Every year is an adventure we take one step at a time over 365 days. The adventure is up to us, we get to choose. Each January, these choices lead us to resolutions. The thought of these resolutions leads me to recommit to my version of Merlin Olsen's mission statement. Without boring you with mine, here's what he says…
“The focus of my life begins at home with family, loved ones & friends. I want to use my resources to create a secure environment that fosters love, learning, laughter & mutual success. I will….
Protect & Value Integrity
Admit & Quickly Correct My Mistakes
Be a Self-Starter
Be a Caring Person
Be a Good Listener with an Open Mind
Continue to Grow & Learn
Facilitate & Celebrate the Success of Others”
Merlin Olsen (September 15, 1940 – March 11, 2010)
This is a wonderful aspirational list from a great guy who had a very positive impact on the world. Get your list out and let's do a quick exercise...
Take each item on your list and start with "I resolve to..."
This is deciding on a course of action. We know deciding is different from doing so this is good, not great.
Now take each item on your list and start with "I intend to..."
This is having a plan around a purpose. We're getting somewhere now because our list is beginning to be tied to our values (purpose).
Let's create some "New Year's Questions" using some of Olsen's list and see where that takes us...
Protect & Value Integrity
Action = Did I do my best today to do the right thing in congruence with my core values?
Be a Self-Starter
Action = Did I do my best today to take initiative and prioritize my time?
Be a Caring Person
Action = Did I do my best today to express gratitude, and appreciation for myself and others?
Be a Good Listener with an Open Mind
Action = Did I do my best today to be empathetic to others?
Continue to Grow & Learn
Action = Did I do my best today to read, watch, or listen to something in my current intellectual curiosity?
Facilitate & Celebrate the Success of Others
Action = Did I do my best today to make recognition an abundant resource?
These questions put the responsibility of your "resolutions" on you. They are yours after all. Find a "success partner" to share them with and your 2024 adventure will be the best yet!
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