A friend of mine shared thoughts recently that to build courage in others, we should be more focused on encouragement.  It was the right message at the right time for me.  Instead of New Year’s Resolutions, I theme my years (and I’ve been doing it since 2003), and focus on improving my life in a key area for the whole year.

I’d been struggling with what to have as my focus for 2018, too much on my mind and the thoughts running through my head, “Does anyone really need my help? What do I have to offer?”

And then I’m reminded that each of us has unique talents and gifts.  My strengths include organization and communication – and I love sharing what I’ve learned with you.  I know it’s helpful to be reminded what you do well and get tips for making improvements.

Here is what I’d like you to remember as we begin this new year, full of possibilities:

1.  Speak your mind with confidence and own your ideas.  You are awesome and the world needs you.
2. A kind word goes a long way.  I struggle to meet new people, so what I usually do is compliment someone as an opening.  It works every time and I’ve had great conversations and made new friends with this simple plan.
3. Spend time on things you enjoy.
4. Invest in relationships. Never let a task to be done overshadow a person to be loved. In the end, you’ll be thankful for the friends and family you have.
5. Volunteer for a cause you believe in.  Being a volunteer reminds you what really matters, helps you meet others with similar interests and strengthens you community.
6. Get enough sleep.
7. Make progress every day.  You may not have enough time to do everything, but you have enough time to do something.  Small progress daily results in big accomplishments over time.
8. Listen more than you talk.  There are a lot of people who have really good ideas.  See what you can discover by listening to others more.
9. Spend more time outside. 
10. Stay motivated. Not everything will be easy, keep focused and push through the difficult times.  Every success builds your confidence.
11. Be braver than ever before. Your year, your life, start now.  Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
12. Drink enough water.
13. Think like a risk-taker.  Instead of thinking how it can’t be done, focus on what can be done.  Think like a risk-taker until you act like a risk-taker.
14. Learn. Take time to read the directions, attend programs that will help you grow and surround yourself with people who build you up.
15. Exercise daily.
16. Believe this is going to work.  I had to make a bunch of cold calls recently.  Instead of thinking “don’t pick up” for each call, I thought as I was dialing “pump it up, this is going to be awesome” as I geared up for the call. And guess what, each call was awesome because I was ready for it.
17. Take time to rest and recharge.
18. Realize your significant impact. You matter. You make a difference. You are valuable. Share yourself with others.