Well it’s that time of year again where we say good bye to the old year and welcome in the New year with open arms. As I have sat and thought about this past year it has been filled with all kinds of different things that have made it a great year. From normal work, speaking at conferences, webinars and blog posts, launching my first Pluralsight course, to the most important things such as my family. The balance of work and family is still the battle I have come to realize we all face, no matter where I have travelled or who I have spoken with it is the same.

As I enter the New Year, this one is particularly important for me, age wise as I will turn the ripe old age of 40, which does bring with it lots of thoughts about the future. Don’t worry I am not going to get all sentimental, however as I have been trawling through old photos and videos of the kids, I have realized how fast time has flown by. I remember the day when my eldest daughter Bethan was born and now she will be turning 17 this year. Realizing this is making me think a little differently about things in general, everything from work, travel and all things I am involved with.

My goal would be to work less, but in reality that is never going to happen, but instead I want to work smarter, be better organized, plan better and make sure I am here for those events and things that really matter to my family. That doesn’t mean you won’t see me speaking at conferences, you will, but it will be more of a strategic decision as to where I will go. I will still blog, still write posts and of course still continue the webinars I have been doing. I am working on my second Pluralsight course which is scheduled to be hopefully completed by end of February and working on a few non-SharePoint things that should work well.

All in all, I am sad and glad to close out 2015, but am excited to see what 2016 brings me, whether it is new exciting technology releases, new work challenges, family fun or some personal achievements, I cannot wait.

Happy New Year to you all, I hope that 2016 is a great you for all of you, and brings you what you set out to accomplish. As my Dad reminded me, Abraham Lincoln said “The best way to predict the future is to create it“. Hope that you can create the great 2016 that you desire and look back this time next year and be proud of what you have achieved.