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Last year, Honda released a series of documentaries. I remember seeing the trailers in movie theaters, right before the film started. The trailers surprised me, since I am so used to the blaring and fast-paced snippets of movies and products. The documentary trailers actually caught my attention because they were so thoughtful and artistic. I realized, that's how life is... there are so many problems trying to get your attention that when something is slow and and inspiring, you really can't help but pay attention.

I'd like to share my favorite video from the Honda series, "Dream the Impossible." It's entitled "Failure: The Secret to Success." You might have felt that 2009 was a failure. I don't blame you if you do; there are events in 2009 that I wish had happened differently. However, Confucius once said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Watch this video to learn about some successful people who experienced failure but persevered to their greatest triumph:

Regardless of 2009, I hope that you start 2010 off right. What are some failures that you experienced in 2009? How will you turn it around in 2010? Who do you look up to when you think of overcoming failure? What will it look like, for you, to find success?

Welcome to 2010! It is my sincere hope that you will find all sorts of exciting opportunities and challenges this year.

I would be lying if I said 2009 was a breeze. The economy presented a challenge for us, as a company, as I am sure it was a challenge to many other businesses out there. However, I discovered that when you have the right people with the right attitude, you can break through any obstacle. Surprisingly, despite the external obstacles, we were able to exceed our goals and make 2009 a great year. Thank you for being a part of our success, and helping us in our mission to inspire others!

How was 2009 for you? Did you have a chance to Finish Strong? As you may know, we are running our Finish Strong 2009 contest on our Facebook page. We want to hear the conclusion to your 2009 story; therefore, we invite you to submit your story in video or writing on our Facebook page. The piece that best summarizes the Finish Strong philosophy will win our prize of the Finish Strong kit, perfect for starting the new year on the right foot!

Here's to a great 2009 and a 2010 full of potential.

Mac Anderson

2010 is ripe with opportunity - if we so choose. In his new book Goals: The 10 Rules for Achieving Success, Gary Ryan Blair has this to say about setting goals:

By choosing your goal and writing it down, you gain an edge. Most people simply respond to conditions rather than create conditions for a better life. While there is no magic pill or equation for success, one things is sure: Those who fail to plan by not writing down their goals, by default, plan to fail. . . . Your written goal must be specific and measurable and include a deadline.

As we kick off the new year, let's take Gary's words to heart. What are your goals for 2010? Are they measurable? When exactly will you accomplish them?

Take a moment right now to write your goals down. Then put those written goals somewhere accessible, somewhere you will be sure to look every day. (Examples: On your refrigerator, on your mirror, on your desk, taped to the side of your computer monitor, on your bedside table, taped to the dashboard of your car. Anywhere that works for you!) Leave a comment and let us know about your goals so we can cheer you on!

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

Whether you will spend it somewhere exciting like Times Square in New York City...

Or quietly enjoy the evening at home with a few loved ones...

We thank you for a fantastic 2009 and truly inspiring 2010.

To Life,

Mac Anderson and your friends at Simple Truths

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." -Calvin Coolidge

From our sister company Inspired Faith, we bring you The Simple Blessings of Christmas movie. If you have Christmas encouragement to share, please do so in our comments! From our heart to yours, we wish you a blessed and inspired Christmas.

Mac Anderson and Simple Truths.