Welcome to 2019! I hope that this year is full of great things and wonderful adventures for you.

When I reflect back on 2018, one thing stands out. The world is continuing to change, and at times it feels overwhelming to keep up. Long-standing businesses are being disrupted and some will not survive the transition. New businesses are popping up, providing services we may not have imagined just a few years ago.

At the World Economic Forum in February, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “The pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be this slow again.”

In a world where so much is happening so quickly, it is imperative as business leaders and trusted advisors that we continue to challenge ourselves, learn, and develop new skills. One of the best pieces of advice I received when I became a leader is the importance of taking time to reflect and plan.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed, put your head down, and simply focus on keeping up. However, if you do not set learning and planning as a priority, all you will be able to do is keep up — and only for a short time.

Technology is playing a big role and although your job, your coworkers, or even your organization may look very different soon, your personal talents and experience can make you invaluable.

This new year, empower yourself. Make an appointment with yourself each week to reflect and plan. Find a mentor or become a mentor to someone else. Look at CPE as an opportunity to develop your skills in new areas. As Zig Ziglar once said, “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” Become unstoppable!

I look forward to all that we can do together in 2019 and beyond.

Kimberly Scott, CAE, is President & CEO of the Washington Society of CPAs, and Executive Director of the Washington CPA Foundation. You can contact her at kscott@wscpa.org.