Happy New Year!

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day has evolved into one of my favorite. It is fun to witness how people prepare and react to the changing of the calendar.

There are those who are racing around, try to complete the goals they set many months ago before the turn of the clock. There is usually energy, enthusiasm and excitement about them as they move, ever closer to completion. There are also those, so fully satisfied in the year that they are able to relax with family and friends in the reflective merriment of past achievement and discuss, with wild anticipation, what is to come.

Then there are those who dip a little into both camps. They have begun to remember how far they have traveled in the last twelve months. There is pride in the realization that there has been growth, a sense of better living. Yet, there is a nagging sensation of some work left undone, some challenge unmet. If unchecked, this lack of contentment can creep into the warmth of familial celebration and chill the dawning of a new year. Deferred objectives often become resolutions. Resolutions often have a short life, the vast majority melting away by early spring. These people can take solace in the fact that we do not need the calendar to spur us into action. We have the ability to focus on achieving important goals anytime we wish.

Still, there is a vibe that fills the air this time of year, when it seems everyone is focused on self-improvement and well wishes toward each other. Embrace this global commemoration with the knowledge that there is much good that each of us has done. The experiences of the past year make each of us stronger and better able to meet new challenges, whether they are self imposed or thrust before us. Replace anxiety with anticipation, complexity with simplicity, and confusion with clarity by setting a few goals that help propel you closer to the person you endeavor to become. The world has given you permission to clean the slate and begin anew. Take advantage of it and have a very Happy New Year.