Are You One of the Courageous?

Mondays get a bad rap. It’s that first day back to work after the weekend. And for some, it’s a little tougher to get going.

For some it’s about restarting momentum from the previous week.

For others it’s about starting fresh.

"The unexamined life is not worth living." ~ Socrates

And the Monday before the Christmas holiday and New Year.

Well, this is one of the most magical times.

And it can be for you too.

Sure, it’s a time to finish the Christmas shopping and tie up loose ends at the office before the holidays.

Many people take the week off between Christmas and New Years. Regardless business shuts down to a bare minimum…except, of course, retail.

But chances are you aren’t in retail, and can take these steps to springboard into the New Year a little wiser than the year before.

It’s this time of “reset” that I find so refreshing. It’s the time to reflect on the year.

Socrates said 2400 years ago; “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

In other words, don’t go through life with your head in the sand, unwilling to look at your actions and consequences.

Do you have the life you want? If not why, and what are you willing to do differently.

Is your health where you want it? What did you do this year that supported good health? Make a list and congratulate yourself.

What did you do this year that had a negative impact on your health? And what are you willing to do differently in the new year.

How about your relationships? Do you have the relationship you want? If not, what are you willing to do to get it?

What went well in your relationship? Have you shared that with your partner? Don’t wait for the other person to take action, be the change you want to see in the other.

How about your business? Do you know what business you’re in? Who are your customers and how can you reach out to them to let them know you appreciate them?

How can you make 2012 better for you and your customers?

Don’t make this mistake…

There’s real power in Socrates words. Examining your life is what makes it substantial.

But you might not like reviewing your actions and results. You might recognize what you’ve been doing is not working. That you don’t have the results they want.

And that can be a strong wake up call because you realize that maybe what you’re doing isn’t working, that perhaps you have to change.

And that’s the mistake.

You don’t want to admit that some of the things you think, believe or do – they just don’t serve you. You stop there and put your head in the sand, guaranteeing a continuation of the same.

The next part is the tough, yet rewarding part. It’s identifying what worked…and doing more of it. AND, it’s identifying what didn’t serve, and replacing those; thoughts, beliefs and behaviors, with new ones.

This is where many quit. They’d rather be “right” that successful. You know the type, the “right” business person with no customers. The “right” spouse with a lousy marriage. The “right” fitness authority in poor health.

The good news is that doesn’t have to be you. You can have success in any or all areas of your life you want. You just have to “examine” your life honestly and critically, and make the necessary adjustments.

Honestly means looking at your part – not finding fault in others, or justifying your actions or blaming others for not knowing what you wanted them to do. If you’re being responsible for yourself, it starts and stops with you.

The act of being critical is looked down upon. Perhaps because it’s abused when we look for negative or disapproving comments about something.

But, the act of being “critical” can also be very empowering. It’s the ability to analyze the merits and faults of your thoughts, beliefs and actions.

So,  I know  you can move past this because you recognize that you are not just your thoughts, beliefs and actions.

You recognize that you HAVE thoughts, beliefs and take actions, but they don’t define you.

This is your chance to recognize what doesn’t serve and throw it out. It’s about embracing the New Year…and New You.

Change doesn’t have to be scary or threatening. It doesn’t mean you’re “less than” if you let go of certain habits or beliefs.

No, change is inevitable, and those courageous souls willing to let go of what doesn’t serve, and embrace what does, will find a life worth living and a very Happy New Year.

To You!

David

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