On a personal level, my goal is to try to leave each year a better person then when I entered it. With the end of the year only days away, I will attempt to measure my success at being a better human in 2018 by answering some basic questions:
Am I a better husband?
Am I a better father?
Am I a better son and brother and grandson?
Am I a better advisor to my clients and boss to my employee?
And so on…
Before January, I will answer each of these questions as honestly as I can. Was I respectful, loving, caring, patient, understanding, helpful and genuine? I will try to gain a sense of my progress (or lack there of) by recognizing my actions and acknowledging my behavior towards the people that matter the most to me.
I find this to be an extremely valuable exercise as it helps me plan for the year ahead in a way that supersedes most metrics. My thinking is that if I can improve myself, I will also improve just about everything else around me, from my business to my personal balance sheet. Self-improvement transcends to all aspects of my life and to everyone in it. It’s a barometer for growth.
Next year will be laden with new financial, economic, political and personal challenges, but I’m excited to work through all of them so I can be a better version of myself. I write this knowing that I am far from perfect. Like most people, I have my own issues. However, by continually moving the ball forward and being better to those around me, I will continue winning in life. That’s the goal.
Now, for a few shout outs and expressions of gratitude. First, to Heather for every reason you can imagine. This woman runs laps around everyone. She’s my superpower and everything. To my clients who inspire me everyday to work hard and dream big. I’m honored to be in the trenches with you. To Marie for being an outstanding operator and person. To my friends, both old and new, for letting me be me and including me in your world.
Lastly, to my colleagues in real life and on the internets. You’ve cured me of my professional loneliness and things will never be the same in the best way imaginable. I have found a part of myself in our community. Thanks to all of you who’ve included me in your content, visited me in the city for coffee, called me on the phone to say hello, engaged with me online and continue to inspire me to be the best advisor I can be. You all know who you are and, besides, our interactions are plastered all over the web.
Happy Holidays, everyone. You’ve been real 2018.