And here we step into February. At least that is what it has felt like to me. How is your 2012 so far?
I hate the idea of New Year’s Resolutions. There is so often talk of them being broken, or making the same ones over and over, that the concept has lost its real significance. So instead of making “New Year’s Resolutions” each year I think of a theme that encompasses everything I want the year to be.
In taking the time to reflect over 2011 and where I was at with everything and where I want to be, I made the decision for my theme for 2012 – My Journey, My Way.
The reason I choose this theme over any others is that I have felt the last few years I have been doing a lot of things (mostly in businesses) the way I thought I was supposed to. In some respects it has worked really well, and I have been very blessed. On the other hand, some things have just not felt quite right to me and this year I give myself permission to trust my instincts – to make things happen MY way.
With this new attitude, theme, this last month of January has been amazing. Three events are really standing out for me that I want to share with you.
A friend, she is a leadership coach too, and I rented a condo on the Oregon beach for two days this past month with the intention to do a mini workshop together. We had the intention that we would go to a beautiful place and be inspired by all that was surrounding us. Instead we were smack-dab in the middle of a huge storm. Winds whipped up over 100 miles an hour, and we completely lost power the second day.
This made our two-day workshop even better than we could have imagined. Instead of being distracted by activities calling our attention away from what we set out to accomplish, we were locked away with no interruptions – designing what we wanted in our lives and in our businesses over the next three years. We took each other through processes, coached each other, asked the hard questions, and gave each other total support. It was awesome. The picture at the top of this email is one that I took that weekend.
I have made strides in a couple of other areas as well. The next weekend, with the help of my husband, I totally cleaned out and redesigned my office. I put effective systems in place and made my office feel like a nicer place to be.
I also joined Weight Watchers with a close friend. We put goals in place, rewards when we each hit mini goals along the way, and have agreed that when we do hit our BHAG goal we are going on a shopping spree in New York City. How fun does that sound?
These are just a few of many really great things that have been happening already this year for me personally…
Lessons learned:
I have noticed a pattern; it really is powerful to have friends, loved ones, and someone that will, and can, support me in my success.
It truly is important to have a vision where you want to go. And taking the time, from the viewpoint of that vision, looking backwards on what it will take to get you there. This helps you put the right steps in place.
I learned how powerful a WAYSMART GOAL is. (Ask me about what this is; I would love to share it with you.)
That the environment we place around us, the people, our offices, our homes, and the way we feel in them is an important factor that at times we overlook.
And, my biggest lesson is that I get to be ME with all my faults and my wonderful strengths. I am the best when I use my voice.
So, what did you pick for your theme this year? What have you put in place to help you succeed? And, what have you noticed so far?
I would love to hear from you. Share your story below in the comments.
Wishing you the best always,
Corinne McElroy