New Years Resolutions

Is it too early (or too late) for New Years Resolutions? As we enter the fourth quarter of 2011, I am finally blogging from my iPhone awaiting a flight to Chicago to speak at CUES Advanced School of Risk Management. I find myself having random thoughts this early 4 am. Banks and Credit Unions continue to spend millions fighting each other and the government in a grid lock fight that we can only hope politicians in DC can mirror. I say this with slight tongue in cheek because so often the media or our environment dictates what we think instead of what to think about. Case in point: new years resolutions, politics, and banks versus credit unions.

New years resolutions are traditionally the same(readers insert smiles here): losing weight, financial fitness, various goals doomed to failure set in what not to do this year such as eat less and spend less. In order to succeed, one must focus on what you want to do not what you don't want. More to come on this later.

Political views are absolutely skewed and biased by the media as well as our environment. We need to understand these inherent biases in order to see the truth and develop real thoughts. Be mindful to remember the press attempts to tell you what to think versus what to think about!

Banks versus Credit Unions: a fight with no victory. If credit unions win, then there will no change except great amounts of money will have been wasted through the years not including the energy and resource drain which could have been focusing on helping individuals and businesses. If banks win, create unions will no longer exist in which case the market will be served by like minded institutions serving like focused targeted market segments. The financial world will not become polarized but just become a scale which can never provide balance to the markets due to all suppliers on one side of the scale.

Risk: doing what you have always done and expecting different results.

My New Years Resolution: eat foods which help my body operate better, exercise to help support the way I want to live, spend more thoughtfully, save with a destination in mind, lead through inspiration, be involved and engaged in all activities, choose the activities I feel I am most passionate about, focus on family and the legacy I am leaving this world, spend time with God each day, and finally, be self aware to enjoy every moment!

What are your New Years Resolutions?