Tag: goals

Why I Do a Year-End Review Every Year

Why I Do a Year-End Review Every Year

Every year, I sit down and do something that has become non-negotiable for a year-end review. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it’s powerful./

This time of reflection allows me to slow down and really look at the year—what happened, what I learned, what I did well, and where I need to grow. Reflection matters because it helps us make sense of life. It sharpens our thinking and keeps us grounded.

The Bible reminds us of this in Lamentations 3:40:

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

John Maxwell says reflection is looking back and learning to pause so you can catch up. That idea has stayed with me for years—and every time I do this review, I’m reminded why.

The Biggest Lesson 2025 Taught Me

If 2025 taught me anything, it’s this: when you put your mind to something, and stay committed, you can accomplish more than you think.

This year, Creative Feeds won Best of Las Vegas. That wasn’t easy. It’s a tough category, and the competition is real. What made it special is that it came from our customers. They believed in us. They voted for us. And that meant everything.

Scripture says in Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

That verse sums it up perfectly.

Another powerful lesson came from watching my wife’s determination. She stayed focused and committed to helping her son Austin get off the streets, out of a program, and into his own place with his own income. Despite setbacks and emotional challenges, she didn’t quit. That kind of grit is inspiring—and it reminded me what perseverance really looks like.

The Areas That Stretched Me the Most

I’ll be honest—relationships, especially family, stretched me the most this year.

We held a family reunion, spending thousands of dollars to bring everyone together. Family is important, but the connection and fellowship we hoped for just wasn’t there. That was hard.

On top of that, walking alongside a child dealing with mental illness is heartbreaking. It brings frustration, anger, and deep emotional weight. Yet even in that, I’m reminded of Psalm 34:18:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Giving back was another challenge. I sometimes wonder if today’s youth are even ready to receive guidance. This generation faces so much, and it can feel like your efforts don’t make a difference. Still, Isaiah 55:11 reminds me that seeds planted don’t return empty—even if the results come later.

How Reflection Changed My Thinking

One clear example of reflection at work in my life is my growth in studying the Word of God. As I’ve gone deeper into the Bible, my thinking has matured. My perspective has changed. My decision-making has improved.

Proverbs 4:7 says:

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

Reflection has taught me to rely less on myself and more on God. It’s helped me understand that we are just travelers in this life—but we are called to be overcomers.

The People Who Influenced Me Most

I’ve been influenced by many people—some through books, some through teachings, and some who are no longer with us. But one of my greatest influences continues to be my wife. Her strength, discipline, and unwavering commitment to family show me what real leadership and love look like.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As I step into 2026, I’m setting intentional goals:

  • Go deeper in Bible study, including exploring the Ethiopian Bible to better understand Jesus, the prophets, and biblical history.
  • Build wealth with clarity and discipline, using what 2025 taught me as a foundation.
  • Write the book I’ve been carrying for years—2026 is the year it gets done.

Habakkuk 2:2 puts it best:

“Write the vision and make it plain.”

A Call to Action: Your Turn

Now let me ask you—when was the last time you truly reflected on your life?

I encourage you to set aside time to do your own year-end review. It doesn’t have to look like mine, but it should be honest.

Start with these five areas if you’d like:

  1. Spiritual life
  2. Relationships
  3. Physical health
  4. Personal and professional growth
  5. Giving back

Ask yourself:

  • What did I learn this year?
  • Where did I grow?
  • Where do I need to change?
  • What is God calling me to focus on next?

Reflection brings clarity. Clarity brings direction. Direction changes lives.

I’ve been doing this for over 10 years, and it has helped shape who I am today. I believe it can do the same for you.

I wish you a purposeful, prosperous, and powerful 2026.

— Dr. D

Carolyle Destiny Group

Attitude as a Key Factor in Success and Ability

MAIN IDEA: (Control) Your Attitude

In my autobiography, I discussed five life-changing principles that have significantly shaped my life over the first sixty years. The first principle states, “Attitude can determine your altitude in life. It’s a determinant of success and ability.” 

The core principles I have learned throughout my life, from my upbringing and later experiences, emphasize the importance of having the right attitude. This lesson was foundational during my childhood, and I have carried it with me throughout my life.

The key lesson instilled in me by my mother as a child was not just faith and belief in God but also in myself and my ability to achieve my goals through hard work and perseverance.

