Like many of you, I hate the term "resolution." It usually refers to a big, high-pressure goal that inevitably sets the person up to fail and then beat themselves up for their self-induced letdown.

Instead of making specific resolutions this year, I'm focusing on taking the lessons I learned in 2017, considering them as I move through life this year – one day at a time – and leaving behind ideas and approaches that no longer serve me. Here are some ways you can move forward with renewed wisdom in 2018, both as a credit union professional and as an individual.

Update antiquated ideas, like "attracting millennials." A lot has changed since 2011, when I wrote a monthly column for CU Times, "Gen Y Back Talk," devoted entirely to how credit unions can appeal to this mysterious group of entitled slackers. Like a grandfather who still pictures his granddaughter as a precious child even though she just turned 18, some credit unions may still see this generation as naïve and living in their parents' basement, but the reality is, many millennials are in their early 30s and have homes, careers and families, and are accumulating wealth. It's time to start viewing them as the adults they are – and start turning your attention to the generation behind them, Gen Z (for tips on marketing to this young generation of consumers, see page 12).