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hi friends,
 
Happy new year! Is 2017 treating you well so far? Here in the northern part of North America we're enjoying the true dead of winter, even as a thick blanket of snow offers us a blank slate on which to build our hopes for the upcoming year.
 
Here are a few things that I hope help you as you look to creating a great year:
 
1. A great story starts with "One day...". Every Pixar film follows their now-famous story structure: "Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___." The turning point in each of these stories (and what might make today more interesting than yesterday) is "one day...". Will today be a "one day" in your story?
 
2. Create a study plan for 2017. There's nothing like having a stack of books lined up to read over the upcoming year. Todd Henry, author of several books that have helped me a lot, suggests creating a stimulus queue of things you want to read and learn in the upcoming year. In a recent blog and podcast he gave some great suggestions about how to create a personal study plan.
 
3. Is it time to "graduate"? With the turn of the calendar I've been thinking a lot about seasons of life. Sometimes in order to grow into a new thing you have to first close the door on an old thing. Is there anything you're "graduating" from this year? (I've really appreciate Rob Bell's perspective on seasons and rhythm, ends and beginnings. Be sure to check out his recent podcast about seasons).
 
4. New year, new blog. I recently started a new publication on Medium called Cracks in the Pavement. If you're a Medium reader, please follow the publication! And if you have a story you'd like to share about discovering life in the nooks and crannies, please send it my way!

Thanks for reading!
 
 
Brent
Website: brentmanke.com
Twitter: @brentmanke

Facebook: @brentmankeblog
Medium: Cracks in the Pavement
Copyright © 2017 Brent Manke, All rights reserved.


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