It actually turned out to be pretty damn amazing. As I think back to previous year ends, prior to this past one, I don't remember having complete fulfillment like I do for 2015.
My thoughts about those years are what I didn't get accomplished. It is more feelings of – wanting, needing, and wishing I had done more. The messed up part is they were still great years, but my FOCUS was out of whack.
Not 2015 though, going into the year I had a sobering realization that my ‘Life Quadrants' were not aligned and my FOCUS was all wrong.
Side Note: You might be wondering what is this ‘Life Quadrant' thing. For me it's the 4 areas of life that matter the most to me – Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances.
In previous years, I spent all my time focusing on Finances and my year end success was a direct measurement of that Quadrant. It's messed up – I know.
2015 – That all changed.
Sitting here on New Years Day 2016 typing this I am very appreciative, thankful, and fulfilled with the year I had in 2015.
It was a year of ‘Life Quadrant' Balance.
There are so many things to be appreciative of and thankful for, but listing them all might detract from my Main Point. So, here are some of the Quadrant Wins that made 2015 a very fulfilling year for me…
Faith:
I made a commitment to Jesus, because he is cool. I Believe and in 2016 I will be getting baptized at our church. Even more exciting, is watching my kids believe. Both of them like to say their prays at night and are the first to remind us if we happen to forget.
Family
My smart, beautiful wife and I were able to spend more quality time together this year, which is clearly my Love Language (great book recommendation by the way).
I was able to make all my kids events except two this year (one dance recital and one soccer game), when I was traveling. Besides that I never once said…”Sorry, I can't make it – I have to work.” One thing, I appreciate about my parents is they were always there and I want my kids to experience the same thing.
Fitness
I was able to workout and stay active 5-6 days per week. 2015 will be remembered as the year of bulking for me :). This year will be the year of Peak Performance and it's why I signed up for this crazy SealFit Challenge in March.
Finances
As for Finances, it was a great year. We hit every single milestone we set as a family and I set as a business. The business success was a direct result of Entrepreneurial FOCUS, which is a whole different post for another day.
So until then, I leave you with you this…
When you finalize your Resolutions or Absolutions as I like to call them for the year ask yourself… Are they balanced across your Life Quadrants?
Congratulations on your success in 2015 and finding your life quadrants balance. It is definitely something that I need to focus on also as I seem so rushed and out of balance.
Thank you Brian. You will get it dialed in to what is best for you.
Well done Nate, great to hear 2015 was great for you. I hope 2016 will be even better! Great to meet you during the year and thanks for your help.
I appreciate it Ian. I am excited to see your Influencers Group grow this year.
What happened to Mark Evans and you?? The DM and the MD??? You two aren’t still together?? I thought you two were selling…. something??? At least I remember that non-real estate real estate investing get together down in Atlanta.
I know he is still around. I got a sales call email from him yesterday
Hey Mike – Mark and I are all good. Just chatted with him last week and he just headed to Italy. The training we use to do together was internet marketing with real estate investing combined. Those events were a ton of fun!