Message from AHVAP Executive Director

A New Year-A New You!

Dear AHVAP Members and Partners,

A new year presents a remarkable opportunity for reflection and renewal. It’s a time when many of us set fresh goals, reevaluate our habits, and imagine where we’d like to see ourselves in the months ahead. In all of this planning and dreaming, one element stands out as crucial to real progress: the willingness to take full accountability and ownership of our lives. When we do, we empower ourselves to steer our own destiny instead of allowing our circumstances — or someone else — to determine the course. Taking responsibility for our choices and actions gives us the clarity to see what’s working and what isn’t, and it equips us to make the adjustments needed to achieve our desired outcomes.

Accountability and ownership go hand in hand. Accountability is about recognizing and accepting responsibility for the results of our efforts, whether they turn out well or poorly. It is the conscious decision to learn from mistakes instead of shifting blame. Ownership, on the other hand, is the mindset that says, “My life is mine to shape,” and motivates us to act rather than just react. Through ownership, we find the drive to chart our own course, set clear goals, and make decisions that continually move us in the right direction. Together, accountability and ownership can transform our perspective, encouraging a proactive approach where we anticipate changes, adapt to new challenges, and maintain momentum even when the path forward is unclear.

This proactive approach is best exemplified by the concept of “driving your destiny.” Instead of passively waiting for good fortune or chance to deliver opportunities, you take the wheel and steer your life toward your aspirations. By planning carefully, seeking out resources, and learning from mentors or experts, you move forward with a sense of purpose. Challenges that once seemed insurmountable start to feel like stepping stones toward growth. And when you inevitably face stumbling blocks, your sense of accountability ensures that you learn valuable lessons for the next attempt, rather than giving up.

Another essential factor in making the most of the new year is the commitment to innovate yourself daily. We often think of innovation in the context of technology or business, but it applies just as powerfully to personal growth. Daily innovation means inviting fresh ideas and insights into your life, whether through reading a new book, practicing a new skill, or experimenting with different ways to solve problems. This continual quest for improvement keeps you relevant in a world that’s constantly evolving. It also keeps your mind agile and your confidence high, allowing you to adapt more easily when confronted by new obstacles or sudden changes in your environment.

Innovation goes hand in hand with perseverance. We must continually move forward, reminding ourselves that progress doesn’t always occur in giant leaps. Often, our greatest achievements are the result of many small, consistent efforts compounded over time. By breaking large goals into manageable steps, we create a sense of achievable progress that sustains motivation. Accountability partners — a friend, colleague, or mentor who shares our vision — can also help us stay on track. When we celebrate even the smallest milestones along the way, we reinforce positive habits and keep discouragement at bay.

Ultimately, taking accountability, embracing ownership, and committing to daily self-innovation all serve the same purpose: to help us become active participants in our own stories. Instead of being swept along by outside forces, we deliberately write each new chapter of our lives. That’s why this new year is such an exciting time. It offers a blank page on which we can spell out our goals, outline our plans, and promise ourselves to act with determination. With steady focus and a willingness to learn from our experiences, we can look forward to a year filled with personal growth, resilience, and fulfillment, knowing that we — fully accountable and innovative — have chosen each step along the way. Take advantage of the AHVAP virtual member meetings, AHVAP Certification Center credentialing opportunities, earn your CVAHP board certification, and register to attend our upcoming Annual Conference. Your career is your responsibility, so get in the front seat, and let AHVAP help you drive off into the sunset toward your goals!

Regards,

J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D., MSN, MPH, MBA, FNP-BC, IP-BC, PLNC, VA-BC, BC-MSLcert™, MSL-BC, LTC-CIP, CIC, CPPS, CAE, CPHQ, CVAHP™, ICE-CCP, CPXP, CMRP, CDIPC, FAOM, FACDONA, FAAPM, FAPIC, FNAP, FACHE, FSHEA, FIDSA, FAHVAP
Executive Director and Executive Vice President
Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AVHAP)
Chief Credentialing Officer
AHVAP Certification Center
Certified Association Executive