December 29, 2022

So, we are coming to the end of the new year. Did we learn anything from the last? Are we still spinning our wheels? Let’s take a look. We are a full two years into a global pandemic, and we are starting to learn to live with the new reality of our lives. Can we learn from the past? We had the 1918 Flu pandemic which was caused by the H1N1 flu virus. This strand of the virus is now able to be fought off by the human immune system. While it is still deadly in the 5-10% range we have accepted this as normal and part of our lives when the weather becomes colder. Vaccinations have been developed against the flu. While this is not always 100% effective against the virus, they do help lessen the symptoms. We are hearing this about the vaccines for the COVID-19 virus but there is still hesitation for many to go out and get the shot. Why is this? Many people think that the vaccine was developed too quickly and there is not enough known about it. What are the long-term effects? This vaccine has been in use for less than two years and people are still wondering. There are those who do not trust the government and think that this is a way for them to control us. How long before we as a people decide to live with the virus and go on? This is the million-dollar question. Maybe you can answer that one.

Enough with COVID. It is time to make an assessment of last year. What were your major accomplishments? How did you improve yourself? What did you do to become the best version of yourself? What did you do to help the people you love and care about to become their best versions. How did you make the company you work for, or your business do this for the employees? Once we decide to do this, we will be making the world a better place for all. 

Now on to bigger and brighter things as we start the new year, we need to look at what we want out of it. What can we do to make this the greatest year of our lives? One place to start is to set some goals for the year. I am not looking for new year’s resolutions that you do not follow through with. I am talking about real goals. These should be both personal and professional goals. Where do you want to be next year? What is the dream you have that you have not yet made come true? How are you going to get closer to that dream?

Your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and have a set time frame for them (S.M.A.R.T.). We have all heard this before but when we make our goals, we really do it this way. Look at each of your goals and then see if they fit into the S.M.A.R.T. framework. You should also have one goal that is working for you to achieve your dream. What is your dream and how can you make it happen. Is it a vacation with your family, a new job, or starting a business? How do you get there and did you make a start to making this happen?

It is your life go and make it better for yourself and bring along those around you.