The year of Gratitude

It is the first day of 2018 and like a lot of you I am wondering what should be important to me in this New Year?

I have checked the usual boxes, family, career and personal development. I even looked at what some of the most popular New Years goals have been in the past, #1 for several years is... lose weight! (Didn't see that one coming!) This year it was different the #1 goal is "To become a better person." I love that! When you lose weight you benefit, if you become a better person EVERYONE benefits! Not just better selfies of a thinner you, but for a better world because of a better you.

Then it hit me. What is it that I am really thankful for in my life? It's simple really. It is all the wonderful people I have around me that encourage me, and love me so well, like my amazing wife Heidi of 34 years and our 4 exceptional children. My 4 brothers and their incredible families that I know are always cheering for me. My dear friend and co-author Adrian Gostick whose talent always amazes me! For all the new friends I have made this past year and the experiences that have influenced the way I think and the things I now do differently and better. Thank you all!

Great Advice

Let me give you one small example. Some years ago I was invited to a book signing party for Marshall Goldsmith in NYC. It was so gracious of Marshall to invite me, we didn't know each other well at the time, I have come to learn since then that things like this come easily to Marshall. He loves to help anyone that crosses his path. That was the lesson I learned that evening in NYC.

I will never forget what he told me that night, and it has made all the difference years later. I asked if he would be so kind as to endorse a new book that Arian Gostick and I had coming out the next year. Not only did he agree to do that but to write the forward if we liked! He said, as best as I can remember, "Chester, there are two ways to look at life. One is that we are all competing with each other. The other is that we are all trying to help each other. I chose the latter. What can I do to help you?"

That simple bit of advice has made me more giving of my time and talents. It made me look for ways to help as opposed to compete. It is a lesson that I have been grateful for over these many years. That is the world that I want to live this year in 2018. One filled with Gratitude. To be grateful for all the many people that bless my life every day, to be more giving of my time and resources to those in need, to make a difference and be grateful for the opportunity to serve. If 2018 is a year of Gratitude it will be an amazing year.

A simple Question:

I met Mark Thompson at the MG100 meetings in DC this year. His simple question to me of, “So, what’s next for you?” has caused me to pause and reflect on where I have been and more importantly where I am going. This was a simple encounter with profound impact. Thank you Mark!

Pay it forward

Back to Marshall for just one more minute. This past year he created the #MG100. This is a group of people who are all so accomplished in their own rights. They are authors, thought leaders, business leaders and entrepreneurs of every shape and size. The goal of the group is simple, how can we, by giving of our time and talents make the world a better place. To pay it forward. I think the potential of this gathering of wonderful people will do exactly that. I am grateful that my friend Marshall invited me to be one of the 100. There is no question that I am one of the lesser lights in the room, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with them in 2018. Thank you Marshall!

I can't tell you what your big goal should be for the New Year. What I do hope is that you will never forget how many people have helped you along your life’s journey. That you will be grateful, and that you will take the time to tell them often that you love them. That would make next year a great year for everybody!

Happy New Year!

Chester