I generally enter and exit the period between Christmas and New Year in a state of depressive realism. I’m not talking about depression in a clinical sense. Rather, I’m talking about a mood or state of mind that borders on depressed.

This isn’t a new phenomenon for me. I’ve come to expect it. It occurs because I step away from work (as much as is possible), reflect on the past year and contemplate the next. I’ve come to the conclusion that I wasn’t build with the reality distortion module that most humans possess which evolution designed to cause us to believe we are better than we . As a result, my self-assessments and perspective on the reality around me can be fairly hard-hitting.

This isn’t all bad. For me, a realistic look a the gap between where I am and where I want to be isn’t immobilizing. Rather, it is a step in the process of making the changes that will make the following year better than the last. You see, I’m also optimistic and full of hope. Yes, there are changes to be made to make life better. There are things I should stop doing, things I need to start doing and things I need to do better. But I also know that I’m capable of making the changes I desire.

I’m optimistic about many things in 2015, not the least of which is that the work that I do with the entrepreneurs I have the honor to work with will produce desirable results. To each of you entrepreneurs with whom I am fortunate to work, know that along the path, each of you will have to confront the brutal facts (a la Jim Collins) to generate the breakthroughs that will lead you to greatness. You may go through your own period of depressive realism. Go there! And while you are there, make the most of it as a force for change. Know that as you do so, I’ve got your back.