Wishing you and your family a very happy new year. Goodbye 2015 hello 2016. Start the year off right and continue it through the entire year. Choose one New Year's resolution that you can commit to for 365 days. Then wait and watch the outcome that it makes by sticking to it. After all, it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others.

When you make a mess, clean up after yourself. Take time to create an environment that you can win in. Remove clutter and have it be a goal to only touch things once or twice at the most. The best way to remove clutter is to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you are proactive versus reactive and you can organize your space and set some specific rituals or daily activities to make sure that your physical space and digital space don't get too cluttered. It will add peace of mind to your life and help you live your life and potential to its fullest. Plus it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others.

Do you live in the past or do you live in the future? Or maybe just the present. I encourage you to live in the present, think of the future, and remember the past. Just make sure you don't live in the past. Pay attention to what's going on around you in the current and present state, but make sure you know we are going in the distant future far enough out to guide your path. By living with the end in mind, it will help you as you cross paths and have forks in the road to make sure that you choose the best option and direction to end up where you want to be. Plus, it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others.

One thing I have learned is that you need to take some time off to get some mental and physical rest away from your work. It does help you regain focus and improve your energy once you return to work. So schedule some time throughout the year and especially around Christmas and the New Year. Enjoying time on other projects, family time, or just laughing with friends...is a great way to refocus your mind on something other than your work. So take some time away for yourself, and reap the benefits of this scheduled activity. After all, it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21

Sometimes in life things are just about timing. Not too early...not too late, but right on time. As you look back on your life were there are times you should have said or done something sooner or maybe later? And as you reflect on those times, doing or saying something right on time would've had a better impact, correct? Well moving forward, plan to say and do things right on time for the remainder of your life. Work to the best you can and see how that will change the course and the relationships in your life. After all, it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others.

Luke 2:1-20New International Version (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehemthe town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Footnotes:

1. Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

What family traditions does your family have? Passing on or creating your own family traditions builds family bonding time and commonality. Plus it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others. Merry Christmas and enjoy your family traditions.

Make sure you own your part in any situation. In any relationship whether it's a work relationship, friendship relationship, intimate relationship, or a marriage relationship... you have to own your half of the relationship. Any issues in any relationship can't all be one sided. So don't make excuses. Own your part. And make a difference every day by owning your piece. After all, it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others.

When you procrastinate and other people are involved in what you need done that you procrastinated on, it adds unnecessary stress and pressure to others around you. This ends up looking unfavorable on you for your lack of planning skills. Make sure that you understand how this can impact you at your work, in your relationships, and with family and friends. So watch procrastination and plan ahead. It's well worth it. After all, it's the right thing to do and it models the way for others.