In the last few weeks I have heard many people say that they can’t believe it is 2015, let alone February. Unfortunately in this day in age, in our fast paced world, time truly does fly.

In the weeks since January 1^st, I have asked myself the typical question, what am I going to do for my resolution this year? With many people focusing on the always popular New Year’s fitness resolution, I asked myself, when have I truly done something that has had a long term effect on my personal and professional life? The fitness resolution and “I’ll give up this” resolutions may be great for some, but for me, I wanted to do something that would have a lasting impression on my life.

I decided I needed to invest in myself, not with money, but instead with knowledge. I needed to focus on building and branding myself as the professional that I am, and want to become in the future. In the past I have read articles and popular self-improvement books such as the famous How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; but I never really put the ideas and knowledge to work. This time I was committed; having now been out of college for over a year with no real career advancements. I have always been one who thought outside the box and looked to challenge myself every day in all aspects of my life, so for me to invest in myself was not a hard decision.

I went out and purchased The Start-up of You by Reid Hoffman, the cofounder and chairman of LinkedIn, not long into the new year after reading reviews and having it recommended to me. Going into it, I honestly was a little uneasy as I had found some previous articles a little dry. Now I am about halfway through, and sometimes have a hard time putting it down as it keeps me engaged and motivated to continue reading. Reid, throughout the first chapters, gives great examples of real life scenarios involving high profile companies and corporations that highlight the focus points in each of the organized and well planned chapters. At the ends of the chapters he challenges everyone to go out and put these new skills into practical use. Reid even makes reference to other self-improvement articles and books, such as the previously mentioned How to Win Friends and Influence People.

The Start Up of You challenges those who wish to change and invest in their future. Since beginning to read this book I have now challenged myself to work even harder toward making myself the best professional, strategic problem solver, recruiter, investor in people, team leader, and friend that I can be. Each week I create S.M.A.R.T. goals that help me to accomplish tasks and goals toward growing professionally. Since the beginning of the year, I have created this website, updated my LinkedIn, worked to maintain that network of professionals, and added new tasks and goals to motivate myself and help myself grow.

Today I hope that all of you challenge yourself to become all that you can and create goals that truly help to #startYOU.

I will post again upon my completion of reading The Start Up of You and give my complete review, as well as update you on my current goals, positions, and tasks. In the meantime if you have any questions or want to discuss anything please feel free to get in contact with me. You can find me and view my resume on LinkedIn. I am always looking forward to meeting new people and learning your story and passions.