What a Terrible Idea. Why Did You Let Us Do That?

Happy 2020. I hope you were able to enjoy your break, and you were able to recharge and rejuvenate your spirit to tackle this new work year with some vigor and fire.

I absolutely love new beginnings, and I am very excited about all the potential that this new year has to offer all of you. Have you created your list of resolutions? Or a list of Intentions? According to a survey conducted in December 2019, nearly 3 in 10 (28%) Americans said that they plan to make New Year’s resolutions for 2020. Among those who are making New Year’s resolutions, the most common ones are exercising more (50%), saving money (49%), eating more healthily (43%), and losing weight (37%). The study also indicated that Millennials are among the most likely to make resolutions, with 39% of this group having plans to do so. In contrast, 29% of Gen X’ers and 19% of Baby Boomers say the same.

Depending on how you look at it, this can be hopeful or disparaging. But, for almost a quarter of those asked, 2020 will be all about improving their relationships. 24% of those asked resolved to improve relations/spend more time with their family. At the same time, 24% have decided to strengthen their relationship with their partners. Interestingly, one in five said their 2020 resolution is to make more friends (19%). A similar number (18%) are resolving to spend more time volunteering in their community.

We get the opportunity to form new thoughts, discover hidden aspirations, find different growth potential, mixed in with a myriad of possibilities. We have a whole new year, an entire decade to find new experiences in our work lives and our personal lives. As we navigate through 2020, I would encourage you to listen to your intuition and follow your compass. Let out the whole you, the real you this year. Forget New Year, New You thinking. You don’t need a “new you.” The actual you is incredible, beautiful, and talented — Carpe diem. As I get off my proverbial “Soapbox,” I thought I would share this last thought. I have been reading Tim Farris’ book Tribe of Mentors, and Naval Ravikant relays the following when asked. “What advice would you give to someone starting in this world, and what should they avoid.”

Naval writes, “Happiness is a choice you make and a skill you develop.” Everything takes time. Ignore complainers, angry people, and high-conflict people. Do everything with less angst, less suffering, less emotion. Don’t do things that you know are morally wrong. Not because someone is watching, but because you are. Self-esteem is just the reputation that you have with yourself. You’ll always know. Ignore the unfairness—there is no “Fair.” Play the hand that you’re dealt with to the best of your ability. People are highly consistent, so you will eventually get what you deserve, and so will they.”

Have fun, and here’s to an incredible year.