By Jason Moxness, Market President, Core Bank Loan Production Office
Who do I get to blame for the pressure of coming up with a New Year’s Resolution? Dick Clark? Mariah Carey? Ryan Seacrest? I need a name! Actually, the first people to make New Year’s resolutions were the ancient Babylonians over 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations of ringing in the new year.
It’s safe to say that the New Year’s tradition has been around for a long time. I don’t see it going away any time soon. However, it’s interesting to watch how different people mark the ending of one year and the beginning of another. For some, it’s a time of reflection of the past. Both good and bad. For others, it’s looking forward to the future and what exciting things may lie ahead.
The Coldest Place on Earth
This year, I spent New Year’s in the coldest place on earth (as far as I know). We were visiting friends in Minneapolis where we woke up to -15 degree temps warming up to a balmy -5 during the day. Needless to say, we didn’t spend a lot of time outside. We found ourselves sucked into a day-long marathon TV show highlighting the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
The shows were riveting because that time period covers my teenage years, college experiences, marriage and children. Three decades that are (so far) the best time of my life. Even my kids loved the shows. Trans Am’s, Parachute Pants, 16 Candles, Run DMC, Compact Discs and Atari… Nuff Said! It left my kids wishing they grew up in the 80’s.
While it was fun to look back and remember the past, I think it’s important to look to the future. To be excited for what’s next. Maybe that’s what I like most about a new year – its new! A clean slate. A fresh start. Everything that took place in the last year (both good and not so good) is in the past. Regardless of what we experienced, there are lessons learned that we take with us into the new year.
So what is my New Year’s Resolution?
Be Present. Make the most of every day this year!
2018 has already started on a high by moving into our brand new Kansas City headquarters for Core Bank. I will be doing another story next month about our new space with pictures. Our team is assembled and poised to make a huge impact on small businesses in Kansas City this year, with more still joining the team.
The runway is cleared and we are ready for take-off!
Personally, I will celebrate 25 years of marriage to my wife Paige. And we will wipe the tears away as our first child leaves for college in the Fall. In between those mountaintop experiences will be new journeys and experiences that are sure to surprise if we take the time to be fully present in them.
If I could slow down time I would, but my backup plan is to enjoy every day this year.
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift. That’s why they call it the Present.
-Kung Fu Panda