New Years Message
Let’s make this year different. Goals both big and small often feel like some elusive thing in the future, something you aren’t truly emotionally connected to. They are often framed under the ‘nice to have banner’ as opposed to the ‘need to have.’ We don’t admit that to ourselves at the time but deep inside we know we will be just fine if these new goals don’t come to pass.
This year let’s focus on immediate life enhancements. Small things that you can start doing immediately, yet over time will make a huge difference in the quality of your life. Here are some reflections which I have listed under our four key vital signs, some important questions to ask yourself and some things to meditate on:
RELATIONSHIPS
Do you owe someone an apology? Is there a relationship in your life that didn’t end the way you wanted it to? Bad feelings? Misunderstanding? Or do you need to forgive someone and just let it go? Even though it wasn’t your fault should you pick up the phone and reconnect? If you can think of anyone, past or present, business or personal where this type of negative energy is lurking, set aside some time and make that call. Or maybe you are the one you need to forgive and love unconditionally? You’ll be amazed at what it does for your energy level, perspective and peace of mind. Unresolved conflict, guilt, anger and resentment are only destructive to the person that holds onto them. Letting things go is not only liberating, it allows us to fully live in the moment and clearly focus on what is important.
SPIRITUAL
Not religion, not rules, regulations, guilt or ritual but meaning. What truly gives meaning to your life? What is it that makes you realize that there’s more to life than consuming and accumulating? What fills that inner void that reminds you there’s more to life than what meets the eye? What can you do today to make your neighbourhood a better place? What positive influence can you deposit into other people’s lives that will outlive you? What wrong can you try to make right while you are here and you have the time, energy and talent to make a difference? Like spending time in nature, daily meditation and prayer are proven to have a very positive impact on our psyche.
PHYSICAL
Are you settling for a mediocre level of fitness and vitality? Are you going by the averages that have a very low standard of health and a negative pessimistic view of aging? When you look in the mirror do you like what you see? When you engage in any sort of physical activity are you happy with how you feel? Are you sleeping well? Are you able to be fully in the moment in a relaxed state of mind? Have you ever committed to a physical activity that scares you? That challenges you to the point where you truly have to reach down and become the best possible version of yourself like a marathon, triathlon, fitness competition, challenging hike, martial arts or long distance swim? No matter what your age there are many things you can do to achieve optimum health and vitality. You must however seek out like minded people with the same attitude to get encouragement and support. Unfortunately there’s no shortage of people that have basically given up. Look up fit 60, 70, 80 and 90 year olds on the internet and see not only what they are accomplishing physically but mentally in business, arts and life in general.And how about that all important space between our ears, are you challenging yourself with new information? Taking courses, learning a new instrument or language? The brain needs to be exercised just as much as your body. Finally, are you eating for health and vitality or entertainment and taste? One road leads to aging well while the other leads to decline. Science proves good health comes predominantly from a healthy well balanced diet with the Mediterranean diet often being held up as the gold standard.
FINANCIAL
Are you free? Can you do what you want, go where you want? Do you have a source of residual income that pays you even if you aren’t earning an income? Have you reviewed all of your sources of revenue and all of your expenses? Do you monitor the flow of consumption dollars verses investment dollars? Have you authored your personal definition of success and are your doing something everyday to achieve it? Have you tapped into the reality that gratitude and generosity are foundational to building significant wealth? Is money a by-product of pursuing something that you are passionate about?
The reality is if you don’t address these four quadrants in a meaningful and authentic manner you simply can’t become the best possible version of yourself. Subconsciously and/or subliminally you will sabotage your success. Only when you invest the time to drill down and find meaningful answers will you rise to a new level. Optimum performance requires you to be emotionally invested in the outcome. In other words you become so focussed on the life changing benefits of the outcome that you will do whatever is necessary to make it happen. The pain or the price so to speak is worth the results. The key is to make small decisions everyday to steer towards the ultimate goal. Nothing radical or overwhelming, simply slowly but consistently introducing new positive habits.
- Self-discipline
- Self-respect
- Self-control
All contribute to a healthy self-esteem. Get in the habit of conscious living by asking yourself “is what I am eating right now going to help me?” Is what I am reading/watching right now going to help me?” “Am I letting my feelings, emotions or circumstances control my decisions or am I taking control?”
Now that you’ve finished reading this, what can you do right now? In other words you’ve ingested this information but how can you digest it and bring it to life in some way? What little adjustment/decision can you make right now to point you towards what you really want? It will never get easier, it’s simply raw discipline fuelled by desire. Real growth comes from vulnerability, by stepping outside your comfort zone. Lean into your fears, put up the guard rails of self-control every day and watch the small changes make a huge difference in your life. 2021 can be your best year yet.
Respectfully, hj