My openness and acceptance of the lessons my mother imparted made a remarkable difference in my success. In other words, it freed me from limiting beliefs and empowered me to reach my true potential in my endeavors. When I aspired to be a great musician, I was a shy kid who disliked performing in front of others. I knew I had to push past this hurdle in my life. So, I leaped forward and haven’t looked back since. Since then, I have played with numerous artists in both gospel and jazz music, including the famous Shirley Caesar, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and the great Mary Lou Williams. I have performed in music studios and played in front of thousands with concert bands, all because I stopped letting my limiting beliefs hold me back. My attitude changed, and as a result, my trajectory shifted toward exponential growth opportunities.

Moreover, the core principle of my upbringing taught me the significance of the Law of Sowing and Reaping. This principle has influenced many areas of my life, and it would take a long time to cover them all.

What I will focus on is the basic premise of this law: that everything we do in life is a seed planted, both literally and figuratively. One day, we will reap what we have sown in equal measure. This understanding has instilled in me the importance of being mindful of my actions and recognizing how they will return to me.

Zig Ziglar said, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” The way we think and perceive the world is the first factor that influences our behavior and reflects the emotional and mental character of a person. With a positive attitude, we can resolve any type of problem and confront stressful conditions. An optimistic mindset can sustain us even during storms. Believing in God can transform our thinking. By maintaining a positive outlook, one can overcome any challenge. Changing our mindset can revolutionize our lives. Our attitude dictates our response to various situations. A positive attitude, combined with a positive mindset and prayer, can bring tremendous wonders into our lives.

Among this wisdom is the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of hardships, as it determines not only how you deal with problems but also how you emerge from them. These lessons that I have learned did not come easily to me and required facing my battles for them to sink in. 

RELATED STORIES 

I remember one incident clearly when my mother’s lesson in faith and hard work first made a profound impression on me. It occurred around the age of twelve when a friend and I stole a bike and made our way home, only to find my mother waiting for us. At that moment, when I saw her standing there, I expected severe punishment and waited for the inevitable blow to fall. My mother, however, asked me a simple question: “If you really wanted a bike, why didn’t you ask for it?” That was a defining moment for me. Not only did I feel I had let my mom down by underestimating her love and sacrifice for me, but I also realized, over time, that I could have anything I wanted without resorting to stealing. Your attitude determines your behavior and your ability to navigate any situation. Your attitude encompasses your (1) Influences (2) Compass (3) Disposition (4) Attitudes, which expose your mental and emotional character.

At another moment in my life, this lesson of a positive attitude and perseverance was reinforced. It was a challenging period, and I emerged from it stronger because of these principles I learned early in life. At the age of twenty, I was let go from a job, still in my probationary period, where I had dreamed of one day becoming a top executive. I was charged with baseless accusations and terminated. Suddenly, I found my life crumbling around me. My dream was shattered; I had no job, and my future felt uncertain. It was at this moment that my faith and belief were tested, and had I not passed that test, I may well have ruined my future when an army recruiter called. If that day, I had let my emotions overwhelm me, this door might never have opened.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES 

What I have learned through these life experiences is that we must maintain the positive attitude required when facing adversity. This enemy in the bush, as you might say, can only be fought when we develop the proper attitude that serves as a compass during our darkest times. The way we perceive ourselves and our situations directly impacts the outcome. Just as it has helped me, I believe it can help every one of you to practice and uphold that positive attitude by focusing on positive thoughts, prayers, and scriptures to confront any challenge with strength, integrity, and will..ntegrity, and will.

“Finding Balance and Reflection: Lessons from December for Business Professionals”

The holiday season can be an overwhelming and demanding time for leaders. With numerous expectations and competing demands, it’s crucial for them to prioritize their time and resources efficiently. One effective way of doing this is by delegating tasks to others when necessary and setting clear boundaries to prevent burnout. By doing so, business professionals can successfully navigate through this season. Personally, the ability to set clear boundaries brings peace into my life. It’s like giving yourself a gift. I know in my profession, being a go-getter is highly praised, but it can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. What I do is resist the urge to go full throttle without acknowledging the already present stress. I put the brakes on those desires to move forward. Currently, I practice healthy habits, which may sound redundant, but it works. You only have one body, so take care of it.

