You can’t get where you want to go, if you don’t know where you are.

It’s here, the last day of the year. Whether you thought the year went by fast or slow, the reality is that it went by. Time truly is the most precious commodity because we cannot buy it, nor can we store it… therefore it’s important to live it fully.

One way to live life fully is by taking time to assess how you’ve lived life. When I was in college studying statistics and doing research one of my professors said the following to describe the importance of data: “You can’t get where you want to go if you don’t know where you are”. This message has stuck with me and has becoming a guiding life principle, and I have applied it to every aspect of my life.

When something isn’t working in my life chances are it’s because I didn’t take the time to assess where I am starting from, so it’s become a habit to orient myself often, especially before stepping into a new year.

I know you’re busy today, getting ready to celebrate the night away. But take at least 5 minutes (more time the better) to answer these simple questions before the clock strikes midnight.

1. What are your best memories of 2016?
2. Assess your 2016 goals? What were they? How did they go?
3. What were your biggest lessons learned in 2016?
4. What were your 2016 goals?
5. What is one word that describes the theme of 2016?
6. What does your life look like in 2017? Describe it in detail.
7. What are 3 skills you will invest in to add to your growth game?
8. What is one word to describe the theme of 2017?

Then write this:
Thank you 2016 for all that you have taught me, I have grown to be a better human as a result. 2017, I welcome you with you __(insert your word)____ openness. If you feel compelled to share your answers you can reply to this email or post to comments here.

I hope you do this short and simple exercise to orient yourself before stepping into a new year. Although January 1st is just another day, symbolically it is a opportunity for radical growth.

If  you want to take it a step further download the Amplify 2017 guide book.

Before signing off I just want to say thank you. Thank you for walking on this journey with me and always seeking to amplify yourself to be an optimal human, and encouraging me to show up as my best self (even when I don’t want to). We all have our ups and downs along the way… but the key is to keep on learning and growing.

Have an awesome time celebrating the new year… I’ll see you in 2017!!!