Stepping into a brand-new year is typically a time of reflection and of new beginnings. We look back to take account of the good things we did to affect the life we’re now living. If we’re smart, we also examine the things we could have done better to provide more in terms of better health, wealth, and happiness.

With retrospect in our hip pocket, we look forward with renewed optimism at what lies ahead. The most common anticipation centers around our desire for more. It is tantamount to our...