It is the holiday season once again and our thoughts are turned to
goodwill and presents for the special people in our lives. Too often,
though, we neglect ourselves at this time of year. Now, I am not
suggesting you go out and by that new Macbook Pro you've always wanted
and get your wife a bowling ball. Rather, there is a very special
gift you can give yourself that costs absolutely nothing. The greatest
gift you can give yourself at this time of year is the gift of self-knowledge.
Taking time to reflect now, at this usually happy time of year can
bring great benefits in the year to come.
Here's the plan -- between Christmas and New Year's Day, take some
time for yourself. I know you might think I am crazy since this time
can also be very hectic, but consider this a "time out" from
all the hustle and bustle. Sometimes I just like to sit around the
living room with nothing but the Christmas tree lights on when everyone
else is asleep. Find a quiet place, bring a small notepad and pen
and just think. Think about all the good things that have happened
this year in your career.Think about all the great things you would
like to happen next year. Think about what you might like to change...remain
the same. Jot down whatever comes to you then think about it a
little more.
Let me be very clear that I am not talking about New Year's Resolutions.
For me, resolutions always feel like a reprimand, rather than a
plan for the future. I think this is one reason so many of them
are quickly
abandoned -- some even before January 1st is even over. Keep your
notes upbeat, supportive and clear. Don't berate yourself for missed
opportunities. Instead, make a note to attack one small part of
an issue, then the next, then the next.
While I do recommend you sit down with pen and paper and make notes
of your thoughts, it is just as important and just as useful to
simply think. Too often we don't make the time to think about
our lives,
our families, our wants, needs and desires. If we don't take the
time to think about these important aspects of our lives, is it
any surprise we don't take time to think about our careers? Notes
will
help you to act on your thoughts once you go back to work, but
if the note-taking interferes with your thinking, let it go.
The truth
is, the most important thoughts will stick with you Again, the
point of this exercise is contemplation, not adding more stress.
So, what might you note during your thinking time? I find myself
thinking of projects I would like to accomplish, articles I would
like to write, people I need to call and even mundane items like
groceries, laundry and paying the bills. Once I have most of these
out of my head, though, deeper thoughts start to arise. One item
that keeps me constantly occupied is what I want to say on these
pages over the course of the next 52 weeks. What effect do I want
to have on readers? What action do I want to encourage you to take
in your own careers and lives? How do I want to encourage you to
grow?
You can and should also find yourself contemplating deeper issues.
Are you in the right job? The right company? The right career?
The right town? Only you can answer these questions and only
after some
very deep thinking. I know sometimes thinking about important issues
like these can be frightening. This is why we often avoid dealing
with them. Don't be afraid, though. It is by addressing these issues
that you can defuse the fear and take the next step forward. Improving
your life and career should never be something to dread, rather
it should be something to pursue and embrace.
Where will you find the time and place to do some deep thinking?
It matters little when or where, but it is very important that
you do it. Without regular engagement with your thoughts, your
hopes
and your dreams, you run the risk of plodding along through life,
simply taking whatever is offered instead of directing your life
in a way that makes the most sense for you. Give yourself a gift
that will prevent that from happening.
Best wishes for this holiday season, whichever holiday you may
celebrate. May the coming year bring the best that you can possibly
imagine.
Career
Opportunities
