I’ve written before about one of my biggest frustrations – when those around me justify their limitations. 

Limitations are OK.  We are all human.  But there is nothing worse than a situation where a client attempts to make a case for their negative attributes.  Example: “Well, it’s difficult for me to get motivated to cook for myself because it’s only me at home, and it just seems like a waste of time…”  Heard that one before?

I’ve heard that and so many others I could tell you stories for hours.  But in my new goal to remain positive at ALL times, I will refrain.  I write today on this topic both to share and to process one of my most recent frustrations.  And that’s as far as I’ll take it with you here today and in general.  After all, it’s Sunday, the weather is beautiful and I have a monarch butterfly cage to build, and a World Cup Final to watch.

Until we meet again though, here are a couple parting words…

For clients or prospective clients who might be reading this.  I don’t care that you’re not perfect.  Neither am I.  Ask almost anyone.  The only thing I ask from you is that you bring an open mind to every interaction we have.  That you bring a sense of trust both for me and for the spirit of the work we do together.  Likely, you will not always agree with me or feel all warm and fuzzy toward me.  That makes me a good coach.  But if your mind stays open, you won’t let those thorny interactions prevent you from enjoying the roses.

For my colleagues out there?

Stay true to your mission no matter what.  Don’t be passive, be reasonable and firm, and hold your ground when you need to.  Because if you don’t, no one else will.  And if at all possible, “make a bonfire of your reputation when you need to make your point.”  Goodness knows, the world needs more of that!

…be a fitness nomad

Personally, I used to take the position that these resolutions were somewhat lame, like that friend of yours who keeps saying he’s going to quit smoking and never does. Or that other friend who keeps promising to lose 20 pounds every January. Only now, it’s 40 pounds because he hasn’t made it
happen yet, and for every year that goes by he adds another 10 instead.

I’ve gotten older now though, and of course a little wiser. And as a result I’ve learned to take the new year as an opportunity for growth and reflection. A time to be grateful for what I have, and for the opportunity to accomplish even more.

In the past, the whole New Year’s Resolution project seemed to be so lame because it’s one thing to set goals, and a whole different thign to actually accomplish them. And since most people never follow-through, why so much emphasis on these resolutions?

I’ve realized over the years that either way, they’re important, because even setting goals is a step in the right direction. And you can only accomplish what you want to in life by ‘chunking things down.’ Taking one step at a time and making sure that each step is a good one, firmly planted into the ground ( or into the ice and snow). Because one step leads to the next and before you know it, you’re running again. And once you start to run, your heart begins to sing the sweet song of victory.

One other very important insight I’ve had over the years about New Year’s Resolutions is that it’s important to keep them simple. I have found that if I set just a few global pursuits in action that many of the ‘little things’ that I also want to accomplish tend to fall into place.

So, here are my goals for this year in no particular order of importance…

1. Get more sleep
2. Implement Ruthless management of my time
3. Develop my skills as an expert copywriter
4. Practice more yoga

That’s it. And I look forward to taking the first step right now. I was out on the ice yesterday for two hours with my kids – they got new ice skates from Santa. I’m sore and I need some yoga.

I would love to hear from you about your goals and how you plan to pursue them.

And remember, you can always accomplish more with a coach. So, if you can afford one, find a good one and order up some accountability. A little bit of that goes a long way.

Happy New Year!

John

It was a beautiful night for skating...Happy New Year!