Can you believe it? It’s 100 days left in 2014. Although there are still 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week, it feels like time is moving at lightning fast speed. Pastor Andy Stanley said something a few days ago that was very powerful. In the context of speaking about parenting, he said, “Years move fast and days move slow.” This could not be further from the truth also about life.
Nonetheless, what should we be doing now that there’s 100 days left in this year? Actually, here are three things that I thing everyone MUST do as this year is edging towards a close.
Express Gratitude
Pause at some point over the next 24-48 hours and simply express gratitude for what has been accomplished, learned, and experienced this year. Whether you realize it or not, you are well on your way. When you pause to express gratitude you also get a moment to really consider the things that really matter in life. While the tangible things that exist in our lives have some value, the most valuable things are the intangible – life, health, people, relationships, potential, wisdom. Neal A. Maxwell said, “We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.”
Evaluate Progress
I’m not sure what boat you fit in. There’s some research that suggests that your life won’t amount to much without goals. And yet there’s an entire body of different research that suggests that setting goals limits agility and recognition of reality. Either way, no one argues against focus and commitment. As you have already matriculated through a majority of 2014, what’s been accomplished? If you are the type that set’s goals, where are you with those goals? You can really end this year with a bang as you consider where you want to be by the time Wednesday, December 31, 2014 shows up. The late Robert Kennedy offered this insight. He quipped, “Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.” If this is true, which I believe it is, then the real questions are: A) Where do we need to change?; B) What those “enemies” that we finally need to defeat that’s holding us back?; C) Where have you been stuck?; D) What dream have you sort of forgotten about?
Get A Plan
Now that you’ve considered the destination (or at least pit stop) for this year’s journey, what is your road map to get there? Who do you need at the table of your life to offer insight and wisdom to get there? Where do you need a coach? What sacrifices are necessary? Nothing worthwhile will be accomplished without someone paying the price. Where do you need to pay the price? What books do you need to read? What fear do you need to overcome? Who do you need to spend more / less time with? Who do you need to reconnect with? How’s your health? How’s your mind? How’s your financial foundation? How’s your spiritual life? How’s your professional life? Do you need to do something part-time? Do you need to go back to school? Who do you need to encourage? Who do you need to encourage you? If you’re a parent, what do you need to be doing with your kids? What should they be doing? What opportunities do you need to expose them to? What should they stop doing? What conversations and lessons should you be offering them?
I know this post has a lot more questions than notes, but I believe these questions will help you arrive at a considerable place that will allow you to push towards the end of 2014 with a laser focus. It is my hope that you end this year with a lot more gratitude, progress, and innovative plans than you would otherwise have regrets. It IS possible to end better than you started.
Finally, here’s a Word of Wisdom to also guide you in the process.
Proverbs 3: 5-9 (Message) – 5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. 6 Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. 7 Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! 8 Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! 9 Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.
Consider this your locker room pep talk. Your shot of expresso. Your kick in the rear. Your personal counseling session. Your private pep rally! Whatever you need to get it in gear and get to moving! There’s a purpose for your life and nothing or no one has the power to allow you to not get there, except you. Let’s go! Be Inspired!
(Side Note: If you’re really stuck and need some insight or wisdom, I’d be glad to either help or point you to a few Life Coaches and professionals who might be able to help. Connect with me here.)