Written by Kerry Feltenberg
11 January 2010
Kerry Feltenberg 2009/2010 Chapter President
2010 is here - and like I now say every year, I can't believe how fast the year went!

Like many of you, I have made some New Year's goals for myself. Those goals involve my personal, professional and EWI lives.

Did you know the tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar? With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

Although the date for New Year's Day is not the same in every culture, it is always a time for celebration and for customs to ensure good luck in the coming year. *According to Gary Ryan Blair, New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves.

Do you know the top ten most popular resolutions?
  • Lose Weight/start exercising
  • Manage Debt/stick to a budget
  • Save Money/reduce debt
  • Get a Better Job
  • Improve/Get an education
  • Quit smoking
  • Spend more time with family/friends
  • Get organized
  • Quit drinking/drink less
  • Volunteer to help others
In reading the top ten, I was especially interested in the resolution to volunteer. Though I have been involved in volunteering for many years, I have never formally thought of that as a resolution. Imagine the change we could make if everyone made volunteering a resolution every year.

Think of this - by being a member of EWI, you are already following through on a resolution. Way to GO! For every member of EWI, not only in Phoenix but all over the U.S and Canada, just look at the impact we make.

I challenge you to make the most of 2010 - whatever that means to you. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride! You are all the best and I am so grateful to have you in my life.

*Gary Ryan Blair is the inspiration behind New Year's Resolution Week. This annual event was founded on the premise, that a single resolution can positively and profoundly create lasting change in your life and help to make the world a better place. To become part of the world's largest personal change initiative, visit www.GoalsGuy.com.

Kerry
2009/2010 Phoenix Chapter President
Kerry Feltenberg
About:
Kerry Feltenberg is the 2009/2010 Phoenix Chapter President and the Member Firm Representative for the Arizona Grand Resort.