You have all the answers.
You know what to do.
You always have.
All the answers are within.
Now you just need to ask the right questions.
“The answers are all out there, we just need to ask the right questions.” – Oscar Wilde
The resolve to start
You can start a resolution any day.
No need to wait for the new year.
You are able to start over at any time.
Or stop doing something whenever.
You just need the “resolve” part of a resolution.
You can resolve to eat more healthily with the next meal.
You can resolve to start walking tomorrow.
Or even today.
You can resolve to read that book you’ve been meaning to get around to.
You can resolve to start a new habit.
Or stop a bad habit.
You can resolve to do anything at any time.
You just need the resolve to start.
“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.” – Benjamin Franklin
Disconnect to connect
You are on the home straight.
There is not much left to do.
One final push and it will be done.
Then you can disconnect.
Unplug for a while.
Let go.
So you can connect with what matters … and be present.
In the path of opportunity
How are you standing in the path of opportunity?
Take a risk.
Create a partnership.
Volunteer.
Be visible.
Pay attention.
Take the initiative.
Contribute.
Get clear on what you want.
Demonstrate your skill.
Join a group or association.
Go the extra mile.
Understand coming changes.
Network.
Lean in.
Start a project.
Be prepared.
Are the opportunities finding you?
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
– Thomas Edison
Your gift
What is your unique gift?
The thing that is undeniably you.
An ingrained capability.
An extraordinary skill.
An unusual aptitude.
An individual talent.
An exceptional ability
A specific proficiency.
A distinct strength.
A particular bent.
A special quality.
A certain knack.
This is the gift you bring.
To others.
To the world.
Share generously.
“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hearing vs. listening
Hearing happens.
Listening is a choice.
Hearing is sound.
Listening is skill.
Hearing requires presence.
Listening requires concentration.
Hearing is noise.
Listening is nuance.
Hearing is content.
Listening is context.
Hearing is passive.
Listening is active.
Hearing takes place.
Listening is intentional.
Hearing is subconscious
Listening is conscious.
Hearing perceives words.
Listening discerns meaning.
Not in your wheelhouse
Know what you’re good at.
You have expertise, abilities and skills.
Know your strengths.
Sure, be ready to grow and challenge yourself.
But also know your limits.
There are things you don’t do so well.
Things you have no competency for.
Or you simply hate doing.
Or will take you forever to do.
Sure, you can take on this sort of challenge too.
But it is likely to end badly.
It just may not be in your wheelhouse.
“Do thine own work, and know thyself.” – Plato
Procrastination … check!
No more procrastinating.
The internet has been surfed.
The fridge opened and closed repeatedly.
Social media checked.
Useless tasks … completed.
Clothes washed … dried … and folded.
Unhealthy snacks in the cupboard … eaten.
Useless errands … done.
Internet surfed again.
Fridge opened and closed several more times.
Social media repeatedly checked.
Until you can delay no more.
Postponing any longer is not an option.
Action outweighs inaction.
Procrastination … check!
Now it’s time to get on with it.
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” – Abraham Lincoln
Is better possible?
Can it be better?
How about taking another look?
At that process you know can be streamlined.
Or the update you’ve been putting off.
The workaround because it didn’t work the first time.
That small change that would simplify.
The workspace that can be reorganised.
That thing you know will give out soon.
The outdated method no longer adding value.
That way you have always done it before.
The routine that worked but is now hindering.
That process to get around the process.
The new gadget* that would save you time.
(* insert either tool, app, system, software or assistant.)
If better is possible, then the better possible outcome is to do it now.
Now the real work starts
The proposal has been endorsed.
The tender was selected.
The presentation was successful.
The scope has been given the go ahead.
The pitch was met with approval.
The project plan has been authorised.
The contract is signed.
The design has been accepted.
The review is sanctioned.
The permission has been granted.
The stakeholders have agreed.
You’ve been given the okay.
You have worked hard to get it across the line.
Now the real work starts.