Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Put People First.
For the past several years, Molly and I have taken the family skiing at Crested Butte, CO. We didn’t go this year due to a pesky Freshman boys’ basketball schedule, but the habit of the trip has that vacation on all our minds.
I bring this up, because eight years ago, we started a tradition in Crested Butte of going out to dinner at the “Wooden Nickel” on the night of January 1st, which was usually our last day or two of the vacation. That first dinner, in the old mining tavern converted to a restaurant; we sat in a front corner booth, along a plate-glass window overlooking Elk Avenue, with snow piled up outside. It was a scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting, and while I was taking in the moment, I asked: “If you had to rate last year, what would you rate it – scale of one to ten?”
Everyone went around the table and talked about their year – most rated their year a 7-8. Then I asked: “What would need to happen in the coming year, for us to be sitting here next year, and for each of you to say your year was a 9-10?” And we all went around the table again.
That magical evening, and our “Nine and Tens” evenings since, are usually surprisingly emotional, but something we look forward to every year. They force each of us to take inventory of the type of person we want to be, what we want to accomplish, and the progress we’re making toward those goals.
As we put 2025 to bed, and look toward 2026, what would you score the past year, and what would make 2026 a year of nines and tens for you? Regardless of whether you choose to make this discussion a family tradition or not, I hope you take the time to study that for yourself. Last year at this time, we were navigating Andrew’s diagnosis, which brought laser focus to how much we take for granted, and all that’s really needed to have beautiful year. In my book, if you and your loved ones have security, health, family, friends, and faith – you’re already at a nine.
Regardless, of your score, or your reasons for it, I hope Focal Pointe can be a part of your march to a year of “Nines and Tens.” And if you’re already there, be sure to share your gift of happiness and fulfilment with others – that is a great way to live today’s Core Value.
Thank you for being part of my Nines and Tens. Wishing each of you a very happy and meaningful 2026! John