New Year’s Resolutions are nothing but washed out 20th century cliches that need to go. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t examine areas needing improvement in your life and work on long-term fixes for them.

I came up with a short list that feels about right for 2010. After all, it’s been a rough year and a rougher decade and so it’s time to be pragmatic and wise and strong for better times ahead.

Here are my top 5:

Take care of your family.

Pretty obvious, but it should always be at the top of the list. Family first. If you’re single, then take better care of yourself so other people (including your extended family) don’t have to later on.

Focus on greatness.

A petty life is not worth living. Neither is a life chasing wanton desires or dogmatic ideologies. Focus on being you, then focus on being the best at what you do.

Refuse to settle. Indefinitely. Don’t live and work to appease others — there’s no more time for that. [Read more...]