The Scenery Isn’t Changing – Who’s Fault Is It?

Do you know people that talk about all the things they are going to do, places they will visit and what they are going to become e.g. manager, president, CEO, etc.? I’m sure you know those folks. The more pressing question is, are you one of them? The person you are today is not the person you will be in one year. Even if you don’t change a thing, you’ll be one year older and maybe a few pounds heavier. I know, not a happy thought but that’s how it tends to go.

Reflect on this – are you the same person you were one, five, or ten years ago? I’m sure the answer is a resounding no. Who you were is history and is viewed through the rear view mirror. The more important question is who are you going to be in 12 months from now? Are you facing forward and looking through the windshield or driving looking through the rear view mirror?

When we change for the better, we become new people, we grow and learn. Moving forward is not just about throwing old baggage off the train; it’s about getting new luggage, and probably less of it, and taking an entirely new train on route to what may be a foreign country.

Think of the person you want to be in a year or two. The future is a moving target that can only be estimated and requires constant course correction to actually be realized. The person you are today will disappear and be replaced by a stronger and more capable person – only if you are growing and risk moving forward. Every day, you have the opportunity to write a new page in the story of your life. If the pages repeat, or are boring, no one will want to read it and you will have no one to blame – it’s your story. Write it carefully and thoughtfully.

“You will never stub your toe standing still. The faster you go, the more chance there is of stubbing your toe, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere.” — Charles F. Kettering

A FEW TIPS TO BECOME THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BE

• Reflect carefully on your aspirations. What is it that you are passionate about? How can others benefit from it?
• Understand your strengths. What do you find comes easiest to you, and what do you enjoy doing the most?
• Have confidence. Become your own person. Don’t follow anyone else’s style — create your own. Make decisions based on your own aspirations and goals.
• Join clubs, organizations or groups that pertain to your talent or area of passion and purpose. Get exposure to others that can help you further strengthening your talents and develop your skills.
• Set stretch goals and commit to achieving them. Follow through with what you start. Don’t let a slow start or bad day throw you off track.
• Keep a journal or other log to capture your thoughts, plans and successes.

Don’t follow your dreams. Chase them!