Yes, I know it’s a few months since our annual New Year’s celebrations; however, I thought that some sound “going” and “growing” advice made better sense once the New Year’s dust has settled… a few months into the New Year.
In a search to make 2024 a great “YOU Year,” I am posing a list of questions for you to read, review, consider and re-read. By honestly, sincerely and energetically answering each of the following… or most of the following… YOU very well can make great strides in making 2024 an historical year for YOU. And so, my column this month has more questions than answers; however, YOU answering these threshold questions, coming to a conclusion (or an “epiphany”) and taking action will make for a memorable year.
Here goes.
- Health and Well Being Are you in control of your physical and mental well being? What health-focuses resolutions should you commit to making this year?
- Enjoyment What are you passionate about? What do you absolutely love doing? What do you enjoy?
- Spirituality Are you spiritual? Can you be more spiritual? Are you at peace with yourself? Do you desire a deeper spiritual connection?
- Happiness Have you defined what makes you happy? Are you optimistic, positive, happy? What do you need to do to improve in this area?
- Professional How is your career going? What do you need to do to continue growing or quantum leap growth?
- Creativity What creative pursuit would you like to improve upon or engage in? Have you thought about a hobby, or art endeavor, or travel, or music, or writing, etc.?
- Financial Do you have enough savings to feel comfortable? How much more do you need to earn and/or save to feel secure? Do you have a financial plan? Is it relevant? Is it sustainable? Is it realistic?
- Social How is your network of friends? Are you happy, satisfied, fulfilled by your friends… or is it time to add to your friendship base… or find new friends… or move into a more positive, supportive, relevant “circle?”
- Fulfillment What is your definition of “personal fulfillment?” Are you on track? What do you believe you need to work on or accomplish or focus on?
There are so many new behaviors or changes or areas to
improve upon in your resolution setting, however, I’d like to propose you consider the following. They are time tested, relevant and clearly important to consider.
- Make this year a year to be a better listener. It has been said we have two ears and one mouth… and should use them in that proportion. We move so fast we often miss verbal or visual cues that are important for success, understanding and growth.
- Make this a year to learn or relearn something valuable. A great quotation is “When you’re through learning, you’re through…” Whether it’s mastering the computer (or the hundreds of functions on your iPhone)… learning a new skill (i.e. carpentry; electronics; sculpting; painting; etc.)… and adding a competency to your career…
- Make this a year to establish a sound “work-life” balance. Leave your work in the office. Spend focused time with those you love (and who love you). Don’t obsess with “toys” and increasing your possessions. Obsess with “joys” and what truly, really important in life (i.e. family, children, friends, etc.).
The wonderful thing about a new year is that it can be just the right catalyst for new behaviors, new objectives, new experiences and more.
This is a time for you to set (or reset) priorities and objectives on many sides of your life.
This is also a time for you to become more realistic about who you are… what you do… what you want to accomplish… and what you need to learn and master. This is the perfect time for playing “mirror, mirror on the wall…”
This is a great time to develop heightened skills related to planning and preparation. It has been said that there’s a future for those who plan for it. There’s no time better than right now.
Finally, make this new year one for contemplation and deep thinking. In our dizzy, busy world, we move so fast we often have little time to think… to contemplate… to analyze… to move toward the logical vs. being constantly affected by the emotional.
Mary Martin said, “Stop the habit of wishful thinking and start the habit of thoughtful wishes.”
This is all about YOU!
Ira Blumenthal is a business consultant, a Georgia resident, a best-selling author, a globally renowned public speaker, a university educator and a college Lacrosse coach. Ira welcomes inquiries and can be reached at Ira@Iraspeak.com. His web site is www.IraSpeak.com
