My personal goals are to try and be a better person and help as many people as I can. This wasn’t always the case. As a younger man, I was selfish and self-centered. I am definitely a work in progress.

As I’ve gotten older, had children, started my own business, and made a ton of mistakes over the years – I’ve learned some very valuable life lessons the hard way.

As I reflect on 2013, these 6 truths about life and how we live came to mind and I wanted to share them with all of you.

6 Life Lessons

1. You can’t force others to see it your way. Give them the information and let them make their own decisions. Trying to force your opinion on anyone just leads to frustration and resentment for you!  When they’re ready, they’ll come to you.

2. When all else fails, even hard work, kindness and generosity toward others can literally change the direction of your life. Giving to others without expectation will define your character and bring you immense peace.  Realize that everyone is just holding on and struggling every day and your simple act of kindness can give them hope.

3. If you’re dishonest, judgmental, or you’re constantly putting others down, it can make you into a negative person and change how you feel about yourself. You begin to not like yourself very much and it can make you believe that you don’t deserve happiness. Stop being afraid and start living true to yourself and being an honest person. Become the hero of your own story.

Adding to Yoda’s wisdom, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. Suffering leads to empathy, and empathy leads to selflessness and compassion.”

4. Living in the past keeps you from living for the future. Make peace with the past and use it to drive you to a new beginning. It was your past that made you who you are today and you wouldn’t be as strong as you are or have as much compassion for others if you didn’t triumph over that struggle.

5. Training hard can give you confidence in your every day life. Pushing yourself with very intense training can develop mental toughness and make every day challenges very easy and simple.  Never stop training and never stop pushing yourself.

6. Become a man that others can count on. Want to be different? Show up when you say you’re going to be there and be the first to offer a helping hand.  Be true to your word and look others in the eye when speaking with them.

“A man who has no honor has nothing … You must guard your honor. It is the most precious possession you will ever have. It is the one thing that can never be taken from you.” – Caine

I hope everyone has an amazing 2014 and works hard to reach their goals! Remember to never waste a second and make your own opportunities!