2020 Vision

January is the start of a New Year. This year we not only begin a new year but a new decade as well. As I reflect on the year that just ended and look forward to the coming year I am thankful for the blessings I have received and I plan to work hard to make 2020 a great year for me, my family, and my business.
Since 2020 is not only the year but the term for perfect vision I can’t help but think in terms of what is my vision for the New Year. My vision for the New Year includes spending more time with my family. Children and grandchildren seem to grow up in the twinkling of an eye and before you know it, they turn into adults. Taking time to spend with the people you love is an investment that you will never regret. I plan to spend time reading and studying. I am building a library in my new home and hope to make the time to study the scriptures and finish the books I have started and the ones I have been meaning to read. Developing your mind is an investment in your self and your future. I will continue my five-mile walks that I began in 2019 and add some more physical training to stay in shape. I find that I am not as young as I used to be and must work harder to stay in shape. My business goals include writing and implementing systems for various aspects of my business and doing more teaching and consulting. Having goals helps to keep us focused and helps keep us on track. Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you mind end up someplace else.” I am not a fan of resolutions. They tend to be fleeting and short lived. I prefer to set goals, make plans, and work the plans. Will I accomplish everything I set out to do? Certainly not! My wife once told me that my problem was that I make myself a list that ten men couldn’t possibly accomplish and then get upset with myself for not getting it all done. However, by setting the goals and making the list I will get far more done than if I just aimlessly flit from one thing to another. (Which is my natural tendency to do.)
So, what are your goals for 2020? Is there something that you have always wanted to do but didn’t think you could? Why not give it a shot? One of my favorite quotes is by Theodore Roosevelt. It goes like this. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Don’t be a cold and timid soul. Have a great 2020!