As you think about what you’d like to accomplish this year, consider defining who you ultimately want to be. When your life on this earth ends, what do you want to be said about you?

That you were charitable? That you were honest? That you were faithful? That you were diligent? That you were gracious? 

Rather than focusing on a list of things you need to do in 2023, reflect on the strength of your individual character. We are never too old to make adjustments, and as we strengthen our own personal relationship with God we can be guided in what changes might need to be made to be who He knows we can be. 

Each day is an opportunity to start fresh and courageously choose who we will be. As we look to be more conscious of our actions, we can integrate specific behaviours into our daily lives. Developing who you want to be is an active process — choose activities that will help you strengthen a specific trait, determine to be around people who exhibit the desired trait, and journal about experiences to recognize what you might do (or not do) differently. 

As we build our individual strength of character, we simultaneously help others around us. It’s never too late and our efforts are needed now more than ever before. 

Wishing you a blessed New Year!