Thursday, January 2, 2014

Resolutions! Resolutions!- Or Taking Care of the Present 365 times!

A brand new year, 365 days of possibilities and the promise of a fresh start! What a wonderful time this is.


Alright I do think I am awesome, but not perfect. So to reach Calvin like perfection here are some resolutions:
1. This is the year for Merciless Introspection. I refuse to give myself any hiding place and comfort in the form of denial or ‘sane delusions’ (little lies that we tell ourselves and others to appear better than we are).
2. This is the year to Learn, Learn, Learn. Every year I set aside a self development budget and learn something that will help me to be a better facilitator. This year there are several promising options that I am considering. Suggestions are always welcome. J
3. This is the year to Network… even more. The year has begun with an unusually high number of calls from very old clients and colleagues and acquaintances. The power of a good network in this close knit community of facilitators is immense. All good work is always recalled and often rewarded with repeat business. So this year I am revisiting my phone book and calling on those learning and development professionals that I have connected with over the years.  
4. This is the year to strengthen my Conviction, Courage and Compassion. With these three Cs in my attitude arsenal, mountains become molehills. Sometimes I may need courage to stand up to an aggressive client, or the compassion to listen to what a coachee is really saying in the guise of sarcastic, self deprecatory humour or the conviction in my ability and judgement to stand by my choices in face of criticism. More on the three Cs soon!
5. And finally and most importantly this is the year of Conscious Living. One Buddhist sutra states: “If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present”. It is always the present that counts. All I have to do is to take care of the present, 365 times this year!