There are some years that become a dividing line.

Life before and life after.

For me, 2021 was one of those years.

Truthfully, one of the most incredible of my life.

I want to share a few of the important things I learned:

1/ Patience is Paramount

The world’s been going through a rough time. A lot things aren’t like they used to be.

Getting through it all requires more patience that most of us are used to having.

More patience for others, for doing things differently, and for ourselves.

2/ It’s Okay to Shut Off

I learned how to be present with the people I love.

When I come home, cross that threshold, it’s family time.

I focus on them, at the expense of everything else. And that’s okay.

The things pulling you away are rarely as urgent as they seem.

3/ Saying “No” is a Superpower

I’m juggling a million things. Fatherhood, football, investing, building, it’s a lot.

I prioritize my availability every morning. I only say yes to things that are hyper relevant.

If you’re saying no to asks more often than yes, keep going.

4/ Compartmentalize

Work and life are blurring more than ever, it’s hard to keep them straight.

But playing with the boys is a world away from Sunday night and 3rd down.

I compartmentalize to guide my demeanor, and thought process.

It makes you ready for the task at hand.

5/ It’s a Lot of Luck

You can train, prepare, get experience, but man…you also gotta be lucky.

Putting in the work doesn’t guarantee outcomes.

Coming to terms with that is huge.

You win some, you lose some, it doesn’t always make sense.

6/ Lift Others Up

If you want to win at whatever you’re doing, improving you is only half the battle.

You can be world’s most incredible athlete, if your team sucks, you’re gonna lose.

Get your house in order, then help to lift others up. That’s a champion mentality.

7/ Get Outside Your Comfort Zone

I’m naturally an introvert, and I made a huge effort this year to open myself up. It’s paid off.

Pace yourself, but push yourself. If you don’t have a little anxiety you’re probably too comfortable.

Heck, I may even do some media appearances!

8/ Use Twitter!

I seriously got back on Twitter this year and have been blown away by the ROI.

I’ve met incredible people, done deals, and 10x’d my business profile.

Make it yours, follow the right people, you’ll have a direct line to some of the best brains on the planet.

9/ Make Quality Time

As a parent, creating quality time with your significant other can fall through. Don’t let that happen.

Even if it’s going to Chick-fil-a or taking a ride to look at houses.

Doesn’t matter what you do, make the person you love feel like a priority.

10/ It’s Okay to Make New Friends

Friendships used to last because of location, now it’s because of relevance.

What you’re working on is more important than where you are.

We have more ways to connect than ever. Take advantage of it.

Twelve month seems like such a long time, and no time at all.

We only have so many years here and we should all care about doing the best we can with each one we’ve got.

I hope you found some here wisdom here to help with that.