Here I am, sitting and thinking about 2011 and can't believe the first decade of the new century is already in the books. And like every year at this time, I often look back and reflect on things that I could have done better.

Could I have taken better care of my patients?
Could I have been a better father?
Could I have been a better husband?
Could I have been a better mentor? A better teacher? A better speaker?

I think it's natural to second-guess yourself all the time. No matter what kind of year you had, hopefully there is room for improvement. If not, and you look back on your past 12 months and find that you did everything perfectly - are you really being critical of yourself and painting a true picture? If this is in fact the case, are you truly being the best you can be or are you living in a state of denial?

In reality we all look back and find ways to make ourselves better at all the things that we do. You have to. That means that you truly care about improving yourself, and in essence, that means that you are becoming a better person. In the end, shouldn't that be our goal? To improve and constantly raise the bar in what it means to be the best that you can be?

2011 will be like every other year - we will constantly learn new things, explore new adventures and try to do all the things that we did in 2010, just a little bit better. Growth is what keeps us going. Growth is what gives us a reason to wake up every day and live each day as a new adventure.

My hope is that you have a wonderful new year and that you continue on your journey to be the best that you can be and that you do not let anything get in the way of your dreams.