My New Year’s Resolutions

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday surrounded by the good company and cheer of family and friends. My wife Emily and I were excited to have our two college students, Sophie a senior, and Johnny a freshman, home for winter break. While being surrounded by family is a cherished time, we were equally excited to have the last of our many visiting relatives (excluding the kids) leave after eight days in our home. I’m sure many of you share that sentiment. 😊

As is my tradition, each year I like to share my New Year’s resolutions with my colleagues in Raymond James & Associates, and thought I’d once again share my top three here on LinkedIn with my professional network, too.

So, in the spirit of both self-accountability by making them public, and to hope one or several may inspire you, here it goes … In 2023, I resolve to:

1. Wherever I am, be there. This is an oldie, but a goodie. I was taught this way back when in 1994 as I was transitioning from being a Raymond James cold caller and going through the new financial advisor training program. This teaching has stuck with me ever since. It reminds me to be all in, focused, and committed – at work and equally so when I’m with my family or friends, to be every bit as engaged and in the moment. I have to remind myself of this every year (every day, actually) because I remain a work in progress in this regard as I think we all do.
2. Change just one thing. Just one positive change in your personal or professional life can have an enormous impact. So the one positive change I’m committing to is to eat even more pizza in 2023. A lot more pizza. Ok just kidding, but I do love pizza. Comment on this post with your favorite pizza place I should try this year during my business travels! On a healthier note, the one positive change I’m committing to this year is stretching. While I could go for the double entendre and say this is about stretching my mind and body, I’m really just talking about stretching my body. Despite having been physically active (we can debate how fit) my entire life, I’m the most inflexible person you’ve ever met. So, if you see me around, please ask me how the toe touching is going. 
3. Mentor. Someone had a positive impact on the trajectory of your life and career, so let’s pay it forward by finding someone to mentor. Here in Tampa Bay, there are opportunities like the University of South Florida corporate mentor program that my predecessor Dennis Zank inspired me to join nearly 15 years ago, or the Lunch Pals mentorship program. I encourage you to find a program that works for you and also be a positive change in someone’s life this year. And I promise you’ll get even more out of it than your protégé does.

Wishing you good health, happiness and continued success in 2023!

Best regards,

Tash