“Begin with the end in mind” in one of the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” according to Stephen R. Covey, so, it seems to be quite a fitting way to commence a blog in January!
The start of the year brings with it a sense of change and a general atmosphere of excitement and potential. We might pause to think about our new year’s resolutions, we might ask our friends and colleagues to share theirs. We might even go a step further and think about what we might achieve if we stick to “the plan”- a holiday? A 10K run? No more stress? A full time job?
Great results and accomplishments start with (great!) questions. As you’re reading this, have you asked yourself what you would like to get out of this year? Have you given thought to what you would like to do differently? Having identified the changes we want, we should work back to determine the actions we need to take.
The most powerful questions are definitely the ones we ask of ourselves. Why? Asking ourselves carefully crafted questions will directly determine the path we follow and here are 4 reasons why:
- It effects change immediately (you’re already in the ‘open-to- change zone’)
- It engages (all of a sudden you’re examining what it is/ why it’s there/ how to change etc.)
- It’s directed at a positive outcome (e.g. ‘where do I want to go?’)
- It fosters ownership and action (you start looking at things you can do)
So, what do you want to get out of this year? What questions will you ask yourself to kick start the changes you wish to effect, so you can live the life you want?
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