It’s hard to believe that it is already 2015.  And like any other New Year, it is that time to reflect lightly on the past and heavily on the future. The New Year is a chance to start anew.  Focus on goals that have been missed, strive to hit new levels of success or simply do the fun things that never seemed to make the ‘to do” list last year.

Setting a New Year’s resolution is one way to declare it is time for the change to begin.  The most common resolutions as reported by US.Gov.com include 4 common themes.

1. Health and fitness are the number 1 priority.  This includes things like losing weight, getting fit, eating healthy, quitting smoking and reducing stress.  It is said that without health you cannot be successful in any other aspect of life.  For example, you can’t do your job if you are feeling poorly. You can’t enjoy your family and friends if you are always down or sick.  And you certainly can’t embrace life if it is passing you by.  For those reasons, I would have to agree that getting healthy and staying healthy are the best place to start this calendar year.
2. Wealth is often the 2nd priority.  As an entrepreneur and business founder of Creative Choice Group, I can certainly attest to being focused on financial stability.  With employees around the world, including the US, Caribbean and India, there is a great deal of pressure to employ and maintain jobs for hundreds of people.  Having financial stability both personally and professionally requires a disciplined approach to investing, saving and managing money.  One of the best rules of thumbs is to manage your debt wisely, be aware of where you money is going (and coming from) and take calculated risks with investments.
3. Have more fun is next on the list.  Of course fun is defined by the individual but for most, it means finding a better balance between the conflicting priorities in their life.  Whether it is traveling the world, spending more time with the family or just making time for yourself, personal satisfaction and enjoyment are important components to a complete self. I have often mentioned the benefits of Yoga and personally use these teachings and technique to help create a better balance in my life, thoughts and spiritual awareness.
4. Do good for others is the final theme.  The report shows that many people add volunteering to their goals in 2015, as well as being more environmentally conscious.  Our children are growing up in a world that is more aware of the benefits of recycling and renewable sources of energy.  Additionally, Millennium babies are more socially aware and feel a responsibility to help others.  I see this community spirit every day with our Etech teams who are continually organizing walk-a-thons, food drives and  other charitable events to give back to the communities we serve.  The age old saying is that it is better to give than receive.  And in this case, I would have to agree. The feeling one gets when doing something selfless for others is truly priceless.

So as we turn the corner on a new chapter of our lives in 2015, remember to make yourself a priority, manage your money wisely, take time to smell the roses and try to pay it forward.  With these small gestures we can all help make the New Year one to remember.