Dear Robert,
Well, you had quite a 2011! I guess I’ll start by discussing some of the New Year’s resolutions and goals I achieved in 2011 for which I’m most proud. First, I’m thrilled I was able to launch Richer Life Insights in January and am amazed that it exceeded even my inflated expectations. The response from members proved there really was a desire for a positive, life changing and life affirming, goal achievement community. The greatest source of happiness in 2011 was my family and my little girl. I’ll never forget the look on her face as she peered over the edge of the Grand Canyon for the first time. And I definitely can’t forget about . . .
This is a letter I’m writing to myself at the end of 2010 reflecting on all of the amazing things that happened in 2011. As you can see, I had a pretty good 2011! Of course, none of these things have happened yet, but I’ve already lived each of them in my mind.
Before you think about setting New Year’s resolutions or planning your 2011, I suggest you imagine it first. But take off your thinking cap for a moment because this is not an exercise to determine what is most likely to happen, but instead, it’s an exercise to imagine what could happen. There’s a subtle but profound difference between thinking “This is my life” versus “This is my life today.” It takes little mental effort to imagine a future one year from today that is the same as your present reality. Your goal is to fantasize and dream about what could be, not what is.
Imagine it is December 28th, 2011. Write a letter discussing what you have achieved and experienced in 2011. Use these questions as a starting point:
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* What did you do in your career that took it to the next level?
* Did you brush up on some old skills or learn new ones?
* What’s the one thing you’ve talked about doing for years but finally did it in 2011?
* Did you move? If so, where? What does it look like?
* What trips did you go on? What did you see and experience?
* What kind of friend were you in 2011?
* How did you show your loved ones that you care about them?
* What special things did you do with your spouse/kids?
* What did you create in 2011?
* How did you invest the other 8 hours?
* What new hobby did you take up?
* What about your health? Was 2011 the year you committed to regular exercise and better nutrition?
* How did your community and/or the world benefit from your efforts?
* Who did you inspire? How?
It’s one thing to simply write a laundry list of accomplishments, but for this to be most effective, you need to add emotion. So what that you lost 15 pounds and ran your first 10k? Write how it made you feel to cross the finish line or to step on the scale and to see all of your hard work pay off. Remember, write this letter to yourself as if you experienced it. Imagine it and then write about the memories — the sounds, thoughts, and feelings of each moment.
Contrary to popular opinion (and several best-selling books!), just fantasizing about a better future won’t make it a reality, but it’s hard to achieve if you don’t first believe. By dreaming about a better life, imagining it in detail, and then writing about it, you will know exactly what inspires you and what you need to do to make 2011 even better than you’ve imagined.
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Why You Need to Create Your Own “Top 10? List
If you are reading this, you have been given an incredible gift (and no, I’m not referring to this column!). You’ve lived another year. An entire year. You’ve experienced moments filled with laughs and tears, shouts and hugs. It may have been a difficult year financially or personally, but no matter what, it’s been a year you have survived. Whatever challenges you faced, you persevered.
The last few days of the year can bring great joy and relaxation — time with friends and loved ones. But this can also be a time of anxiety when you are scurrying from one party to another and from one mall to another. I love this time because it allows me to think back over what I’ve accomplished, experienced, and contributed.
This is also the time of year where you see the ubiquitous “Best of 2010? lists for nearly everything — books, movies, things to do, songs, cars, iPad apps, YouTube videos, fashion moments, Tweets, and more. Everyone has a “Top 10 in 2010? list . . . everyone that is, except you. I say skip the other lists and instead take some time to reflect on the only list that really matters — your best of 2010.
Choose a couple of the list ideas below and have some fun:
* Most proud? What are you most proud of in 2010? It’s been a rough year for many, maybe even for you, but if you think back I’m sure you can find at least ten shining moments.
* Things learned? What did you learn this year? Did you have any breakthroughs?
* Mistakes made; lessons learned. While my list would certainly exceed just ten, focus on the big mistakes you made, and more importantly, what lessons you learned from them.
* Regrets (if any)? If you could turn back the clock, what would you change in 2010?
* Friendships made? List new friends in 2010 and what you appreciate most about their friendship. Be sure to share your list with them.
* Proud didn’t do? It’s not just what we do that matters, it’s often what we don’t do. What didn’t you do in 2010 that you are proud of?
* Toughest decisions? Were there decisions in 2010 you agonized over? What did you learn from them? Why were they so difficult?
Make your top 10 lists and share them with friends. And if you haven’t already, make sure you write yourself the one letter than can change your life and make 2011 your best year yet…
By Robert Pagliarini |
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/career-advice/blog/other-8-hours/why-you-need...