In case you didn’t read or act on the recommendations of this blog a couple weeks ago – there’s still time to reflect on 2016 and prepare for 2017.
And since I am now a Southern California girl, I’m going to suggest a somewhat “new-age” way of reconciling 2016 and preparing for 2017.
According to Numerology, 2016 is a number 9 year (2+0+1+6 = 9), a year of endings and transformation. 2017 is a number 1 year , (2+0+1+7= 10 and 1+0 = 1), a year of new beginnings.
An ending year, such as 2016, is a culmination of a 9 year cycle that started in 2008 (a “1 Year.”) Typically it is a year to tie up loose ends and end things that no longer serve us. A 9 Year is a time of discernment; a time to evaluate our lives and our dreams and goals and make choices that are aligned with what we want. For example, many of my clients and other people I know have made major personal, professional and lifestyle changes this year, including:
- changed jobs
- changed careers
- moved from the city to the country or the suburbs to the city
- ended 30 year marriages
- embarked on significant health and wellness initiatives
- client companies have merged and/or made major changes in direction, strategy or leadership.
Take a moment to reflect on the major areas of your life: Friends and family, career, health and well-being, financial stability, recreation and personal fulfillment. What choices have you made that are aligned with what YOU want now. Not what you think your spouse or kids want. Not with what your boss wants; not with what you think is the PC thing to do.
Are you ready to complete the year and create new beginnings?
2017, as 1-Year, encourages us to start something new, something that expresses our uniqueness, that uses our leadership abilities, that opens us to new perspectives. 2017 as a 1-Year is a time to think and act independently.
I maintain that when we act and make decisions based on the interest of our highest good, that the outcomes will be successful. Oftentimes, we make choices and decisions based on what we think other people want or need – which may or may not be the right or best choice. So many times choices and decisions are made based on speculation, judgments, or reacting to assumptions, blame or excuses.
When we take accountability for our choices, without judgment, without blame, without projection or speculation, there can be a level of freedom that is unparalled.
The thing that holds most people back from expressing our uniqueness or trying something new or ending something familiar is FEAR. And many of you have heard that fear stands for False Expectations Appearing Real.
I encourage you to take a look and see if you have false expectations that appear real that keep you in situations, jobs, relationships or lifestyles that are unfulfilling or non-supportive.
Prepare for 2017.
Be Brave. Be creative. Be yourself.
7 Considerations to Discern What You Want In 2017
1) Are you using your skills and abilities the way that you want? Are you requesting assignments that could expand your capacity to use skills your boss may not know you have? Or do you assume the worst?
2) Are you a doormat at work and end up feeling unappreciated? Do you say “yes” because you think “no one else will do it?” Trust me – if you don’t do it – someone else will step in.
3) Are you really happy with your unhealthy eating habits? Soda for the sugar and energy; that extra glass of wine to dull the disappointment or experience a greater self confidence; the processed or fast foods because they’re convenient and you don’t have time… Take ownership of choices you are making and dig a little deeper for the “why.” Why do you choose that over something better for you?
4) Do you like being a couch potato? Sometimes I do… but I also know that my mental, emotional and physical well-being is at stake if I lump out on the couch too much! Set some attainable goals. Get a FitBit or pedometer and start walking – 2000 steps, 5000 steps and stretch for 10, 000 steps a day.
5) Are you asking for help when you need it? People want to help but many times they don’t know what you need.
6) Are you hanging out with people who care about you? Or are they focused only on themselves?
7) Are you giving back to your community or volunteering? Whether it’s at your church, kids’ schools or social service organizations, giving back and helping others can make a huge difference in your life and the lives of others.
You can transform your life in 2017… if you want to.
Be The Change.
For more information on being a Type T leader, watch this 1 minute video.
Or order the book on How to Be a Transformational Leader in a Bottom-Line World.
Marty Stanley, CSP, is a national author, speaker and consultant on personal and organizational change. martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com 816-695-5453
