Melody Beattie - The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals

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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for December 31st. We are standing on the brink of a brand-new year.

It’s New Year’s Eve, which means tonight’s about glitter, resolutions, and at least one person incorrectly counting down from 11 instead of 10.

New Year’s Eve isn’t just about champagne toasts and questionable karaoke renditions of "Auld Lang Syne"—though I fully support both. It’s a day to reflect on where you’ve been and dream about where you’re heading.

Interestingly, today is also Make Up Your Mind Day and this is a key idea. If you want to achieve a goal this year you have to Make Up Your Mind that you are going to do it no matter what. Today is about looking back and planning forward but it is also about being fully in the present and that is where National Champagne Day fits in.

Of course you can stick to sparkling apple juice or go full bubbly, either way appreciating family and friends and being fully present is also what today is all about.

But really, Make Up Your Mind Day ties perfectly into New Year’s Eve. As you reflect on the past year and plan for the next, it’s the ultimate moment to decide what matters most to you. Oh, and National Champagne Day? Well, that’s just the universe making sure your decisions come with a celebratory pop.

With that in mind, here’s today’s quote from Melody Beattie:

She once said...

"The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals."

Simple, yet profound, right? This quote reminds us that the future isn’t just something that happens to us—it’s something we create. Think of it this way: you’ve got the pen, the paper, and 365 blank pages ahead. The only question is: what do you want the next chapter of your life to say?

But let’s be honest—setting goals on New Year’s Eve can feel a bit...performative. It’s hard to channel your inner philosopher when everyone around you is debating if cheese fondue counts as a meal. Still, Melody Beattie’s wisdom encourages you to take a moment to make thoughtful choices.

Here’s where Make Up Your Mind Day comes in. Are you carrying something into the new year that no longer serves you? A bad habit? A toxic situation? That one sweater you keep promising to wear but never do? Let it go. Then ask yourself, "What do I really want in the year ahead?" And write it down. Studies show you’re more likely to follow through when you put your goals on paper—and if you do it with champagne in hand, I’m pretty sure it counts as multitasking.

So tonight, as you toast the year behind you and welcome the one ahead, remember this: every decision you make writes your story. Decide wisely, but don’t forget to have fun along the way. And if the clock strikes midnight and you still don’t have it all figured out? That’s okay. Tomorrow’s January 1st, and the story’s just getting started.

Thanks for spending part of your New Year’s Eve with me here on The Daily Quote. I’m Andrew McGivern, reminding you to keep your goals clear, your champagne cold, and your countdown accurate. I’ll see you next year—same time, same place. Cheers to you!