New Year’s Eve

A final end of 2018. The cusp of 2019’s beginning. The old and the new. Cycles ending and beginning. Over and over again. A reminder of fresh starts, second chances, and yes, even third and fourth chances.

Practice makes perfect, but we are slow learners. The new year usually ends twelve months from now with a host of disappointments. Hopefully more good things than bad, the year will have its chance and make its mark on history. But will we support or hinder the making of that mark?

The challenge is there. Always has been. To push or not toward a better outcome. The outcome’s ‘what’ is up to each of us. Will the goal be big? Will it stretch our boundaries? Will I become more of the dream? Or less.

Outcomes defined will help. Rough imaginings don’t often go the distance. Want a better car or house? Define what that is. Learn its cost, upkeep and reliability. Plan its acquisition. Or identify a better option and plan for that. if deciding between two very different outcomes (a car is not a house; a new home or a new job are also dissimilar), think of which option positions you to gain more at a later time. Consider putting off one goal and choose one that advances your position on the game board of life.

A little strategy enters the picture. Not all outcomes are equal. Some are self-sustaining; some are cost centers that drag down other desired outcomes. So consider well and choose wisely.

Long-term versus short-term, too. Long-term builds depth and value. Short-term delivers faster reward but less depth. Which is more important to you? Or your family? Or to the organizations that matter in your life? Long-term decisions usually pack more punch.

In high school many of us wanted to be free of classroom schedules. The choice then was to go on to college or trade school, or a job. Now the job would allow me to buy the car, get the apartment and the stuff that goes into it. And then have some fun! But the education would defer the fun a few more years and cost a bundle of money.

Which to choose? Which one pays lasting payback? Which one invests more in your potential ability, talent and value? Which one can you live off of for a lifetime? Which one gains the immediate gratification but depreciating value?

How many American youth game this choice? How many opt for the job and car? How many choose life, self-investment and long-term enrichment?

I shudder to think. Worse, how many choose education but only for enhancing their marketability for a higher paying job, rather than a career of happiness and fulfillment?

No wonder booze, sex and drugs become the problems. Now or later, the short term gets the attention.

Too bad, that. Investing in the self always pays better returns than the not.

Choose the long-term and have a happy and prosperous new year. And many more, too!

December 31, 2018