Top 10 Lessons to Carry Into the New Year
Which of these ideas resonates the most? Could any of them serve as the foundation for your New Year’s resolutions?
I began writing "Five 4 Friday" at the end of February, and since then, I've been extremely consistent in sharing words of wisdom every week. I'm not even sure if I've missed a single week! It started with writing and posting everything to LinkedIn articles, but over time, it evolved into setting up this Substack as a better way to archive the posts and because Substack has easy-to-use email distribution functionality built in. I've never charged a dime for it and never plan to, so if you're on the fence about subscribing because you don't want to pay, don't worry—it's free!
With the end of the year approaching, I think it's time for a "top 10" type post. Looking back on some of the major subjects and themes that have been foundational to my life, I've compiled ten powerful ideas that I live by. As you're thinking about New Year's resolutions—because everyone makes them and most don't stick—let me offer you some ideas that you might be able to get to stick.
But before we dive in, let me do something I'm really bad at: ask for your help. Despite my meager efforts, this blog has grown in subscribers, and it feels like every week at least one of you reaches out to tell me how a post was useful to you. Please share this article with someone you know who you think would find it useful. Help get the word out that there are places posting positive life advice and stories. Sure, this content is probably more interesting to people who know me, but I try to write it in such a way to generalize and be available to a wider audience. Certainly, you must know at least one person who would benefit from at least one of these ideas I'm about to share?
So here are ten powerful ideas that I live my life by, condensed into easy-to-consume articles, in no specific order. Enjoy!
1. Starting with Why
Unveiling the Power of Starting with Why
Understanding your “why” is the first step to building a life with purpose. This post explores how to define it and use it as your guiding principle.
2. Mastering SMART Goals
Understanding Bias & Building Empathy
A deep dive into setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Success starts with clarity.
3. Understanding Bias
Building Empathy Through Self-Awareness
Explore the biases that shape your worldview and how understanding them can foster empathy and better decision-making.
4. Living by the 1% Rule
Coming Soon
Small daily improvements lead to massive transformations over time. This is a strategy for incremental growth.
5. Turning Problems Into Opportunities
Turning Problems Into Opportunities
Learn how to shift your mindset and turn obstacles into stepping stones.
6. Navigating Tough Conversations
A Roadmap to Better Communication
Strategies to handle difficult discussions with grace, honesty, and respect.
7. It’s Not About How Smart You Are, But How Hard You’re Willing to Work
The Value of Effort
Success is driven by resilience and grit, not just intelligence.
8. Embracing Failure
A Recipe for Growth
Failure is inevitable—but it’s also a powerful teacher. Here’s how to use it to fuel personal growth.
9. The Power and Pitfalls of Incentives
What Motivates Us?
Understand how incentives shape behavior, both positively and negatively.
10. The Power of Next Steps
A Key to Progress
Every journey is made up of small steps. Learn how to identify and act on your next one.
And ending on next steps—what are your next steps? Selfishly, I want to know: who can you share these lessons with? Do any of them make sense to make a concerted effort to weave into your "New You" for New Year's?
Leave a comment below and share what else you would like me to cover. Also, going back and digging up these "oldies but goodies," I noticed that video used to be a pillar aspect of these posts that I no longer do. Does anyone prefer that format, or are you just fine with reading? Let me know in the comments.
And with that, have a wonderful weekend!