Archive for December 2010
No More New Year’s Resolutions
December 28, 2010 | 
Author Now, just choose a single word.
How many resolutions did you make last year? How long did you stick with them? They don’t last long, do they? Maybe a month or so? And were they focused on the negative things to change – like finally losing 10 pounds, get to the gym more often?
I changed all that last year. Now I just choose a single word that drives me through the year. Let me tell you, it sounds easier than it is to pick the right word.
Last New Year’s Day we were visiting with friend when I started asking everyone about their resolutions. She told me about just picking a word for the year. I thought that sounded pretty good, an easy way out. Turns out it’s not so easy to pick one word that truly fits your intentions but once you do, it’s an incredible way to focus your year.
Here was my thought process to get to the most authentic word just for me. First I thought about what was coming up for the year – what did I know was happening or was hoping would happen. Lots of positive things were in the works – I was launching my coaching business, my boyfriend was about to land a new job, and that meant we would be able to move in together. But there was a big looming negative. I was turning 60. And I was already whining about it – listening to all those external voices about age. And I hate whining.
So I started listing words. Not just any word would do. I wanted a verb because that meant action and focused on the end result not just the process. An adjective would work too. A word that would drive and guide me through the year. Something positive that could be an attitude changer.
I tried on a few, sat with them for a couple of days to see how they might keep me clearly focused for the year. None fit until I hit upon Celebrate! with an exclamation point. It felt right and it certainly has been a year to celebrate. And as for that birthday, instead of crawling under a rock, we celebrated with 2 parties!
Now I’m working on the right word for 2011. And my friend, she’s taking on my 2010 word.
Action:
- Think through your expectations and events you know will be happening for the year. Write them out.
- How do you feel about them now? How would you like to feel about them?
- Write out a list of possible words – either verbs or adjectives, or if it’s better for you a very short phrase – that can help focus you on the feeling you’d like to have.
- How will this word change your life by the end of the year? Write out how each could help you get there.
Don’t struggle or fret about it. It may take a couple of days but one will naturally emerge. It will feel right. It will be authentic to you. Now put it up everywhere, surround yourself – on your mirror, refrigerator, your office white board, your notepaper – just keep it in view. You want to be drawn to the energy our word will create. Make it come alive!
Please comment on your word and why it’s the right word for you. I’ve got my new one in mind but haven’t settled yet. I’ll share mine in a few days.
Posted in Personal Development | 
Tags: attitude change, new years resolutions, success | 
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Closing Out 2010
Hard to believe but 2010 is coming to a close. Now is a good time to reflect on your year. Whether you laid out specific goals and made conscious choices or just let things happen, sit down and take stock of all that you’ve accomplished over the last twelve months. I bet that you’ll be surprised and proud of what you’ve accomplished!
Here are a few overarching questions to spark your reflection:
- What was the most exciting, heart-stirring thing that happened in your life and/or business this year?
- What was your biggest learning?
- How did you stretch yourself?
Now take a deeper look at 2010. Look back at any goals you set. Ask yourself the following questions to help recall your successes and uncover nuggets of learning:
- What were you most proud of accomplishing?
- Which goals were easier to meet than you thought? Which ones were more challenging? Why?
- How did you honor your values?
- What did you enjoy doing that you want to do more of?
- What do you need to stop doing or let go of?
- Is there anything else you want to do before the year ends?
Your responses will not only help you recap all that you’ve accomplished this year, but they’ll also help you pave the way for next year.
Action:
Sit quietly. Allow your mind to wander. Grab a piece of paper or your journal. Use the questions above and just starting writing. See any themes or common threads? Wrap it all up in a big bow by writing your headline for the year.
Posted in Personal Development | Tags: personal development, personal growth, success | No Comments »
What’s your career?
You’re at a party and asked “What do you do?” And you say what your current job is. But that’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking how you define your career – to yourself and to others. Is it more than your job? Is it just how you make money and support yourself?
How does it feel when you answer? If it feels good, I am willing to bet you have a good understanding about your career, not just your job. Too often we just talk about the job and there’s less conviction and passion behind our words.
If you’re uncomfortable answering what your career is, maybe you never really defined it to yourself. You may be like many people who are still on the job path that started in their 20s. You built up some expertise; you got promoted or made a change to a similar job and continued along. Now this is what I call your default career.
The definition of career is more than just a job you do. Career implies longer term. It implies development and continual growth. There’s a future to a career. A career is intentionally chosen, has a purpose and meaning.
Your career essence
Sit back and think about this for a while. Look behind the label of your job title and discover the core essence of your career.
- What’s the big picture of what you do?
- What do you contribute?
- Think of your company, how do you fit into their larger purpose?
- What about your previous positions?
- What is their connection?
- Is there a path between them?
Action:
And now that you have those answers, ask yourself the bigger and more personal questions.
- How do you feel about it?
- Do you like what you do?
- Is it right for you?
- Does it reflect your values?
- Does it allow you to express your unique, creative self?
If you can honestly answer “yes” to these questions, congratulations! You are one of the blessed people who have a career that is well suited to them and brings you great satisfaction.
If you hesitated or answered “no”, it’s time to make a change and find your authentic career. At this stage of life, you owe that to yourself.
Me Day
Saturday I had the most wonderful spontaneous Me Day. A friend called on Thursday asking the name of the spa we had gone to a while ago – then neither of us could believe we had not been back for a year. So we decided to go together on Saturday. We had lunch first, lots of fun girl talk and a little wine of course. After a much needed deep massage, we floated to a little shop for a cup of herbal tea and a cookie. Then I went off to get my haircut and she headed home. It’s been a long time since I gave myself a gift of an entire day.
Self-care is incredibly important to our health and wellbeing. It reduces stress and puts our life back in balance. And it’s a perfect way to kick off what is often called a stressful season of holidays. But if you start off relaxed, maybe it doesn’t have to be.
Action:
When’s the last time you took a Me Day? What could you do this week, even if it’s only for a few hours to focus just on yourself? Be sure to add a comment and let me know.