Find Your Greatness in the New Year

The new year is filled with hope. It’s a time when popular new year resolutions to get active, eat healthier and lose weight have gyms flooded with hopeful achievers the first few weeks. According to Forbes, 48% of people say improving fitness is a top priority in 2024. But sadly, many resolutions are short-lived with the second Friday in January known as “Quitter’s Day.”

Wouldn’t it be amazing if everyone who set out to accomplish their healthy lifestyle or achievement goals in the new year succeeded? It takes inner strength to stick with a new routine, something that’s different, something that’s new, something that’s a challenge. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right,” is a famous quote linked to Henry Ford. You can do great things if you believe you can. Instead of a vague resolution, give yourself a goal. Something that will make you proud. Something that inspires you. Maybe even something that not many dare to reach for. Something that sets you apart.

An article on LiveStrong.com cites a 2019 report from the International Institute for Race Medicine (IIRM), “1.1 million runners complete a marathon each year, which is roughly 0.01 percent of the world's population.” Imagine being a miniscule part of the population to be able to claim that triumph.

You have what it takes to accomplish great things. To create a greater version of yourself than the one that exists today. Make a plan, remain committed, but give yourself grace. Take it one step at a time and celebrate your wins along the way. But take the first step. What will you do this year to be greater?