2010: Something new
"Today, I will experience something new. I will learn from the world around me: from the words I read, the sounds I hear, the touches I feel, and the faces I see.
Even through the course of my daily tasks, I will try to search for a new perspective, lean towards understanding, and make the commonplace a wondrous place to be." Susan Polis Schutz
Think about the past year...
- Looking back over the past year, what have you learned, what have you done?
- What is different in your life based on your 'on-the-go' education and experience path?
- Are you better equipped to lead, love, learn, or serve than you were a year ago?
- What successes have you experienced and who shared in helping you achieve them?
- Is there something that you wanted to do and for some reason didn't get it started or completed?
Our life is made up of interactive experiences.
Each April (my personal New Year), I take a short planning break and ask probing questions like these. My life's goal and intent are to live my life to make a leveraged difference in the world. I take time to revisit my dreams and see how I have done building solid foundations for success under those sky condominiums (castles). I also know that what gets measured gets rewarded and can be adjusted for finer focus.
It works well for me and has helped me keep focused along the way to deal with challenges as I sought to successfully learn and enhance my life. If you, like me, have found a missing piece or two in the last year, be of good cheer and resolve to move ahead on it today. Life is too short to live in regret. Live forward!
"It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot
Here are a few suggestions to help maintain an attitude of constant learning:
- Take a class at the local college, continuing education, or community center.
- Join Toastmasters and work on becoming a better leader and communicator.
- Explore that hobby you've found intriguing.
- Start a journal, begin a blog, sign up for Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
- Take up a sport. It's a great way to meet interesting people.
- Explore your own city or town as though you were visiting for the first time.
- Resolve to read selectively and strategically to advance your career. Commit to finding and reading one book a month that will serve this quest.
I know when you come home after a long and sometimes challenging day this might not sound like fun to you. However, your energies can be replenished and enhanced when your mind is actively engaged in something that challenges and inspires you.
I challenge you to invest time thinking, reflecting, dreaming, scheming, planning, or just plain working on your future. It will bring dividends beyond your wildest dreams.
Let me leave you with one more thought from Vincent Arcoleo:
"Life can be so hectic, leaving you with little choice but to be swept up in the hustle and bustle that each day brings. Make today special. Slow down for awhile, maybe even stop time... forget your responsibilities and concentrate on your dreams."
