I wanted to share a couple of thoughts that I read just this morning.

The first one comes from Seth Godin. Like him, I'm not really fond of all the pretense and faux everyone buys into with a 'new year'. Like you, today is no different than yesterday for me if I don't decide to make it different. However what is different is:

...brand new expectations are set, expectations just waiting to be shattered. The place where expectations are the lowest: leadership. Everyone expects you to get in line and follow, not lead. The opportunity this year is bigger than ever: lead to change, to create a movement in a direction you want to go. While the rest of the world huddles and holds back, here's a golden chance to make something that matters.

I would add to this...be someone who matters. 

This year will provide many opportunities to be discouraged if we look for them. Conversely this year will provide plenty of opportunities to be encouraged. One of God's goals for you and me is to give us hope. And where does hope come from? From trials and perseverance. So this year step out and lead through the trials and exceed the expectations that might bring discouragement to others. And then hang on like a hair on a biscuit in a bad restaurant in Abilene, Texas. Others will be encouraged because of your perseverance.

rb