York State of Mind,” nothing can stop me. Or so I think. But I’ve convinced myself of this. This is swagger. It’s not the Old Spice body wash or deodorant. Swagger is not a little shimmy dance to celebrate a made 3-pointer in a Sacramento Kings?—?Golden State Warriors game.

Swagger is a confident?—?yet not arrogant?—?mindset that permits no excuses and only seeks the best of our potential. I’m living with more swagger. It’s paying off and it’s helping boost my game. I’m also not afraid to speak up about the things that I want. I’m not afraid to talk about what matters to me.

Are you? Don’t be. Speak up for what you want.

Declare it over your life. Don’t think you’re ready? You are. Worried about what others think? No reason to be. Be yourself and let that shine through. Then tell it to other people that you trust. That extra bit of accountability may be just enough to propel you into doing things and accomplishing goals you’ve long dreamed of.

I write this because it’s exactly the way my life is playing out. I wish you much success, happiness and fun in the year ahead. Cheers!

Live Boldly

Please be so kind as to share with others and recommend my piece if you enjoyed reading. Also, please consider following me here on Linked In! Subscribe to my newsletter by contacting me via my website and Like my Facebook writer’s page! My book, A Values-Based Approach to Living will be out in Spring 2017. I’m so grateful for all of your support as I continue to dream and live out my journey. I fully support yours. Keep Going!

More Readings:

How to Overcome Bad Fear

An Open-Mind And Positive Attitude Will Make All the Difference

The Best Decision You Will Make