New Year’s Resolutions

At the start of each New Year, we all have intentions to commit to an initiative that makes us “better” – in some way, shape or form – public knowledge or not.

It’s also no secret that we often fail — at times, miserably — only to start the next “New Year” with that same ambitious resolution.

The Compelling Event

Fortunately, we are all human and have the opportunity to experience compelling events that intrinsically motivate us to define a resolution and, most importantly, commit to seeing it through.

• Doctor’s orders.
• A child and/or new responsibility at home.
• Promotion and/or additional responsibility at work.

Extrinsic motivation, however, we all must admit, helps a great deal – but only temporarily.

My Compelling Event

The compelling event that motivated me to define my New Year’s Resolution for 2013 happened while talking business.

This event was in the form of a question from a (near) complete stranger and he asked, “What is a passion of yours that would not appear on your résumé, even under Extracurricular Activities?”

I was so entrenched into “business/technology/solve problems” mode that I neglected to understand what the person was really trying to ask me.

I responded only by fumbling through what my interests were beyond things like technology, health, fitness and productivity, etc. and, eventually came to my senses by responding with two simple words, “my family.”

The discussion carried on for a little while longer and it wasn’t until about two hours later that I reflected on the discussion, looked back in disappointment at my lengthy/unconvincing response and, even more so, my hesitation prior to the real passion outside of extracurricular activities.

With that said, my New Year’s Resolution for 2013 is to “Never forget what matters the most – My Family.”

The Whole You

Those around us, important enough to influence our well-being – family, friends, co-workers, customers and complete strangers – care about us as a “whole.”

As long as we, ourselves, know what makes us “whole,” it’s easy for us to communicate what our passions are and even easier for others to realize what makes us all “better.”

Prior to making your obtainable New Years Resolution(s) for 2013, ask yourself what matters most to you and make sure to keep it top of mind – even when a query presents itself at the most inexplicable time.