My relationships and collaborations with the folks of Cole Hardware are among the many non-thingy things that make me truly grateful.
When I came to them with the idea to submit a piece about personal and collective empowerment for the beginning of the new year, they were more than thrilled to publish it. Hot off the presses is my latest, “Make Room for What Matters in 2017,” on page 5 of their Hardware Hotline (January 2017):
The beginning of a new year always presents a fine occasion to hit the proverbial reset button and get oneself back on track or onto a new course altogether. It is an opportunity to think about what’s truly important and what choices and resources are needed for achieving what you aim to accomplish.
So as the last of the holiday glitter and pine needles are swept away, allow yourself to slow down and sit down to think about your vision for the year ahead. Among the many questions I ask clients when it comes to their forward momentum and making things happen:
- What are your priorities?
- Where is your inner compass pointing?
- What’s in your way?
- What are you ready to shed or revise?
If the mere thought of these questions feels overwhelming, take a deep breathe, grab a pen and paper, and consider taking the following steps:
- Do a brain dump. This is exactly what it sounds like and it’s one of the most important things you can do whenever you feel stuck. Start by writing all the things – big and small – you want and need to do. If it helps you focus better, list categories (such as home improvement, health, school, personal, etc.) across the top of the page and jot whatever comes to mind under each one. Putting things in writing for yourself often changes your relationship to them: they suddenly become more real and you can see how those words resonate when they are right in front of you.
- Start with whatever will provide you with the greatest sense of accomplishment or have the most immediate impact. Beginning with successful action builds momentum and increases confidence.
- Set realistic and attainable goals. Identify no more than two or three things you wish to focus on at a time. Once you accomplish those, you can move on to the next handful.
- Commit time and effort to make your visions a reality. As with anything in life, you make progress and achieve success when you commit to the process. Open your calendar and schedule a date and time with yourself when nothing else will get in the way.
Slow and steady wins the race. Steady and consistent progress – even if it happens at a pace slower than anticipated – will get you to your destinations. It’s a step by step, or bite by bite process. One at a time.
Onward you go!
