Welcome to 2018 – A “Year of New Beginnings”
By HARRY HURLEY
Political Columnist
Each year on the first business day of our New Year, I introduce my broad operating theme for the year.
As we begin a brand new year (2018) together – Welcome to our “Year of New Beginnings” focus.
Without a doubt, we are presently in a year of “New Beginnings” and many people don’t even know it, yet. There are many things happening “brand new” this year that we already know about:
We have a new Governor (Phil Murphy); New Lt. Governor (Sheila Oliver); New General Assembly Speaker (Craig Coughlin); A hike in the minimum wage to $ 15 per-hour; Recreational Marijuana will likely be approved in New Jersey this year; Higher state taxes and user fees will most likely occur this year with Governor Christie gone; We’ll elect a new Congressman from District 2 after 24 years with Frank LoBiondo this year; We’ll have a new State Senator from District 2; We’ll most probably learn about the appointment of a new state senator from District 1 before the end of this year as Jeff Van Drew is currently the prohibitive favorite to become Congressman from District 2; New Atlantic County and Cape May County Sheriffs; Frank Gilliam, Jr. is the new Mayor of Atlantic City; Two new Atlantic City Casinos will open; Sports betting in New Jersey should be approved later this summer by the United States Supreme Court; Gretchen Carlson is the new Chair of The Miss America Board of Directors, along with three other former Miss America’s who have joined the Board. In nearly 100 years, there had never been one former Miss America on the Board. Now there are four; It’s Year Two of President Trump and the new Tax Reform and Jobs Act goes into effect.
This list is not nearly complete and it represents only some of the “new beginnings” that we will see this year.
You can easily make the case that we will see more change take place this year at one time then we’ve seen in decades. Hence, “new beginnings” are all around us.
There’s so much by way of “new beginnings” that will take place this year that as of today we have absolutely no idea what “they” are. This is both an exciting and daunting proposition. The unknown is always scary.
However, if your equipped with a basic set of core operating philosophies and principles, then you’ll be ready to handle any new challenges that may present this year.
Also, if you’re not planning on changing jobs, or, changing personal relationships – consider rededicating your efforts to start a “new beginning” in all phases of your life – both personal and professional.
If you don’t already do so, learn to appreciate what you already have. If you rate your life in debits and credits, you already have much more richness than you may have thought.
Also, consider treating people with respect and kindness. If you’re presently dealing with any petty, stupid personal feuds, typically, you most likely don’t even know what started it all in the first place.
Try to seek a new beginning in these instances. Life is already too short to clutter it further with meaningless negative energy and unnecessary drama. It serves no productive purpose and it can hold you back from achieving important life goals.
This doesn’t mean that I am simply suggesting that you should forgive and forget everything. You may be dealing with certain legitimate disagreements and grievances. These must be worked through. However, the goal should always be to eliminate any and all non-productive situations presently weighing you down in your life.
If someone or something is currently dragging you down. It may be time to cut it loose once and for all. It’s not your job to carry an anchor around with you.
If you’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time and effort on people that aren’t worth it – consider making the break. Apply your precious time to those who are both worthy and deserving of your time and efforts.
Your time is a valuable commodity. Please treat it as more valuable than currency. You can always find a way to make more money. You can not manufacture more time. You only get so much and it can’t be replenished. Once wasted, time is gone forever.
It’s going to be an exciting and challenging time ahead. Welcome to our “Year of New Beginnings.” I sincerely challenge you to become the best version of you that has ever existed. Let’s start together, today.
Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC. He hosts the daily talk radio program “Hurley in the Morning” 6-10 a.m., weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 104.1 FM & 1450 AM, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant. Harry was elected to both the Philadelphia (2014) and New Jersey (2015) Radio Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He has hosted various programs for local television and is the editor and publisher of his news and information website, www.harryhurley.com. Send comments to HarryHurley@aol.com
