W
OW, isn't it about time you have the great year? So why aren't you having
the great year? "I'm sorry, maybe you are!" If you're not, perhaps it is because you have no idea what that means. Maybe it's because you try to quantify the great year? Most people are happy to get done with a year and call it a good one because nothing went wrong or things were a little easier. It is fascinating that so many organizations or individuals relate the year to a percentage of something more than what they did last year. The analytical, mind over matter thinkers, pick a magical number like 7%. How do they decide that a percentage has anything to do with their full-unrealized potential? For them, it is not about full potential; it is about profit, cost of living increases, or some point of numerical comparison. I am not arguing with this, but I am suggesting there is a difference between a great year and a meaningful year. If they really took the lid off their limitations by seeking meaning, fulfillment and purpose, would they do 50%? Are percentages relevant at all, or are they simply the limitation of the human condition that seeks no other way to quantify progress?
I suggest each of us focus on having a meaningful year based on using our talents and Gift to embrace the opportunities that come our way, rather than simply basing it on any percentage better than last year.
At this point, we are a quarter of the way through the year. Do you assess that after the first quarter, you are off to the start of having the most meaningful year? Oh, you haven't made that assessment yet; understood.
So, where are we to begin? There is a formula that will help, but first you must have a meaningful objective, not just a quantitative goal. For example: Rather than a numbered goal, how about an objective like, helping all the people on your team come to realize more of their full potential? How about, developing patience so that you discover the purpose of your life? How about, living in each moment so that you come to appreciate life? How about, identifying a purpose that is bigger than your work?
Once you have identified a worthy objective, make a short list of actions (functions) you apply each day which support the objective. As an example: The actions for the first suggestion above, helping others realize their full potential might include: 1. Pause and really listen when others are sharing. 2. Ask questions to help them understand the full meaning of what they are saying. 3. Identify one thing you can do to support their activity. This can be as simple as confirming the good work they are already doing. You will come to realize in a very short period of time, that simply doing the action brings you progressively closer to your objective.
