You will be amazing in 2018. Here's why.

It's that time of year again. BUT before you write or tackle any new goals, here are seven reasons you'll be amazing in 2018. Be sure to share this with the people you care about so they know they're amazing too.

Your strengths are powerful

Now is the perfect time to reconnect with your strengths. Knowing and developing your character strengths can have a significant impact on your quality of life as well as a positive effect on your relationships, your career and your personal growth. Take this simple free survey and 10 mins later you’ll have a report that outlines your top strengths. Research shows that when we consciously use our strengths daily we are 3x more likely to report having an excellent quality of life.

“Being confident and believing in your own self-worth is necessary to achieving your potential.” Sheryl Sandberg

You have choices

Our lives are the result of the choices we make. Pure and simple. Becoming more aware of how we make our decisions is crucial. If you find yourself in the habit of negatively reacting to people or events, next time just try to pause and think then make an informed decision on your next action.

Start by practicing saying no to things or people that feel like 'energy vampires'. I love the #notsorry method described in this unconventional TEDx Talk from anti-guru and best selling author Sarah Knight.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” Maya Angelou

You are one of a kind

Besides the physical what also makes us unique is our individual collection of experiences, abilities, thoughts, and dreams. Spend some time to reflect and get clarity on the magic that exists at the intersection of what you care about and what you’re good at. When you are clear and can operate from this intersection, life will start to flow. A way to discover this is to answer two questions:

What really pisses you off? Not the immaterial stuff like missing out on a sale or the bus being late but at a deeper level, that you really care about and that you feel needs to be changed.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Think about the qualities that were necessary for that profession. Odds are that these are things you’re naturally good at and related to your strengths.

“You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there.” Venus Williams

You can make a difference

Find your magic then pay it forward so that others can find theirs. In his popular TED talks, Simon Sinek explains that when you help others, both you and the person you provide service to get a release of oxytocin. Not only does it give you the warm fuzzies but oxytocin boosts our immune systems and enables us to be better problem solvers. So find a charity or a cause that means something to you and get involved.

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” Oprah Winfrey

What you learned in 2017 has made you stronger

Human beings are remarkable things with an infinite capacity to learn and grow. Examples of people overcoming extreme hardship who go on to thrive, are all around us. No matter where you find yourself, someone has been there before and he or she are stronger from it. You can be too. Whether you are on cloud nine or not, the fact you are reading this is a step towards finding what you are truly capable of.

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” Richard Branson

Your energy is infectious (and so is your smile)

Every day is filled with a series of energy exchanges. Make the effort to be an energy giver (vs an energy vampire) and you’ll find it not only coming back to you, but spreading to those around you. One of the best ways to feel better is to help other people to feel better first. So start every interaction with a smile and take it from there.

It's not uncommon at this time of year to feel depleted. This free 3-minute energy intelligence assessment will help you determine your energy today and areas where you're depleted.

"Ultimately it is the quantity and quality of energy we have, that allows us to BE and FEEL successful." Sean Hall

You can create your own destiny

Your life is yours and yours alone to create. Whether you choose to make it grand or humble is up to you. Comparing your vision to others is irrelevant. What is important is that it is fulfilling and meaningful for you. You will be amazing in 2018. Take these seven facts and start now.

“We are not in this world to find ourselves, we are here to create ourselves.”