“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

This time of year we go big on resolutions. Dreaming, planning, and busting through glass ceilings make life meaningful. But you’re more likely to repeat hard things if they’re fun. And since you only live once, having fun in life is worth striving for by itself too.

Is the new year a fresh start to listen to your heart? Start a project you've been putting off? Let something go? Think about how you want your days to look. It takes intention for dreams, self-care, and family time to happen. Without it, you get tossed in the waves of life.

Just because you couldn't accomplish a goal yesterday doesn't mean you can't do it today. Your past is not your future. It's a place to be learned from, not an indicator of who you can be.

New Year's resolutions are fleeting. Even clear goals can't be realized without changing your lifestyle. That's where HABITS come in. Change what you do daily and you'll change your life. You don't need a personal coach. You just need small daily improvements over time.

The only approval you need is your own. Do not waste time, energy, or mental peace on what someone else thinks. It's not their life to live. Make sure you feel alive while you're living.

Last year, we spent a night coming up with a family motto. It's simple: S: Stronger (we try to be healthy) K: Kinder (we strive to be kind) W: Wiser (we're always learning) 12 months later, I've been surprised at how useful it is to pull it out during challenging life moments.

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

Trying to start a new habit? Tracking your progress can make ALL the difference. When I first began ​getting up early​, I stuck a marble in a jar each morning for 66 days. I told myself that if I could quit without the guilt after. That was 3 years ago and I'm going strong.

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.” –Brene Brown Disappoint as many people as you need to. Just don’t disappoint yourself.

If you feel guilty about taking time for yourself, or have a hard time fitting it in, I challenge you to do at least one activity that lifts your spirits this weekend. For me, it’s a quiet walk in nature. What is it for you?

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads only lives one.” –George R. R. Martin