Greetings and Happy New Year!

During the past month I’ve spent a lot of time both reflecting on 2010 and looking toward 2011.  This past year has been a year of tremendous growth and unexpected surprise for me, both professionally and personally.  It was also a year of challenge.

I spend a fair amount of time mentoring and motivating individuals who challenge themselves or who find themselves challenged in life.  My motto:  Perseverance pays.  I encourage everyone to push through the tough times no matter how hard it gets. Sure, it’s easier just to give up.  But those who persevere, succeed.  Successful people have personal stories of challenge overcome.  They didn’t give up.

Sometimes it’s hard to practice what you preach.  Have you ever noticed that when it rains it seems to pour?  It’s never just one thing; it’s one thing after another.  That’s challenge.  When you feel you’ve been pushed to the limit.  But when we’re challenged, we grow.  How we deal with challenge is what defines us as a person.  Life’s challenges mold us into who we are.  So don’t give up, even if you feel like it.  I’ve worked through the challenges given to me in 2010, one by one, and as I reemerge I do so as a new person with new and exciting ideas that are overlapping into my work and business.  I am so excited for 2011!

The point is, wherever you’re at in your life, professionally or personally, you’re not alone.  Embrace the challenges you’ve given yourself or that life has given you.  Stay motivated and seek encouragement from others when you need it.  If you’re looking to move your practice to the next level this year, get the support you need to do it.  If you need to delegate more of your caseload so you can focus more on personal matters, go for it.  It’s a new year; make it all that you want it to be.  No matter what your goals are for 2011, I wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!