10 Resolutions To Make 2013 Your Best Year Ever
Each
of us has the ability to choose how we show up to life every day: sleeves
rolled up or hands out. Here's how to have a happier and more productive New
Year--at home as well as at work.
As one year comes to an end and a
new one begins, it really is a special time. The madness stops for a few days:
The phones are quiet, emails abate, and there is time to relax and reflect. In
the always-on, always-connected world we live in, we rarely make the time to
step back and celebrate what we've accomplished, reflect on what we've learned,
or make plans to change how we go about life. Daily habits and the rhythm of
life take most of us captive, and we often end up doing what we've always done,
and each year starts to look very much like the last. And while the arrival of
a new year prompts many of us to make simple resolutions, like giving up
alcohol, joining a gym, or cutting carbs, most of us don't use the start of
each new year to reset how we live to ensure we get the absolute best out of
the entire year ahead.
Each of us has the ability to choose how we show up to life every day: sleeves rolled up or hands out. Go into the New Year living consciously and connected to the inner strength that can affect how you think about and act on each and every day. You can't control the White House, but you can control your own house, so take personal control of how you approach your own life.
As I go into 2013 I know I will face challenges, but I know they are to overcome, not to overwhelm. And while I can't change the broader economy or government policy, I can take responsibility for my attitude and how I will make this the best year yet. We're on this planet for a short time and every day we're alive is a gift. We all need a kick in the pants reminder that we are fortunate to live, work, and play in the United States of America. As I'm thinking through and planning how to make 2013 my personal best year ever, I thought the following Uncommon Sense principles might help you as you plan your year ahead.
Each of us has the ability to choose how we show up to life every day: sleeves rolled up or hands out. Go into the New Year living consciously and connected to the inner strength that can affect how you think about and act on each and every day. You can't control the White House, but you can control your own house, so take personal control of how you approach your own life.
As I go into 2013 I know I will face challenges, but I know they are to overcome, not to overwhelm. And while I can't change the broader economy or government policy, I can take responsibility for my attitude and how I will make this the best year yet. We're on this planet for a short time and every day we're alive is a gift. We all need a kick in the pants reminder that we are fortunate to live, work, and play in the United States of America. As I'm thinking through and planning how to make 2013 my personal best year ever, I thought the following Uncommon Sense principles might help you as you plan your year ahead.
Look back at 2012 and celebrate your
successes and identify your failures. Map what you learned from both and think
about what you want to change in the year ahead. Define what success looks like
for 2013, setting audacious and achievable goals. Envision what you want the
year to look like, literally. Write a list by month, write a year-end letter to
yourself, or build a dream board, but don't go into 2013 without knowing what
you want success to look like. Map out how you'll get there and what resources
you'll need.
Revisit your values and what's
important to you on a personal level. These foundational principles should
guide decisions around how you live and work. List the principles that are
central to who you are and guide how you think and behave. Put your values to
work daily throughout the year ahead. If it feels like we're walking away from
the founding values this country was successfully built on do what Gandhi
advised and, "be the change you want to see in the world." Decide
what you really care about and the role you can play in helping make a positive
change in the world.
It's a universal truth that grateful
people are happy people. Start every day with gratitude and thanks for the
chance to live your life in a country that promotes freedom and the opportunity
to be your best. Say thank you often and mean it.
Like most people, you probably waste
too much time on the small, insignificant, time-sucking, going-nowhere stuff.
Make a list of the things you do that waste time every day and list what you're
going to do to change your behavior.
The sage father of my first girlfriend
gave me some very simple advice that is as relevant today as it was then. He
said, "Never make money your god." I've been asked many times this
year whether the purpose for a company is to make a profit, and my answer has
been the same every time, "Making a profit is the by-product of a clearly
defined purpose." As individuals we know money creates choices but it
doesn't answer our need for purpose. Make sure money is not the reason or
rationale behind what you do.
You are the sum of all of your
parts, relationships, and actions. The advent of social media has highlighted
the age-old truth that every action you take, and every conversation you have,
matters.
You don't have to follow the crowd.
Take courageous steps to define the brand of you in 2013, reminding
yourself of who you are, what makes you tick, and why you get out of bed every
day. Don't feel compelled to follow the crowd. Be courageous and be proud of
being yourself.
Don't surround yourself with “yes
people” and fans. Friends and mentors should help make you a better version of
yourself. Make sure the people around you are smarter and different than you.
Have people in your life who will call you out and hold you accountable.
Time is the most valuable commodity
we're given. The weeks and months fly by, so plan your time carefully and don't
waste it. Spend it generously with people who matter. I get up every morning at
5:15 a.m. to surf. I do it every day, and it's my time to reflect, exercise,
and connect with nature. Design time into your day that is only for you, not
for work or for anyone else. A time where you think about your life and the
role you're playing in it--and pursue something you love. It's the best gift
you'll give yourself.
Learn to butcher a hog, ride a
horse, run a marathon, write code, or play the guitar. There's nothing like the
excitement and learning that comes from doing something completely new for the
first time.
http://www.fastcompany.com/3004179/10-resolutions-make-2013-your-best-year-ever?partner=newsletter
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