Well, ready or not, the 2016 is upon us. At the beginning of each year, I sit down and think about the one key thing I learned in the past year that has made a difference in my business and my life.

I’d like to share with you those learning for the past five years.

Five Things I’ve Learned in the Past Five Years

1. Exercise daily.

I’ve developed a habit of exercising every weekday that I’m not on the road. That made the biggest difference for me as I had major surgery in early December and I was able to feel within a day or two the difference that “pre-building” my body has made to my recovery. Working out probably delivers the biggest ROI to my business and my life of anything that I invest my time in.

2. Don’t let social media swallow you up. 

This was my big learning from last year, and since that time, I’ve engaged someone to support my social media efforts so I can invest my time in more results-oriented efforts.

3. Work only with clients who inspire you.

Eliminate “dead weight” clients who are not expanding your horizons or your knowledge base.

4. Invest in yourself and your business. 

Unless you take courses, read A LOT, and are continually investing in expansion ideas, you will be at the exact same place five years from now. If you’re satisfied with that, then disregard this advice.

5. Hire a designer. 

The results from non-descript marketing materials and a vanilla website will be exactly what you expect. Nothing. Hire an expert who will attract the attention you need.