“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” – Michael Altshuler

Why not make 2023 the year to navigate your own path and make choices that empower you to become the best you? Steve Harvey says that “you’re never too old to reinvent yourself,” nor are you ever too young. 

In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m not someone who makes a lot of new year’s resolutions. But something magical does happen when the calendar flips to a new year. It’s a natural time to pause. Reflect. Take personal stock. What’s going well? What needs improvement? What do I need to do more of? Anything I should be doing less of? 

Some people start the process by looking at five key areas in their life: financial, spiritual, emotional, physical, and cognitive. Then they decide what area of their life they want to strengthen or start making changes.  And there’s a bonus. Often when you make a positive change in one area of your life, it naturally leads to positive change in other areas. 

Sometimes we really want to make changes. We just don’t know how to get started. Or we don’t know how to maintain our motivation. I have found Carol Dweck’s research on motivation to be a great starting point. You may too.  Watch Professor Dweck, then treat yourself to Heidi Grant Halvorson’s small, short, mighty book, 9 things successful people do differently.

 As you move forward, the Andover Public Library has plenty of resources – books, music, computers, movies, on-line learning opportunities, community programs  – to help you get started.  Remember no matter where you are in life, you are the pilot of your life. Take control. Lean into the process of developing your full potential and discovering your unique gifts and talents.  

  Winston Churchill says, “to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

Have fun. Be curious.  Enjoy the journey. And remember Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice, “write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.”

On behalf of the entire Andover Public Library team, thanks for your on-going support and encouragement. We’re looking forward to working with you in 2023 and wish you and yours a happy new year. May it be filled with much hope, happiness, and growth. 

Sincerely,

Nancy Logan, Director

9 things successful people do differently by Heidi Grant Halvorson

Mindset : the new psychology of success by  Dweck, Carol S

Collected poems and translations  Emerson, Ralph Waldo

Ted Talk – The power of believing that you can improve by  Carol Dweck

Skinny liver : a proven program to prevent and reverse the new silent epidemic–fatty liver disease : eliminate everyday toxins – avoid diabetes, heart disease, and excess weight – increase energy, vitality, and longevity by Kristin Kirkpatrick MS RD LD (Author), Ibrahim Hanouneh MD (Author)