It’s a time of reflection, of contemplation on where you’ve been, what you’ve learned and where are you going…
It’s a time to wake up, seeing each sunrise as a new beginning by saying: This is my day of opportunity, let it begin, for today I am uncovering all my hidden gifts, moving towards a new direction with new possibilities…
Are you with me? Ask yourself these questions:
- What would I pursue if there were nothing in my way and anything was possible?
- Who and where do I want to be?
- Am I utilizing the gifts to the fullest that infinite intelligence has given to me?
Did you know that if nothing ever changed we’d have no butterflies?
Did you know that when the time comes for the baby eaglets to grow up and fly on their own, they are pushed out of their nest? And while they try to hold on their mother, not wanting to alter their comfortable environment, she gently shakes her babies loose, forcing them to fly, the way infinite intelligence intended them to be.
Most change comes with a little discomfort yet “Twenty-years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did.
Nature teaches us how change is an open door – like a butterfly that emerges so triumphantly from its chrysalis – like the eagle being shaken from its comfortable environment to stretching its wings and soaring to new heights, you too can emerge triumphantly and soar to new heights if you’re willing to make the change, let go of the old and do the work.
As I write these words it’s a wakeup call to myself, I have a horrible habit of doing for everyone else, making sure everyone else is taken care of, “I am the enabler, a recovering baggage carrier – gasping for air – wanting to breathe- wanting to soar.
But you see, it’s not until I put my Oxygen mask on first and make sure I can breathe can I carry someone else.
I do not do New Year’s resolutions, instead every year I reflect back where I’ve been, where I am. And ask honestly why am I here? And where do I want to go? This allows me to do some course corrections. I select my words and direction for the New Year.
My words for 2015 are: 1) Focus, 2) Structure, and 3) Escape
Now it’s time to Focus on the IPA’s (income producing activities), build the Structures to bridge the gap and learn to Escape with getaways, and vacations, giving me time to focus on what matters most, and create the plan of action.
So like the cycle of life in nature it’s time to breathe, put my own mask on first, focus on what matters most, get out and enjoy nature and keep the cycle going.
How about you did you make a New Year’s resolution like about 150 million Americans? Will you stick to them more than a few weeks? According to research by the University of Scranton, only about 8 percent of us are actually successful.
For me, my dreams and goals are too important to chance that’s why every year I reflect back on where I’ve been, Where I am, and where I am going, after all the journey is the best part. Over ten years ago I gave up soda or pop depending on where you are, next I gave up refined sugar. The compound effect over time has created many positives in my personal life goals. My professional life goal is to be the best teacher of Leadership and personal development, I started this journey over 20 years ago, and every year I grow and continue to want to know and learn more.
My suggestions for you: go ahead and dream, discover, and prepare your plan, then everyday make this your day for opportunities and take one step something you can and will do every day, if you want to write a book start writing. Regardless of past circumstances, maybe you’ve had to emerge triumphantly from your own chrysalis making you stronger to soar just as the majestic eagle. Or maybe you need a little motherly Eagle push to get out of the nest and fly?
A few of my favorite books on the subject of making your dreams come true are:
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
- The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen
Hope you enjoyed my thoughts, I would love to hear yours on resolutions and goals.
Happy New Year – Vicki Tomlinson