New Years Evolution

As I get older (and hopefully wiser), I like to think that I am spending more time reflecting and not only acting on what needs to be done. I recall from my training instruction days that adults and children learn differently. Children learn more by repetition while adults learn better through reflection. Those who have ever attended a great training session will tell you that it was great because they had the opportunity to think, share, and plan for improvement. Essentially, this process is all part of reflecting.

Reflection is not only about recalling past situations, it’s about asking why they worked, why they didn’t, what made them great or not so great. Reflection is about asking yourself if there was anything we could have done that would have improved or even changed the outcome.

The reality is, if you’re like me, the only time I really get to reflect is when I’m in bed after a long day and I think about all the events of the day. This is not always the best technique since it usually makes me sleepy and I doze off before coming to any good new ideas for improvement. I am trying to incorporate reflection in more parts of my day now. As I run on the treadmill each morning. When I am brushing my teeth in the morning. As I enjoy my coffee (sans smart phone).

Reflection helps you become more focused on what’s important, what needs attention, what needs to change. But most of all, it’s time for you to have a great internal conversation with yourself.

This year, as we start our series of blogs, I’d like to shine a light on one of the key learnings from my reflections in 2018. As many people make New Years Resolutions, to change from old ways to new ways, I propose we do not throw away the old but rather simply make it better. To throw away the old (such as a poor diet) and jump into the new (no more carbs) is daunting and why so many people fail at their resolutions.

This year, I propose we simply look at our “old ways” and ask ourselves how can we make them “better”. Becoming “better” is much easier than starting fresh. And when you think about becoming better, making even the small changes can often lead to big and surprising shifts in your life. I tell my team that it’s often about becoming “Better that leads to breakthroughs”. When we experience a breakthrough moment, it’s almost magical. It makes you go “Wow! Can you believe that? I did it!”

So, this year, I am dedicating our blogs to Becoming Better. Let’s evolve who we are, what we do, and how we choose treat others. This year, lets make a promise to ourselves to become…simply better.

I hope you will surprise yourself by this time next year.

Happy New Year. Let’s Breakthrough together.