2023 could have been better, but I'm a big fan of the continuous improvement mindset. What did I do right that sets me up for this year? What do I need to improve on?

I take responsibility for my own actions. I got sick. I survived. I changed my forward trajectory. I focused on finishing stuff to open up the future and do more of what is working.

As you look at the year that’s finished and the one that’s still ahead of you, put out your dumpster fire, and start the year with the smell of smoke and firefighting foam. Add some incense to appeal to your palate. And own what was—and is—in your control.

Don't be a victim in your own story. Be the hero. That means you need to do hero stuff. Don't let the villains win.

Rush into 2024 with a mindset of achievement, of lifting yourself higher than you were before. 2024 is likely going to be a year of negative messaging; each year has its fair share of that. But choose to rise above that with your books to give people a place to escape the shrieking voices and noise of rending metal, of a world crashing down around your shoulders. Then go about being you and doing what's best for you and your business.

Write stories that take people away. Write stories with winners. Write your story, where you're the hero.

Don’t write yourself to be the victim, or you risk staring forever at the dark side of every cloud.

It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It will be what you make of it.

Peace, fellow humans.

Craig Martelle

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