The past month has been one of the most refreshing in recent memory.
I have spent time with friends and family, completed a major project, watched too many movies and football, celebrated a milestone birthday, and observed the real meaning of Christmas.
Like you, I am ready for a new year. However, before it cranks up I am taking time to reflect on 2014. While there are many things from the past year I am ready to leave, there are three words that defined much of my life and I am resolved to take them with me.
The first is COURAGE. I experienced massive personal change in 2014 as I made a career shift, leaving what was comfortable to take on the challenge of being more true to who I am in my work life. So far, so good. However, I’ll admit there have been scary days. When making the decision to transition, I never could find a place in Scripture where God commands me to be comfortable. Believe me, I looked. Yet, over and over I kept finding the words, “Be courageous.” My choice has created excitement, and has also reminded me that there is never regret when we live in obedience.
The second word I am bringing into the new year is FAITH. It’s funny how courage and faith go hand-in-hand. What kind of person quits his job with three kids in college and one soon to graduate high school? Maybe the word here should be crazy? Not wanting to admit I’m nuts, I’m calling it faith.The reality is, I really do believe my life is not about me. There is a larger story being written and I am simply a small part of it. After several decades and a few trips around the block, I am convinced more than ever you can’t get where I am from where I started … at least I can’t take any credit for it. I leave 2014 grateful to be to experiencing Grace. If you ask me, faith is a no-brainer for any leader.
Word number three is ENCOURAGEMENT. Rather than a surprise party for my birthday, my daughters collected letters of encouragement and gave them to me for the past several weeks. There were memories shared and positive words from former players, colleagues, neighbors, leaders, and students from all over the world. I was truly blown away by the power of affirmation. Being an encourager myself, it has renewed my desire to add value to others.
I am not a New Year’s resolution kind of guy. But I am resolved to live courageously, believe continuously, and encourage relentlessly in 2015. As you approach a the new year, I hope there are some things you will leave in the past. However, I’m guessing there are some things you need to bring with you too.
So pack your bags and let’s take on 2015. My prayer is that this will be your best year ever!
Leadership begins at home,
Randy
Is there something from 2014 that you are resolved to bring with you into the new year?
Comment below…
I love the idea of taking away a few words from a year and reflecting on those in lieu of trying to establish resolutions. Thank you for your willingness to step out in faith and follow what you believe to be God’s calling for you. It has been a privilege to get to know you better this year and see you live out of your gifting. Happy New Year!
Thanks Matt! Looking forward to a great 2015 with the Elevate gang. Happy New Year!
Glad you got to the other side of the holiday transition period. Your comments reminded me of when my wife and I walked away from my career and went to seminary with one son just out of college and one just entering college. It was a “faith” journey that now fifteen years later my wife and I have navigated and we hold onto many memories, but it does not mean there were not rocky roads to travel along the way. As a pastor-mentor told me, rough roads are a sign that you are on the right road because “the devil ain’t happy!”
Glad you took the time to catch your breath, reflect back, but your eyes are on the road ahead. Stay the course and God will bless you and your family. God bless…
Thanks Coach. Glad to have people like you to look up to. Have a great year!
I love your perspective Randy! My theme this year personally is simplify and my professional one is Keep Elevating. These three words take all that I am thinking and put them into a way that I can understand and act upon! Be encouraged that God has got you and you are in your sweet spot. Let’s get after it this year and have some fun while adding value to a lot of people!
Your fan,
Billy Boughey
Thanks Billy! Looking forward to an amazing year with you & your team. Praying for your impact!
Great article. These are three words you don’t often hear in business/life advice. I think they fit perfectly though.
Thanks Rebecca … I appreciate your encouragement. Have a blessed year!