Personally, December is a month of reflection for me. I take the last week of December, usually after Christmas, to reflect on a myriad of things. I ask myself some of the following questions reflecting on the current year:

1. What am I grateful for?

2. What were my accomplishments?

3. What were my proudest moments?

4. What were my milestones?

5. How did I increase in personal growth?

6. What were my significant spiritual moments?

7. Did I meet my financial goals, etc.?

It’s important to take some time to reflect on our achievements and lessons learned throughout the year. This will help us set ourselves up for continued growth and success in the coming year. We should also prioritize our own well-being during this time, whether through self-care activities or by spending quality time with loved ones.

In December, we can take the opportunity to learn from leadership and personal development lessons, which can help us approach the new year with renewed energy and a clear vision for the future. We should reflect on our progress, set new goals, and objectives for the upcoming year, and improve our self-awareness. Remember, you have the power to create positive change in your life. Take action now and pave the way for a successful and fulfilling year ahead!” Happy Holidays!

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle

Thank you for reading my post

Dr.D

The Carolyle Destiny Group
https://linktr.ee/TheCarolyleDestinyGroup
#growthmindset #growthanddevelopment #personalgrowthanddevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #leadership #thecarolyledestinygroup

“Unlocking the Power of Motivation for Success: Lessons from Vince Lombardi and Current Stories”

Motivation is essential to achieving any goal, as the legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi once said. A lack of will is often the thing that separates a successful person from one who fails. It’s easy to get stuck or lose your drive, but it’s within your power to change that.

One way to get started on the path to success is to set achievable goals and break them into small steps. This approach helps you build momentum and gives you a sense of accomplishment with each task completed. Celebrating these successes is another key to staying motivated.

But motivation isn’t just about yourself. You can be a motivator for those around you too. One example is the story of Alex Ruiz, a high school quarterback who lost his leg after an injury. His coach, Mike Silva, helped him stay motivated by focusing on what he could do, rather than what he couldn’t. With Silva’s encouragement, Alex was able to walk again and went on to play football in college.

To be a motivator like Coach Silva, focus on finding what someone is capable of doing instead of focusing on their limitations. Encourage them to try new things and celebrate their progress every step of the way.

Finally, remember Lombardi’s words: “The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.” Everyone fails sometimes, but with enough motivation, you can get up, dust yourself off, and go after your dreams with everything you’ve got.

Dr D.

The Carolyle Destiny Group
https://linktr.ee/TheCarolyleDestinyGroup
#growthmindset #growthanddevelopment #personalgrowthanddevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #leadership #thecarolyledestinygroup

Success Thrives in Conducive Surroundings

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The basic principle of success is constant growth and achievement of your next goal. It is done through dedication, commitment, perseverance, and hard work. What it also requires from you is a conducive environment where it can flourish.

Such an environment can be produced when you surround yourself with like-minded, successful individuals. These are people who share your vision for success, and who believe in your goals as much as you do. The quality of the people you surround yourself with will continue to have a major influence on the trajectory of your life. This is one of the most important lessons I have learned, and one that has signified to me the importance of good company. I learned through Jim Rohn, that we become the combined average of the five people we hang around the most. He would continue this thought by saying, “you can tell the quality of health, attitude, and income of this person by looking at the people around them.”

The individuals in our lives serve as a catalyst: they can either help us reach ever-higher heights in our lives or become blocks that prevent success. I have been lucky in being surrounded by individuals who shared my values and goals, from family to teachers and mentors. The roles they have played at critical junctures of my life have helped me determine who I am, and the direction my life has taken.

The book of Matthew states “Do not give dogs what is sacred, do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” This is a simple lesson in surrounding yourself with people who understand and share your values and goals, rather than those who would trample them.

There are a great many examples to be found from all around us of the power of surrounding yourself with the right people. Henry Ford, from the moment of first acquiring his wealth, to exponentially expanding it, kept himself in the company of such individuals as Thomas Edison and John Burroughs, men who shared his ideals and compassion. He tried to associate himself with great men, who possessed the knowledge base, intelligence, and creative thoughts that ultimately helped him on his way to immense success.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES

This is an approach we all must adopt if we wish to be truly on the path of continuous success. You must become highly selective of the people you allow in your inner circle. Do not feel bad about the people that are excluded, so defined your inner circle of friends and mentors you can call on.  At the same time, make sure you are around people who are successful, who themselves are already where you want to be.

Now go one step further. Examine your inner circle and ensure these are the people who give you confidence. Make sure they enhance your creative and decision-making abilities and give you the strength and ability to face any challenges that come your way in the pursuit of your goal.

Dr. D

The Carolyle Destiny Group

https://linktr.ee/TheCarolyleDestinyGroup