4 Questions To Frame The Rest Of The Not-So-New Year

And just like that, we’re now nearly 10% of the way thru the not-so-new year. It’s happened in the blink of an eye- and the remaining 90% will fly by faster than we know it!

While some of us have started strong [as it pertains to our professional or personal initiatives], establishing a momentum that will propel us into, and beyond, the next 48 weeks, there are many of us still referring to 2020 in future tense- as though it’s not yet begun. Why is this?

As in any future-facing mode of thought, imagining a conceptual tomorrow is far more comfortable than executing upon what today demands, as it relates to our goals. Just as we grant ourselves a sense of clarity that comes with reflecting upon the past, we also grant ourselves a sense of leniency when envisioning the future. This is cushioned by our trust in time.

The reality is: while time may, or may not, be a resource, depending on how we leverage it, it’s not always in our favor. It’s indifferent to us, but remains consistent, regardless of how we choose to perceive it. We can choose to embrace the winds of time, today, leveraging them to propel our sail in the direction of tomorrow’s vision- or we can choose to ignore their pace, allowing ourselves to wash ashore a land unforeseen.

So far, time has given us our first 4 full weeks of 2020. Have we set a pace that supports our vision for the year? Have we experienced these past 4 weeks in a fashion that we’d like to continue? Or, should we pause and re-frame a bit?

With the 48 remaining weeks, it’s up to us to reflect on how we’ve started the year, and how we will continue to capture time. While we are never in full control of what happens throughout time, we are always in control of the internal narrative we embrace in our perception of it; the theme we hold throughout navigating them. With this, I’d like to share 4 questions I asked those, within my network, about 35 days ago, as we closed one year and framed the next.  

1.     A Reflection: In looking back at 2019, what would you name it as a chapter in your hero’s journey? Close it out! Lock the past into its place, allowing yourself to anchor it as a foundation to build the next chapter upon.  

2.     A Declaration: In declaring the hunt for 2020, what are you choosing to name it? Call it out! Write your story with the theme you want, regardless of what you may encounter along the way. As they say, “speak it into existence.”

3.     A Map: In mapping the terrain 2020 will be played on, what is your top obstacle; and what is your top resource? Draw it out! Strategically position yourself to thrive, trusting that you have what it takes to persevere.

4.     An Agility: In preparing for the unknown, that is destined to arise, what is the one token of advice you will keep in mind? Spell it out! Remember that you’re not always in control of what happens, but that you’re always the one narrating your story. As they say, “10% of life is what happens to us and 90% is how we respond.” The same story can be told as a tragedy or an action tale. It’s your choice.

With the rest of the year to come, and all of the challenges and blessings it may bring our way, it’s critical we embrace each day (being 0.27% of the year) with intentional framing; with the decision to experience the moment, for today’s fulfillment, or to seize the moment, for tomorrow’s vision. Wishing you, all, a wonderful continued 2020.

Best,

Corey Castillo, Ed.D.