2017 - A year to be creative and succeed!

As we welcome in the new year of 2017 AD the word creative seems to be something I have come to understand more and has a relevance to this year.

The word itself refers to being related to or involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something. "change unleashes people's creative energy"

We are constantly hearing through the media and our social circles, that 2016 was a hard and brutal year, and to some, it may have been, but I feel this is only an impression we have had resulting in the political changes that have taken place as well as the regular departures of some of our great entertainment icons. The Earth, however, has not changed so dramatically in itself, it's just that we humans seem to be more controlled by what the media portrays and with us being much closer to media by way of our need for faster and more updated devices, we are more controlled by what media outlets broadcast. Sure there have been more examples of terrorism that has made us more fearful and insular, but on the other hand, we have managed as a race to keep steady in our resolve to make the best of what we are and keep positive. History shows that there will never be complete peace on earth, and so long as there is a division between races, countries (territorial issues), as well as political and religious differences we will always have people trying to make their point through dramatic methods.

It is important therefore I feel to keep steadfast in our own opinions and keep ourselves unique in whatever way we can, and not to bend to the popular thought of the day if we don't believe it.

My initial subject is, therefore, important I feel, and to be creative in 2017 is the way to overcome many of the issues that may arise through being totally reliant on your employer.

Being creative keeps the brain healthy through exercise, it will also allow us to "think outside of the square" and make new roads in the industries we are within. Don't be afraid to think new, and challenge the old ways, if it means we have to leave our secure positions to develop more, then just do it! after all, most of the companies we admire were formed by people with a genuine belief in the idea they developed themselves! Your own self-belief in your own ideas will be your mainstay and will carry you through to your own success. There is, after all, nothing better to develop a strong survival instinct than to be out on your own, sailing your own ship and fighting your own battles.

My aim in 2017 is to be so much more creative with every decision I make and evaluate each opportunity in a more positive light, not to be influenced so much by the typical negative evaluation and therefore squashing a great idea as a result. This is the year of consolidation with what we have achieved so far, and use 2017 as a step ladder to achieve greater things.

Wines to the Stars will be bringing some new ideas to the table using our unique insight within both the entertainment and wine industries, and we will be developing new ideas for corporate wine projects that will involve new thinking on marketing fine wine and spirit brands as well as develop ways for you to gain independent and better insight into what you are choosing to drink or invest in. Our 20,000+ Linkedin friends will be the beneficiaries of what we come up with first, so we will look forward to your responses and feedback.

So my Linkedin friends, use 2017 well and go out into the year with a creative and positive mindset, don't be afraid to challenge the world you are in, be unique and strong in all you do and become a self-made success...and don't forget, make sure when you reward yourself with a fine wine or spirit, make sure to take time to work out your own taste profile first and not just go with the recommendations from people who do not know nor have a clue about what you enjoy most.

Cheers to the New Year!

Andrew Roper - Wines To The Stars