Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. – Benjamin Franklin

 I love this quote because it speaks to me . . . it speaks to the discipline required for me to be a better man. Each of us fight specific behaviors which limit us from reaching our potential, from being the best version of us. As we begin a new year we have the opportunity to be better in 2019 than we were in 2018.  For me, this starts with reflecting on both success and failure from the past year.  It is an opportunity to identify the behaviors that I want to not only repeat, but to build on.  It also is a chance to examine behaviors that limited me . . . that proved counterproductive to living my life with purpose.

Empty New Year’s Resolutions are based on easy solutions for deep-seated habits.  True commitments to living a better life are rooted in values and beliefs.  Who do you truly want to be?  Do you have the heart and discipline to live your life within those boundaries?  Who do you want to serve . . . yourself or your neighbor?  You can only be at war with your vices if you are reflective to know what you are fighting. Let this new year find you the best version of you.