Change how you view Change

Lots of changes happen all around us and to us. How do we deal with the many changes that happen and how do we deal with transition. Do you ever wish things could stop changing and things can stay the same. Call me Captain Obvious - But it will never end. Change comes upon us suddenly or slowly - we can plan it or it can take control of us - we can create it but we can't stop it. So what is it about change that causes anxiety in people?

At this time of the year - do you notice whats happening around you everyday? People are planning. Companies are Planning. New Resolutions are being thought about. A new year represents a new start - a new beginning. And with that comes many choices - Choices that will change us or change our path.

What path are you looking at now? Is it a clear path? Is it a muddy path? Is it lit up? Or is it Dark? Are you making difficult decisions? Are you making a decision at all? Lots of ways to look at it.

The way I like to think about change is this. Its going to happen. I want to be in control where I can to give me some sense of security and certainty. But too much certainty is boring for me. So there is this element of not having a plan for everything - This adds the variety or uncertainty that makes life exciting. So its about balance. Make clear choices on whats most important to you and take into consideration how it impacts the people you care about. And Let those less important areas in your life come to you and be fluid Let it come to you. Let it happen and react in the moment. That is the juice of life.

The unknown - the surprise - the EDGE.

We all need to experience the edge often - it helps us grow. Don't live in fear. Don't hide. Life is too short - we are only here for a while. The Edge gives us life. It helps us live life. It helps us appreciate and expand our impact.

All the best - and I hope December brings great joy to you.

Like an old friend of mine said to me....

"We're not here for a long time ... We're here for a Good Time!!!"

All the best

Mike

The 2007 Runway - Its approaching

Here we are - three dynamics are churning at the same time. 1) Holidays - depending on how you view them - No matter your view - its here and we get affected in some way or another. Is it about family, giving, receiving - Its different for everyone. 2) Organizing - Its a time where the instinct to prepare for another coming year sets us in motion - the flurry to clean things up, get our affairs in order, reorganize our offices, our lives, our relationships - What is it for you? And 3) Setting the stage for a new take-off for 2008. What are your plans? What are you bored with now? What do you want in your life? What do you want less of? What do you want more of?

Well now is the time to come up with your structure, your framework, your model of the revised you. It happens by knowing who you are - what your beliefs are - what your values are. Its not that difficult. But you can't come up with a plan unless it aligns with what you are authentically about. Its time to raise your head from the noise - take ownership of yourself - and design your destiny. And not just the destiny for 2008 but for 2008 and beyond. So where do we start?

Here's what I suggest.
1) Ask yourself 2 questions to start and Write down the answers until your done.
What do I want? & Why do I want it? - so simple yet we don't take the time to think this through.

2) Define your categories of importance - Lump them into your most important categories for your Personal & Professional life.

3) Rank them - Compare Category a to b and see which one wins. Do that drop down comparison until you have every category in the order of what you want most.

4) Then dive into that #1 Category in your Personal and Professional Life. What are your top priorities - What is your target?

Sometimes we can have many goals & targets - Its easy to do. The we can feel like we're spinning ourselves into a frenzy - bouncing from one target to the next - They all may feel important - but if their all important - what gets done?

My suggestion is accomplish your most important stuff first - Think of what that is. Then take your energy and focus and use the Straight Line Theory. The Straight Line theory means that the shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line. A is where you are - B is the goal. Then map our your plans to go to "B". Where we deviate is the road along the way - An exit here - an exit there - a distraction here - another interest there. Focus - Get it done. Follow a path. And Make Progress towards the most important areas in your life.

So thats it for now - start thinking of whats most important to you.