It’s hard to believe that the year is at an end but, ready or not, 2019 is upon us. Having been around long enough to ring in more new years than I care to admit, I’ve developed habits designed to make the most of each year and to use the transition to set—and achieve—long-term goals. So, if you find yourself unsure of your next step as you prepare to take on the upcoming year, here are a few tried-and-true approaches to consider:

1. Spend time in prayer and meditation during these last quiet days of 2018. Personally, I tend to first reflect on the blessings the year brought me, then review its obstacles and my response to them. Next, I outline, in writing, the challenges I know the upcoming year has in store, and if I have solutions or other inspiration for tackling those issues, I write them down beside the corresponding challenge. At the end of 2019, I will look back to evaluate how well I handled each challenge and look to my mistakes as a learning experience.
2. Expect the unexpected. As sure as my name is Mike Kelly, we won’t get too far into the New Year before some event will leave us stunned or turned upside-down when we least expect it, whether positively or negatively so. When such a shock inevitably strikes, that’s when my faith is put to the test. As I’ve gotten older, and hopefully wiser, I have learned to take things in stride. I take a deep breath and clear my mind, maybe go into a quiet room, and try to come to grips with whatever it is I am facing.
3. Rather than making resolutions, which are flimsy and destined to be broken, sign a written pledge to yourself. I do this each year and place the pledge at the corner of my desk as a constant reminder. For example, for many years I pledged to improve my golf game by a certain number of strokes… until I finally learned that I don’t have time to devote to such a lost cause LOL! So, this year, I pledged to learn a new skill or improve on an old one, and I focused on typing proficiency. Typing, at least, helps me make a living; golf…not so much! I also write a pledge to eliminate a bad habit. There are several under consideration for 2019, and I’m sure my staff, my wife, and my children have quite a few suggestions! Currently, though, the leading contender is my habit of watching CNN for several hours before bed—let’s just say, lately, it doesn’t make for a good night’s sleep!

I am certain that 2019 will bring its fair share of challenges, but I look forward to the excitement in store, beginning with the grand opening of MKLG’s new Columbia office, located at 1523 Huger Street, Suite A, on January 2nd. Please feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee, a tour of the facilities, or just to say hello! In the meantime, I wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!