Two Questions For You

How was 2014 for you? The memories you choose to focus on will grow and stay with you. So take a minute and think back on the bright spots of 2014. What are three accomplishments that you are proud of? Write them down. Keep them visible in a place where you can look at them again easily and frequently.

For me, three accomplishments in 2014 were:

• Doing a better job finding balance in my roles as a dad, husband, and educator
• Delivering the TEDx talk 'Educating Changemakers'
• Recovering from my most painful moment in 2014

Now, let’s look forward towards 2015. The questions we ask open new worlds. So, here’s a question: “What is one habit you want to develop in 2015 that will have a big positive impact on your life?” You know what it is. Write it down! Commit to doing it each day in January. By the end of the month it will become a habit. If you already know you won’t be able to keep it up, it’s not the right habit – pick something that’s doable. If it’s going to make you less happy in the long-run (like getting less sleep or spending less time with loved ones), it’s not the right one! Tell someone who can hold you accountable for this new ritual. Ideally, encourage them to go through a similar process. (In 2015 I’m going to take a moment to appreciate every meal - that should be over 1000 extra feelings of gratitude during the year.)

This past November, my late grandfather, who was a big influence in my life, would have turned 100. I’d like to conclude with a thought that my ‘Dadu’ used to share with me. “You must not neglect to do the things you deeply desire”.

Happy New Year!