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Today’s guest post is from Mike St. Pierre of The Daily Saint.

I recently posted a timely meditation for Christmas which gives reason for pause. Beyond the gifts and the buildup to December 25 lies a simple question: am I more productive than I was last year? This question is really universal in scope as it applies to one’s life at work, at home and in terms of personal improvement. In other words, am I making a difference?

This is of course easy to talk about and difficult to do. What does “success” mean? I’d like to think that it implies improvement and this is what I preach in my daily work as a school administrator. Is Joe working at his potential and making progress? Is Susan fine-tuning the ways in which she is working and learning? These questions and more are ultimately what make the difference between the underachiever and the successful student.

Whether one is a Christian or a member of another faith tradition, the legacy of the humble man of Nazareth gives all of us an example of purposeful living. My suggestion for Christmas day? After you’ve opened some gifts and spent time with those you love, take a walk or spend some time alone. Reflecting on the areas of life that need attention might be the best gift of all. A gift to yourself.