I have been thinking over the last few days what the most appropriate topic would be to write about as we move into 2020. What could I say, or pass onto you that would have the most positive benefit for you moving forward.
And what I came up with was actually about stopping, looking back over your shoulder and acknowledging where you have come from. In particular looking back over 2018 and just focusing on all the great things you achieved or experienced (big & small) and then considering what you learned in the last year.
If you just focus on all the great things you experienced and achieved, you will be surprised at how many major achievements there were in the last 12 months. Get good at focusing on the positives. That way you will end up with a summary that says 2018 was an EXCELLENT year!!!
Here are some of the lessons that I learned during 2019:
- We all interpret things differently. I found this out through my investment in a new boutique backpackers in Bali. What I thought was ‘reasonable’ or ‘normal practice’ was significantly different for my business partners. That is why it is important to clarify what each person means at the start of a project, rather than part way through it (yeah I know – I need to repeat 1st Grade!). Actually, this applies to all communication. Don’t assume that someone else pictures the same time frame as you when they say ‘It won’t take long’. Ask. Don’t assume. It makes for much more harmonious relationships.
- People generally don’t like us to change because they fear that our changes will affect their relationship with us. Too often people close to us will not support our changes or growth because they are more worried about what it will do to their relationship with us. Will we still be the same thing in their lives if we change or grow or move locations? So sometimes when we are not getting supported by someone close it may be more about the other persons fear, rather than you having a bad idea or making the wrong choice. So trust yourself – especially if it ‘feels’ right.
- Small consistent actions are most often more effective than the big surges. I have adopted rituals of morning stretches, affirmations and meditation, and it is these (small consistent) things that set me up to have bigger successes. Doing 3 hours meditation one day a week is less beneficial than 15 mins every day in providing you with greater clarity, calm and focus. It is the small consistent actions done daily (from start to finish) that add up to significant results by the end of the month.
- Everything is created twice. The first time something is created is as a vision in a person’s head and the second time is when it is created in the physical world. Every single man-made object was first a vision in someone’s head. So if you want anything in life, the better you are at holding the vision, the easier it is to create, or bring into the physical plane. If you want a a new job then hold the ideal vision as clearly as possible in your head on a consistent basis. The vision always comes first. Visualization is not new age mumbo jumbo, it is actually the very first step to creating anything.
So my list could definitely go on. But you get my point. Looking back over 2019 at all the things you experienced will ensure that you don’t make the same ridiculously stupid mistakes (guilty) again, or ensures that you replicate all the things that got you positive results.
TAKE ACTION:
Well there are really only two things to do here:
- Look back over 2019 and revel in all of the great achievements or experiences that you had throughout the year. Either just play it in your mind, write them down in your mind, or even better play a game with your partner (or friend) where you take turns at describing something great in 2018!
- Look back at 2019 and recall all of the things that you have learnt as a result of those experiences in 2019. You can do the same thing as before: think it, write it, or compare them (thus passing on your wisdom to someone else!)
Have an awesome day too!
Cheers,
Email: carl@carlmassy.com
