What Could Give Your Life More Meaning, Momentum and Memories?

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." - C.S. Lewis

Can you believe we've got six weeks left in this year? How did that happen?!

Do you feel 2021 has been been hijacked by events? The good news is, it's not too late to create something that makes this a good year despite everything that's happened.

What's that look like for you?

What is an IKIGAI (a Japanese word that means "purpose, a reason to wake up in the morning") project that could give your days meaning and momentum, passion and purpose?

What could you accomplish in the next six weeks that could help "change the ending" of 2021 so some good can come out of this year? These steps can help you figure that out.

1.???????Identify a meaningful IKIGAI project that lights you up just thinking about it.

Is that hosting a holiday zoom reunion for friends? Participating in a virtual exercise class three times a week? Starting those piano or singing lessons? Putting together a digital photo album for your folks? What would give you something to look forward to?

2. What is ONE STEP you can take TODAY to start turning this wish into a reality?

Martin Luther King said, "You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step." What is ONE step you can take right now to set this in motion? Can you send out invitations? Register for the class? Set aside time this weekend to collect photos? This first step may only take 5 minutes, yet it is the key to turning procrastination into progress.

3.??????Make your IKIGAI project VISUAL and keep it in-sight, in-mind.

Have you ever got excited about a project and then life intervened, you set it aside and forgot all about it? Don't let that happen this time. Post a picture of what you want on your refrigerator or by your desk to keep it in-sight, in-mind instead of out-of-sight, out-of-mind.

4. Ask a buddy to hold you accountable for going "far."

You're more likely to succeed if your IKIGAI project is fun and done with someone. My Mom used to say, "Encouragement is oxygen to the soul." Who will join you or cheer you on to keep you motivated? Who will remind you this is worth doing and help you finish it?

5. Persevere through setbacks by focusing on how glad you will be you did this.

Mary Morrissey says, "Hold the vision, not the circumstances." Life is a roller coaster and you will run into ups and downs along the way. That's why marathoners picture themselves crossing the finish line so they don't quit when they hit the wall. You can do the same. Anytime you're run out of energy or commitment and you're tempted to give up, ask yourself "What will matter a year from now?" Then, re-dedicate yourself to completing this Ikigai project you'll always associate with this year and be grateful you finished it.

Henry Miller said, "Life, as it is called, is for most of us one long postponement."

Don't postpone this. Don't wait for the perfect time or for more time. NOW is the right time.

In fact, you might want to print this and discuss it with a loved one so both of you can clarify an IKIGAI project and support each other in successfully completing it so it contributes to your quality of life.

I promise, you will never regret doing something contributory hat adds tangible value to your days, you'll only regret not doing it sooner.