The Road Ahead

Any time you see a title like "The Road Ahead" be prepared for some lofty ponderings on the future, right? And, if the writing is done on January 1 that pretty much seals the deal. In this case, however, I just liked the photo and thought it set the stage for my take on the whole New Year's resolutions exercise.

The thing is, I don't make New Year's resolutions. For me, the word "resolution" carries a lot of negative energy. I think angry, gritting your teeth determination to fix some aspect of your life that you feel is lacking or wrong. Or, resolutions can be a list of half-baked "shoulds" that we think will make us happy--but don't because they're not linked to our life priorities.

So, here's what I like to do in the last weeks of the old year: reconnect with my personal priorities. The practice of reconnecting with whatever helps you live a balanced, happy, and meaningful life is more powerful than thrashing out a whole list of hit and miss resolutions.

Here's the five personal priorities that I've had since 2003. They get taped in every new calendar and serve as the framework for my weekly goals and activities. (Forgive me, I know this all reads very whoo-whoo-oo, but it's just the old leadership trainer refusing to go lie down!) In 2008 I plan on:

1. being healthy, physically and mentally active;
2. connecting, caring, relating to others, having/being a good friend;
3. learning new things, being creative;
4. maintaining a simple, organized home; and,
5. having fun!

Which seems more doable--and enjoyable--to you? Punching out a bunch of resolutions for a few days or weeks before you give up? Or, reconnecting with your priorities and taking small baby steps every day to guarantee that you'll be in a better physical, mental and spiritual place in January '09? My Road Ahead will be the second option.