Inspired and Informed, Your Chapter to Define

There’s nothing like the blank slate of a calendar and the white pages of a notebook to inspire. They invite us to answer questions of who we choose to be, what’s next, and scribble fresh ideas. I love the page turn into a new year, to imagine what’s possible.

Some people choose to carry the baggage of last year forward, like luggage on a roof rack. I’ve learned to focus on the glimmers, bring the quality lessons, and toss the rest. With a fresh perspective, we move with lightness in thinking and doing. The lessons inform our choices and priorities, and help us create momentum.

I don’t slide into the new year, letting precious days slip by without purpose. And to be clear, some days, rest is the purpose. Or, the day may be business-driven. You get to decide.

I’ve learned to avoid diving straight into tasks and to-dos before defining the big picture. Jumping into tasks is a natural tendency, and one I often see. We instantly make ourselves busy to feel good, but busy is different than productive.

In this new season, we’re not starting over; we’re starting informed. What glimmers and lessons will you pull forward as the foundation for this year’s success?

Reveal a Fresh Perspective

This season invites us to declare a fresh break, upend the old habits, and reveal a new perspective.

How are you doing as the CEO of your life? Before you dive in and do all the things, have you determined the end result? What’s your vision of an ideal week or month, and are you working toward it? For some of us, being the chief executive includes running a business. For others, it doesn’t; either way, you’re the boss of you! This season of renewal is well-suited to asking yourself quality questions and proclaiming the answers.

Our brains love to go to work on answering our questions, whether they’re good or bad. There is such a thing as bad questions, ones that don’t serve you. Challenge your brain to think of answers that will excite you, require new skills, and open new doors. Don’t talk yourself out of what’s possible this year by asking the wrong things. For example, “Why doesn’t anything work for me?” “Why can’t I figure this out?” These are not inquiries you want your brilliant mind to answer. Instead, ask something like this: “What are ten new ideas to get the result I want?” Guide your brain to offer interesting choices, and be open to what you hear.

Consider that your questions send a message to clients, your team, and your family. Author Joe Dispenza, in his book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, prompts us to ask, “What am I broadcasting (consciously or unconsciously) on a daily basis?”

Write down questions that inspire your best ideas:

• How can I work less and earn more?

• What if it’s possible to…..write the book, get the job, close the client, start my business, experience more calm? What would that look like?

• What kind of mom/partner/friend do I want to be this year?

• What are ten new ways to reach my revenue goals?

• What are five fun ideas for a friend’s night out?

Complete the “What if it’s possible to….” sentence with whatever speaks to you, serves you, and helps you accomplish your mission.

Here’s my question for you…What are you willing to do differently this year to build the life you love?