6 Lessons from 2012 to Ensure a Greater 2013

Another good year has come and gone in what seems to be a very short time. It always seems to get shorter, and busier. As we grow older life begins to take things away from you, and not just people, but time as well. Responsibility and work take a larger priority in life and sometimes that make your reality more difficult to see. 

This year I’ve given myself time to play, read, and most importantly reflect. In this reflection I’ve managed to produce a short list of lessons I learned last year. I share these with you so that you can improve your reality, and continue your self improvement efforts.

Certainly, you may consider some of these lessons common sense, and they are, but not until life reteaches them to you do you begin to appreciate their meanings. I hope you enjoy!

  1. Appreciate the small things. These overlooked details make all the difference in the world. Don’t rush the moment - enjoy it. Cherish and savour it, for now only happens once. You will never be the same age, in the same place, doing the same thing ever again.
     
  2. Live, share and protect your thoughts, ideas, actions, interests and values. Living what you believe, and sacrificing less to you environment builds your character and confidence.
     
  3. Maintain a balance in life. No matter what you’re focusing on, always make an effort to balance yourself. It’s easy to lose visibility on the big picture. Make sure to take time to reflect. Nothing is more harmful to your spirit than the misalignment of your self.
     
  4. Hold an inner locus of control. Remember- the only thing causing anguish, anxiety, or other emotional reactions (good or bad) is yourself. The better you understand what matters to you, and what does not, the more relaxed and happy you will be. Make an effort to identify this in the moment and become more responsible for your reality.
     
  5. Be gracious for what you have, down to the smallest detail. Even the big deep breath you just had is something that proves you’re alive and potentially healthy. That is luxury that many do not have, and is more important than all the money in the world.
     
  6. Recognize and utilize traits of leadership. When you need to, use these traits to achieve your ambitions. Be selective though- persuasion and conviction are tools which leverage your integrity. This said, be honest and transparent when you use them.