My Mindset for 2013

On Wednesday, I bundled up and took a walk outside. During the holidays, I hadn't worked out, so it felt good to move. The sun was shining, and it was just me and my thoughts.

I felt like I should have been reflecting on 2012 or setting intentions for 2013, but for some reason, I didn't want to look to the past or the future. While I was walking, it came to me clearly: I just want to be happy, to feel happy.

I don't mean it in a selfish or hedonistic way, as if I can eat all the cupcakes I want and give into any shopping temptation. That's not true happiness. That's short-term and feeds into immediate gratification.

After all, sometimes, happiness—contentment, peace, joy—comes out of doing what we don't want to do. Sometimes, going to the gym, eating healthfully, working hard, and getting up early doesn't feel good initially, but the result of being strong and healthy and productive ultimately does make me happy.

Cheers! (Can't wait to use the champagne glasses I got for Christmas!)

My mindset for 2013 is to think about the bigger picture, to consider how each thing I do contributes to my life as a whole and how it impacts my family, my career, my health. Will it make me happy in the long-term?

I think this mindset will help me grow, stay positive and present, and focus on what's really important in the coming year. And hopefully it will bring more joy to my life and to those I interact with.

What do you want for 2013?