2017 is coming to a close. As every year approaches its end, I spend some time reflecting on the year that has passed. Did I accomplish all that I wanted to? Did I stay consistent with things I need to change most? Did I see the places I wanted to see? What are my new goals for 2018? What is my plan to achieve these goals?
Then I write out all of my answers and new goals, and prepare myself for the year to come.
One of my latest end of the year rituals is to repeatedly listen to one of my favorite songs of all time. This one particular song gets me more fired up than any other and motivates me to live my life the way I want.
That is, to live with passion, drive, energy, compassion and focus. To work hard, help others, travel and have a shit-ton of fun in the process.
Some people who know me well might think this is some Eminem or Biggie song, however that’s pretty far off. Actually, the song I’m referring to is “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. I already know what you’re probably thinking, “another guido listening to Frank Sinatra, how typical”. Well, you’re right! I guess the year end forces me to channel my inner piasan.
But to me this is one of the most motivating songs, because it inspires me to live life the way I want, and I want to share some of the lyrics with you in hopes that it will inspire you to do the same.
“And now, the end is near; and so I face the final curtain.”
When you face your final curtain, will you have done all that you wanted to? Will you have traveled to the places you wanted? Did you ever reach your fitness goals? Did you ever buy that house you and your family always wanted? Did you ever start that business you’ve always talked about?
“I’ve lived a life that’s full. I’ve traveled each and every highway, but more, much more than this, I DID IT MY WAY.”
Are you living a life that is full? Are you doing the things you want? Or, are you living for someone else? Does your boss control your life? Are you pointing the finger at other people and blaming them for things you say you can’t do?
Or are you traveling, competing, having fun or maybe even starting a family? Whatever it is that you want to do, if you aren’t doing it, why the fuck not?!
“Regrets, I’ve had a few; but then again, too few to mention.”
We all have regrets and wish we could have done things differently. However, the mistakes you made do not define who you are right now! Do not live in regret. Change the things you want to change about your life and focus on what you could be doing right now!
“I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exemption.”
You want to do something? Do it! And give it absolutely everything you’ve got.
“And more, much more than this, I DID IT MY WAY.”
More importantly, do it for you, the way YOU want to do it! This is your life, no one else’s!
“Yes there were times, I’m sure you knew, when I bit off more than I can chew, but through it all, where there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out.”
Things can be overwhelming at times. Hey, that’s life. Figure out a way to structure your day and organize your time so you can get more done. The more action you take, the less you’ll be overwhelmed. Don’t find the time to do something, MAKE THE TIME!
And doubt…People will doubt you. You may even doubt yourself at times. Remember that you’re human and doubt will exist. If people are doubting you then I suggest finding new people to spend your time with. If you doubt yourself then understand that it’s normal and do what the fuck you want to do anyway, because you don’t want the “what if’s” to turn into the “I should have’s”.
“I faced it all and I stood tall; and DID IT MY WAY.”
Smile, stand up tall and take on what life throws at you. NEVER accept the roll of the victim. You are 100% in charge of your life! Don’t complain or blame other people. Pussies do that. Take life by the horns and create your own destiny.
“I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried. I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.”
Don’t hide your emotions. Let your true colors come out. Love those closest to you and let them know it. If you’re sad about something then cry and let that shit out. Talk to someone who can help. And never, ever forget to laugh every day. Life is too short not to enjoy it.
“To think, I did all that; and may I say, not in a shy way, oh no, oh no not me, I DID IT MY WAY”.
Don’t hold back. Talk to strangers and put yourself out there. You’ll never regret getting turned down by someone, but you’ll always regret never knowing what could have been. If you see a girl you’re interested in, talk to her. What do you really have to lose?
“For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has not, TO SAY THE THINGS HE TRULY FEELS AND NOT THE WORDS OF ONE WHO KNEELS.”
This is by far my favorite part of this song. Never, ever try to be someone else. You cannot and will not please everyone, so don’t try to. Be yourself and say what YOU believe in.
People surrender to criticism, doubt and fear. They are so worried about what other people think that they hold back from doing so much in their lives. Do everything in your power to be you. When you face your final curtain you will only regret not truly expressing yourself on this short journey that is life.
You don’t have to agree with someone just because you fear the backlash. Don’t constantly argue with people but express yourself and let the world know who the fuck you are.
“The record shows, I took the blows, and DID IT MY WAY.”
I’ve learned that in life, you will take your bumps and bruises. You’ll be heartbroken, faced with death and all types of traumatic experiences. But it is up to you how to handle them when they arise. You can CHOOSE to accept the pain and tragedy we all face, or you can fall victim to it.
I have also learned that the good will too come with the bad. You will laugh, love and party. You can accomplish anything that you want and live however you want. You can travel, meet new people and make the world your playground.
The highs and lows you face on this journey is what makes up life! You can’t expect the bad not to happen, because at some point it will. You just need to prepare yourself for it the best that you can, and then do your best to move on, and always focus more on the good.
Sure, sometimes you’re going to take your blows. But so will I and so will everyone you know, whether they talk about it or not.
In 2018 you have the potential to live life YOUR WAY! If you choose to make changes or achieve certain goals, go do it! Don’t just fuckin talk about it, TAKE ACTION!
I have no idea when I will face my final curtain. But I do know that when that day comes, I will be absolutely fucking certain that I lived everyday to make sure that I lived this life for me.
My way…
Thanks for reading, guys and here is to an incredible, happy, healthy, successful 2018.
PS Don’t forget to give this a listen.