With the new year right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about what we want for ourselves as we move into a new year and a new decade. Many of us forge into the new year with a resolution to lose weight, quit smoking or save money. While those are all fine goals, what I’m talking about is something bigger. What I’m talking about is taking action toward being the kind of person we want to be, the kind of person who lives in accordance with her values. The kind of person who chooses everyday to move toward self-actualization, towards excellence.
As a health coach I often talk to my clients about their values and who they want to be. So often people tell me that they value things like health, family, kindness, compassion and service to others. If I were to follow these people around all day with a hidden camera, would I know for sure that these were there values? Unfortunately, for too many people I would not. What I would more commonly see is a value on being busy, on comfort, instant gratification and distraction. Values are not what we say. Values are what we do. They are not some arbitrary ideas but instead are guiding principles we can use to direct our lives. When we are clear about our values and choose to live in alignment with our values, life becomes simpler.
This year, I challenge you to get clear about your own values and what it would look like for you to truly live those values. Aristotle said, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” If we want to be excellent, to be the person we want to be, we must be intentional and make choices based on our values.
Marshall Goldsmith, world-renowned business educator and coach, suggests that we engage in a daily questions process to measure our commitment and to help us stay focused on what is most important. You can read more about his process here. Taking action toward being who we want to be is like watering a seed and watching it bloom. Small, consistent attention and care will enable us to reach our potential, to be excellent and live a life that truly brings us fulfillment. I wish nothing more for you this year and beyond.
Rebecca Schubert
Well-Being Program Coordinator
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