Seize Every Sunrise

It's New Year's resolution time! For many, it brings joy to set goals (losing weight, saving more money, etc.) and the feeling of pursuing it, however, for others it becomes a challenge to even get started knowing that less than 8% of people succeed in keeping them. With a 92% fail rate, why would we even set one to begin with?

Instead of viewing January 1st as a day when you need a New Year's resolution ready when asked, choose to make each day a reason to make a change.?

During my time in service, I would look forward to the sunrise as the start of a new day, new beginnings, warm sun after the cold nights, and thoughts that "I just need to make it to the next sunrise" during tough situations. Each sunrise is a fresh invitation to renew our perspective and embrace life’s challenges with purpose and resilience.

Here are four crucial areas to focus on as you tackle life’s challenges one sunrise at a time:

1. Reassess Relationships

Our relationships play a significant role in shaping our experiences and well-being. Take time each day to reflect on the connections in your life.? One day it might be going great, and the next it may be time to lessen their influence and decision making in your life.

? Evaluate Healthy Dynamics: Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and support you.? Think of it like a NASCAR pit crew; do you really want the right rear tire changer to be slow, non-responsive and always complaining about changing your tire?? Seek to have people in your life that give you energy, hold you accountable and can allow you to be the best version of yourself.

? Set Boundaries: Protect your energy by establishing boundaries with individuals who drain or negatively impact your growth.? These can also be “positive” in the eyes of others, but inside they could be draining you.? Coaching a team, serving at a non-profit, and other great causes can be good, until they are sapping more energy from you than you are able to give.?

Life’s challenges are easier to navigate when you’re supported by a strong, positive network.

2. Invest in Yourself

To tackle life’s obstacles effectively, you need to be at your best. Investing in yourself ensures you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

? Physical Health: Prioritize exercise, nutrition, and rest to maintain your energy and focus.? Consider joining a community like Team Red, White & Blue with local chapters across the country designed for both veterans and non-veterans to connect through fitness and wellness. They also encourage everyone to set a BFG...Big Fitness Goal, which is a publicly declared goal that requires significant training and commitment to achieve within the calendar year.

? Mental Growth: Read, learn, and engage in activities that challenge and expand your thinking. Turn your commute into an opportunity to listen to an audio book or informational podcast.? ?

? Emotional Well-being: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to manage stress and cultivate inner peace.? Consider therapy to further improve your mental agility and to heal from past experiences that might be holding you up. VA Mental Health offers free mental health services to all servicemembers, regardless of time in service or previous history.

By dedicating time to your personal development, you empower yourself to rise stronger with each new sunrise.

3. Serve Others

Helping others can provide perspective and a sense of purpose. When you make serving others a priority, it not only benefits them but also enriches your own life.? Serving comes in all shapes and sizes and differs by each individual.? Find the cause and the purpose that you feel passionate about and get involved.

? Be Present: Join a small group, book club, group fitness gym, and show up!? Being around others allows the opportunity to serve and be served at the same time.?

? Engage in Your Community: Volunteer for causes that resonate with your values.? Organizations like Patrol Base Abbate aims to serve veterans of all branches and have several clubs ranging from fitness to fishing, that you can join for free.

Serving others reminds us that we are part of something greater and helps us build resilience through connection.

4. Embrace Change

Change is an inevitable part of life, and our ability to adapt determines how well we navigate challenges.

? Let Go of Resistance: Accept that change is natural and often necessary for growth. Mike Tyson's famous quote: "everyone has a plan, till they get punched in the mouth" resonates with the thought that change will happen, whether you like it or not.

? Stay Curious: Approach new situations with curiosity and a willingness to learn.? Instead of fearing the unknown, view change as an opportunity to grow, improve, and start anew. Change your response to a new situation from "that's not how we normally do it....." to "great, show me how it works."

By embracing change, you can transform uncertainty into opportunity and setbacks into steppingstones.

Each sunrise marks a new chapter in your story. By reassessing relationships, investing in yourself, serving others, and embracing change, you can meet life’s challenges with strength and purpose. Take each day as an opportunity to grow, connect, and create a life that reflects your highest potential.