These days between Christmas and the New Year allow us a unique perspective into both the year behind and the one ahead. It is a wonderful time to look back at our successes, and failures, our joys and sorrows and our relationships, both good and not-so-good, and consider what we want to build on, what needs to change and what we want to let go of. In looking back, I like to ask myself these questions about the previous year:

How did I treat others? How did I treat myself?

Did I eat well? Sleep well? Manage my stress and time effectively?

Was I able to honor my commitments? Did my brilliant plans turn out brilliant?

Looking back in this way leads to accountability, which, in my mind, is vital for moving forward in a positive, productive manner. I’ve had some tragic years and some excellent years. Some of the tragedies were those that are hard to avoid, such as the death of loved ones, but most tragedies were definitely of my own making.

Sometimes, reflection on the previous year brings us even further back. This can happen because we keep making the same mistakes. Other times, we look back to check the progress on the long-term goals we’ve made. If we are fortunate, we will see fruition of the seeds we had planted in earlier days.

For me, 2016 has been a year of expansion, which will culminate in January 2017, with the opening of our third and final office suite in the Solana Beach location. Having started in this location 10 years ago with one suite, Dorfman Kinesiology has spread out and will now occupy the entire building. Of course, I could not have done it alone. The dedication and fine work of the whole team at Dorfman Kinesiology has made this success possible. Thanks to Trevor Fox, Josh Martin, Michael White, Trevor Hawkins and my wife, Nicole Dorfman, for helping to create this reality.

In 2016, we also began work in a new location. Along with the Solana Beach and Morro Bay offices, I am now working in Silicon Valley a couple of days a month. In retrospect, I see that the opportunity to serve those wonderful individuals up north arose from relationships that had been carefully nurtured over the previous years.

Most importantly, the growth of the business means that we are able to assist more people in their quest for a better quality of life. We are grateful to our patients, who make our business what it is. Thank you for putting your trust in us.

In looking forward, I ask myself where I want to put my focus in the coming months and what it will take to maintain that focus. There are many things in life deserving of our focus and attention, but in my mind, health is the most important. When we feel good everything is easier, even when times are hard. When our health is compromised, however, everything else is more difficult. Our work and relationships suffer, as do our mental and emotional states. This is why it is vital to prioritize health. What do you do to stay in good health? What do you do to bring yourself back into good health when you are injured or ill? These are good questions to contemplate moving into 2017.

In closing, I consider the words of a colleague who passed away this year at the age of 82. He said, “You should be thankful for every day you feel good.” Sometimes it is as simple as that.

Wishing you all a peaceful, joyous and healthy New Year.

Here’s to you feeling better forever.