Focus CPA

I gave up on New Year resolutions years ago. I review my goals and establish my resolutions every month, or at least attempt to.

Those choices create the life we live. Our family, friends, coworkers, employers, commercials and all our life experiences have an impact on the choices we make. Our self-confidence, determination and beliefs, both life affirming and self-limiting, also play a key part in our decisions. Personally I think it is a mystery how it all falls together.

It changes my focus to family and friends. I have a tendency to live in facts and figures, so holiday parties and family gatherings challenge me. Instead of fighting it, I embrace it. I take time to spend with family, to slow down and enjoy the season. I allow it to warm my heart.

We decorated the house, put the tree up, baked cookies, listened to Christmas music and waited for the presents. It was magical. There were three kids, the bedrooms were upstairs, and the Christmas tree was in the living room downstairs. The Christmas tree was put in the beginning of December, but the presents didn’t show up until Christmas morning.

Football has been part of Green Bay, WI for 95 years. The first Packer – Bear game was in 1921. Green Bay won their first NFL title in 1929. Green Bay is the smallest city to have an NFL team. Throughout the many years the residents have created a fan culture that has seeped into our very core. For those growing up in Green Bay it is difficult not to be a Green Bay Packer fan.

As a business owner, time is one of our greatest resources. Each of us is given only 24 hours a day. During the holidays time seems to be in short supply. Alongside the everyday activities of work, family and taking care of yourself – we add extended families, overnight guests, celebrations, giving gifts and creating memories. The list never seems to end.

Confusion and frustration abound, as we wait and see what will or will not happen with the new Affordable Care Act. The complexity and immense impact of this new law will affect every American. It is rearranging our current health care system.

Last year I started a new type of daily journaling. Every evening a write down 5 accomplishments, something I am grateful for and something I appreciate. The accomplishments are fairly simple. I struggle with that one thing that I am grateful for and another thing that I appreciate. I have actually looked up the definition. I still get confused.

Do you have a list of your blessings? Is your glass half-full or half empty? Do you focus on what you do not have or what you do have?

Through education and experience, I have learned the language of numbers, thus the balance sheet and income statement always tell me a story. It may be a short story or it could be lost within pages and pages of number, but there is always a story. The stories are usually not as exciting or entertaining as a comedy, a horror movie or a romance novel, but they can tell you a lot if you are looking.