As we enter a new year, I can happily say what an amazing last year it has been. It has been a great year in terms of expanding my comfort zone beyond my limits. I would request you to look back into last year. When looking into it I would like you to thank for all that has happened, even if you consider the experiences to be painful or joyful.
Now some of you may be thinking why be thankful for a painful experience. Well in simple terms that is learning. Yes it could have been emotionally painful or even an expensive learning.
Despite the numerous uncertainties in your life you honestly and constantly are in learning mode. Rather than viewing them as obstacles, our thoughts and feelings need to learn to see them as situations, which assist in our growth and development.
That is why you always see it as good idea to evaluate what has happened so that you can plan and strategise for the coming year. The best way to do this is by reviewing what worked and what could be done better.
Many a times we do not evaluate our performance as there is a fear of admitting our errors to ourselves or we compare our success to others. That is why I love the quote “Comparison is the death of joy” by Mark Twain.
The purpose of our existence is not about competing with each other, but to collaborate to create, innovate and evolve us for the better. Thus this running away from mistakes or comparing can become a self-sabotaging act that moves us away from our success.
One of the things that I talk about during my workshops and write about it my blog is the “ABC” and “AUC” Principle of Success. This means to evaluate your life in terms of what enhances your life and what inhibits it. In other words think about “Areas Beyond (your) Control” and “Areas Under (your) Control”. You will be surprised what you can learn from such a simple exercise.
This leads to the simple but profound concept of having a purpose driven life. Are you truly aware of your purpose in life? What allows you to wake up in the morning and makes you feel alive? What is important to you that you would love to do in your life? Look at yourself from the inside out.
All these are important questions yet are ignored by us; we are too engrossed in the rat race. In a world of instant self-gratification, it has become more and more important to return back to our heart rather than count success in terms of the latest gadgets we possess, likes on social media or materialist wealth. In the words of Richard M. DeVos “Money cannot buy peace of mind. It cannot heal ruptured relationships, or build meaning into a life that has none.”
So, when you sit down to evaluate your year, think in terms of relationships, career, family, contribution to society, finance, hobbies, health, friends, celebrations and much more. Avoid measuring only in terms of financial gains or loss, a trap we all fall into with great ease.
Bruce Lee had a great philosophy both in terms of martial arts and managing life. Its emphasis was on practicality, flexibility, speed, and efficiency. For the coming year learn from your past and do your best to succeed in whatever you wish to.
“Simplicity, Simplicity and Simplicity is the key to Success” Dr. S.K. Ramesh.
