If you're looking for a list of habits to break, a list of vices to quit, and a list of people to avoid… 

I've got none of that for you. Plenty of people are publishing that.

If you’re like most people, you want to create real change this year. You want to win this year. Good!

Change happens from the inside out, and here is where it starts...

Assume every person is much more than you can see.

Everyone has magic inside. The most ordinary looking person could be the catalyst you've been searching for, the key to a mystery you've long been wanting to solve, or a solution you've been looking for. Assume that is true, and look for it.

Believe in (and act on) your own magic. 

What do you just know about yourself? What do you know for sure is your magic? Let there be nothing anyone can say or do to make you question that. Ever.

Spend 90% of your time leading, and 10% of your time following.

You've been doing this in reverse. Please stop. It's not serving you, and it's not serving your nonprofit. Turn up the volume on your magic, and lead with it.

Let yourself be misunderstood.

It is not your job to make people understand you. It is your job to believe in - and act on - your magic. That is your only job every day of this year.

Keep putting your faith in humanity.

People have let you down. People have failed to show up. People didn't keep their word. I acknowledge your disappointment. Now, leave it in the past and bring your faith back to the table. It's the only way miracles show up.

I can't wait to see your magic!

Sheree Allison merges the worlds of fundraising, marketing, and leadership combined with an entrepreneurial spirit to train and develop nonprofit leaders who are committed to building a world class organization.  Check out her book “The Non Profit Book of Wisdom - One Executive Director Who Couldn’t Be Swayed” and her weekly column at www.shereeallison.com.