Life-on-Purpose...the year ahead

This morning I was the recipient of a kind deed. It was a simple act by my neighbour yet its affect on me was rather profound. This gesture along with my dearest friend’s text message from Washington about a dream she had about me and my life purpose helped me arrive at the theme for the start (albeit a little late) of this year. 

January - which has well and truly passed me by - despite its holiday-summer feel, can be full-on: the heat, the kids (if you have any), the socialising, the travel, the packing/unpacking, the impending re-start at work and the personal defragmenting that comes with relaxing and having time to think.  February can bring a calmer space to reflect on the year ahead, the direction one chooses and what brings true purpose and meaning to our lives.

In previous articles I spoke about leaders having social responsibility – that is, really understanding the impact of your connection with others and their wellbeing. In my mind, taking emotional intelligence just one step further. 

Kindness, I believe, is in the same realm and usually involves little effort, small gestures with big impact. For example, just checking in on someone who looks a little off colour – “can I help?”; “are you ok?”; leaving a little something on their desk; making someone a cup of coffee/tea; a smile; a knowing nod. It may be about empathising, enabling others and encouraging them. Sometimes it’s merely being present or giving them some space. Other times it’s about allowing another to shine or a slightly greater gesture of letting them take the limelight. Giving can be so gratifying.

In the words of poet Mary Oliver, I wish you ‘idle and blessed’ days in the year ahead. Time to reflect on what is happening in the world around you and where your place and purpose is in it, so that you can make conscious and mindful decisions about how you interact with those you love and with those you encounter in the workplace or other social landscapes.

Trish Favretto-Dicer is a highly regarded Executive Leadership and Career Coach, Executive Mentor and Organisational Cultural Strategist. She has been the principal of Wisdom in One for over 20 years. She works with organisations to promote engaging people in life and work, developing enlightened and responsible leaders, ensuring we build positive workplace cultures and have everyone performing with meaning and at their best. To connect with Trish, engage her as a coach or mentor and enquire how she can make a difference in your workplace, please call on 0411 626 549. www.wisdominone.com.au