Jan
As we approach the year end, it is a good time to examine, redefine or re-set your personal vision of success. Or as my teenage grandson says to me, “How’s it going, Gran?”
December brings a myriad of deep, personal emotions that resonate far beyond the holiday season. Some of these feelings are related to holiday preparations, buying gifts for loved ones and friends and feeling the excitement of parties and gatherings. Even the decorations are conveying an aura of congeniality and hope.
It seems paradoxical that under the physical beauty of the holiday season and its collective unconscious feelings of joy, there reside deeper, more profound personal emotions that are itching to be examined.
Going forward into the new year, resolutions are routinely made, and most are set aside as the going gets tough or the tough get going. It is easy to forget or set aside the practice of self-reflection, which helps define your personal philosophy, including your values and beliefs – the basis for defining success.
What constitutes personal success,? The following are eight tips to consider after the holidays.
Be Conscious
No matter how you define excellence, it is important to be mindful – to be present – in thought, word and deed. This is the simplest definition of excellence. Your behavior, conversations and interactions with others can be defined as excellent when you engage with consciousness, when you do not internalize negative emotions.
Stop Resisting
Resistance is a psychological defensive mechanism that causes you to reject, deny, or otherwise oppose action. Whether it’s the life we live on the outside or the unlived life inside of us – our passions and dreams – it’s human nature to resist.
Resistance allows us to make endless excuses not to do what we really want to do: “I’m too busy today,” “I’m too old,” “I’m too young,” “I’m too fat,” “I need a nap,” “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Sound familiar?
Take Risks and Get Out of the Quicksand
Here’s a mantra for you: “Don’t be afraid to take risks.” Take chances – of course, within reason. Be careful not to be paralyzed by fear or perfection. Be willing to make glorious mistakes because there is no such thing as failure.
Learn to Adapt
Your work and life are all about change – and change can be intimidating. So, look for the positive or the good in the change. Consider what you can learn. Don’t judge or label the change – simply observe it from a distance. Remember that fear will stop us from action, but fascination won’t let us walk away.
Find Your Passion
What makes you come alive? What is your passion? Passion can be defined as an outpouring of positive energy for the interests and idea that make a difference in your life.
What Does Success Look Like to You?
As you move through the joys of the holidays, make time for self-reflection and unleash the intellectual and emotional power of self-knowledge. Be sure to take some risks, some leaps of faith, and be willing to make glorious mistakes. Keep the focus for success on personal truth and professional integrity and success will be knocking at your door.
Joan Frances Moran is a creative thought leader exploding with the potential of now. A lifelong learner with an unrelenting curiosity, Joan started teaching yoga at 60 and unlocked the key to cultivating daily happiness. Her signature headstand is not the only thing that leaves audiences in awe.