Just before take off I hear “you can always come back home” on the radio station. Right before the Jetblue TV’s cut off to the flight attendants giving their instructions. I’m grateful for these signs, leaving Florida and my dad is always the hardest part of any trip. On the one hand Florida is safe and familiar – it’s what I’ve always known. And then there’s New York – stressful, difficult, uncomfortable.

Reflecting on the future, as many do this time of year. I remembered when I first moved here. I remember being picked up by the Guggenheim because of my laid back attitude, my confidence. I need to get back to that place. I need to stop worrying and start thinking positive, and more importantly not let my surroundings beat out the person I am. Realistically, NY is always going to be a pain in the ass. It’s never going to change, so I shouldn’t let it change me.

Of my many resolutions for the new year. It is clear to those that know me that I want to find my dream job. To come to work everyday and know I’m doing work that matters. I had an interesting conversation with my dad before I left, about how we’ve started to hire few and hire those that will do more for less. In turn quality ultimately gets compromised.

As another resolution of mine (to read more, at least a half hour a day and/or on my commute) I’m currently reading Seth Godin’s new book The Icarus Deception. Just recently reading this:

Our cultural instinct is to wait to get picked. To seek out the permission, authority, and safety that comes from a publisher or talk-show host or even a blogger who says, “I pick you.”

Once you reject the impulse and realized that no one is going to select you – then you can actually get to work. 

Once you understand that there are problems waiting to be solved, once you realize that you have all the tools and all the permission you need, then opportunities to contribute abound. The opportunity is not to have your resume picked from a pile but to lead. 

When we take responsibility and eagerly give credit, doors open. When we grab a microphone and speak up, we’re a speak closer to doing the work we’re able to do.

No one is going to pick you. Pick yourself. 

Last year I was waiting to get picked. This year I’m picking myself.