2011 Closing Statement

Greetings and Happy New Year! As 2011 concludes, those of you who subscribe to the adage “out with the old and in with the new” are cleaning house, cars, contacts, even Facebook friends and Twitter followers as the New Year peaks on the horizon. The end of one year gives rise to reflection on the year that was and thought to what we want the upcoming year to be.

To me 2011 will forever be remembered as a year of growth and prosperity in every facet in my life. I lost one of the true loves of my life in the form of my grandmother but I gained another in the form of my fiancé. I had some opportunities slip through my fingers and I’ve also managed to hold on to some pretty good ones. I travelled, I loved, I lost, I won, I grew, became stronger, wiser and much better and now as we’re a few hours away from the start of a new year I can that I’m blessed.

I’m thankful for everything 2011 had to offer, both good and bad, and in no way regret the trips to the valley that came with it. The journey to the mountaintop is greatest when we have to ascend from our lowest point. Our experience in the valley allows us to appreciate being on the mountaintop so much more. It’s given me wisdom and lessons I can use in my life and share with others that I otherwise would not have. It’s given me a different perspective I can use to be more successful in the future, depth, character and a story to tell. While I can’t say I was experiencing any joy in the midst of my trials and tribulations, I can say that the highs and joys of today, feel even better because of them.

As 2012 looms over us, I’ve been tasked with setting a few goals for myself in the upcoming year. I’m super excited about the prospects for 2012, with new love, new experiences, great friends and family, and bigger and better opportunities. I came up with 5 goals for 2012, which I will share with you for inspirational and accountability purposes. As is the case every year, there are a million and one other things I’d like to see done and would like to improve on in the upcoming year. However, these 5 are at the top of my list and are in no particular order:


Goal # 1 More Charitable Events
This past year saw me do more speaking engagements and charitable events than I’ve done in a while and I missed it. As good it felt talking to those kids, youth groups, and instilling messages of hope, I know I can do more. So my goal is to do more next year. I want to do more speaking engagements, more community service projects, more charitable contributions.

Goal #2 Grow My Business
With the choice of whether to barbecue or mildew, I’ve finally decided to barbecue. So instead of joining another person’s company, or forcing myself to comply or fit within someone else’s vision, I’ve decided to follow my own and plant a seed. So I’m in the process of starting of my own Sports and Entertainment Management group with a good friend and business partner.

Goal #3 Grow Spiritually
Regardless of your religion, denomination, or lack thereof, I think we all should strive to have a better understanding of self and our purpose in this world. For me, because I’m Christian, that means having a closer walk with God and a better understanding of His purpose in my life. I think I’m on the right path (I hope) but I’d be lying if I said I was doing all I could do. So in 2012 my goal is to do better.

Goal #4 More Fiscally Responsible
Everyone who knows me knows I like to shop and spend money. Aside from working out and watching football, my favorite past time is spending money. The bills always get paid, but with the decision to grow a business, get married, and start a family it’s probably a good idea to rein that in a little. At least until the big bucks start rolling in and I can ball even harder. LOL!

Goal #5 Compartmentalize Better
One of the greatest critiques my friends and family have of me is my inability to compartmentalize. I’m a workaholic. It’s a gift and a curse. It’s a gift in a sense that I have an uncanny fervor to press through any number of circumstances and situations to achieve completion of a particular goal no matter what the cost. It’s a curse because at times, other things and people will suffer because of it. Plus what good are wealth and possessions if you don’t have anyone to share them with? My goal this year is not to work less, but to work smarter and more efficient.

In closing, 2011 has been great to me and with the prospects of new endeavors, new relationships and renewed vigor, I’m hopeful 2012 will be even better. Here’s hoping that the best of our todays, will be the best of our tomorrows, and that 2012 is our best year yet. Until next year, Stay Up and Be Blessed!