As the New Year approaches, the traditions of the season call for retrospection, introspection and prospection -- what was learned from the past, what's going on right now and what's ahead.
With a new year at hand, here are a few glances in the rear-view mirror, a direct look in the mirror and a peer through the looking glass of 2015.
Retrospection: A few things I've learned from the recent past, in no order or ranking of significance:
Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.
The only difference among individuals is the set of core values that drives them. Everything else is built on that foundation -- however strong or weak.
There are workhorses and show horses in every aspect of life; trust the workhorses.
Weak individuals are happiest in crises and reject real change; victims need "reasons" and "situations" to blame.
The best leaders worked their way to the top. The trait of empathy otherwise eludes those in positions of authority and becomes a real character flaw.
The most accurate image of an individual's character is captured when they're faced with conduct under pressure -- dealing with the prospects of winning or losing, the possession of unusual power, and/or in times of excessive need or abundance.
Introspection: A few things I am currently learning and revisiting as true beliefs:
My Judeo-Christian beliefs have never failed and are even stronger after trial by fire.
I hunger to learn.
Collaborating with others makes my work its best.
Contentment is absolutely possible.
There's a huge difference between "change" and "growth;" I'm still growing.
I'm a very serious person who finds enormous humor in what folks deem as important.
Prospection: Things that seem to be on the horizon or anticipated:
While public opinion will remain volatile, little will change in the world. The course of world events begins in the human heart, so hearts must change first. That doesn't happen through politics, activism, education or wealth.
There will always be those who have grit to work through adversity and "succeed" despite obstacles. Conversely, there will always be those who live in the moment of circumstance and seem to stay on a treadmill of blaming others.
Corporations, organizations, governments and movements will continue to take on the morality of their leaders.
More laws, rules and policing will be necessary as individuals reject a moral standard of right versus wrong.
It's easier to be untruthful than truthful. Our culture will continue to pay a penalty for political correctness, "tolerance" and all other forms of deceit.
The unqualified will continue to succeed because of the power of money.
Our best days can be ahead. It's a matter of what you do with your time, talent and treasure.
Be encouraged for that which you have and finish strong in the freedom to pursue more. Take the last few days of 2014 to learn from your past, take stock of where you are and what is driving you, and identify where you're going and want to be this time next year.
A few quotes for inspiration:
"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, Whispering 'it will be happier'..." -- Alfred Tennyson
"Hope is patience with the lamp lit." -- Tertullian
"Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday." -- John Wayne
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." -- Isaiah 40:31
Make it a great 2015!
Robin Smith, immediate past Tennessee Republican Party chairwoman, is owner of Rivers Edge Alliance.