You’ve seen them. Those yellow, diamond-shaped traffic signs often placed strategically along winding roads.  Each one warning us to slow down and pay more attention because a dangerous curve lies ahead.  And if your experience is the same as mine, they always seem to pop up when I’m running late.  Ultimately though, we know they’re posted for our own good and in turn, benefit the drivers coming toward us in the opposite lane.

You know, we also need to be mindful of these on the road we call Life. The only difference here is that they manifest themselves in the form of health issues, spiritual anemia and relationship problems. 

I'm pretty sure this is one area where the "good 'ol days" probably were. Our 24/7 work schedules owe their existence to the internet and the opportunity to find customers on several different time zones.  Erased from our memory are Blue Laws, a day of rest and one or two family vacations per year. Yet, I'm convinced that applying the brakes in our personal lives on a daily, weekly and annual basis helps our journey become richer and more meaningful.

By allowing ourselves to recharge our battery, so to speak, and refuel with things we enjoy that aren’t work related, our business only stands to benefit.  We also become better equipped to negotiate those hairpin turns everyone eventually comes upon…illness, family issues or death.  And let’s be honest, we probably won’t be on our deathbed wishing we’d spent more time working.

Our jobs continually threaten to overrun our personal lives. This is especially true for those of us who are self-employed. Herein, lies the challenge.

So how will we respond?

If we look at it the same way as driving on a winding road, we have two choices. Keep moving forward full-speed ahead or apply the brakes so we don't crash emotionally, spiritually or physically. Worse yet, take the risk of not staying in our own lane!

I love the quote from Adrian Rogers. "Decisions determine destiny."

We don't always have control over every aspect of our life. This is one we do.

Here's to a safe journey through every curve that comes your way.

Filed under:
Comment

In our home, a set of wooden alphabet blocks sits perched on the mantle high above our fireplace. They announce each season, holiday or special occasion. Every New Year’s Day, we pack up the Christmas decorations and move things back to their normal place. I asked my daughter to arrange the blocks this month and to my surprise she positioned them to say, “Happy New You.”

The more I think about it the more I like it. Those three words represent the premise of every resolution made this time of year. We determine to change what hasn’t worked over the last twelve months to what we hope will. We consider modifying actions, habits and thoughts to yield a happier life. We keep the good, discard the useless and consider adopting a new strategy.

What will you keep, discard or adopt?
Work more or use your time wisely?
Start a new diet or eat smarter?
Begin another exercise routine or find creative ways to introduce movement throughout your day?
Change one area of your life or strive for balance as a whole?
Continue advertising the traditional way or use message-on-hold and website video?
Stick with familiar equipment/programs or stretch your technical muscles?

Every day we make decisions. We face choices big and small that make up our personal and business life cumulatively. We can keep, discard or adopt.

My plan involves re-examining every physical, mental and spiritual habit I own.
Did it work last year?
Will it work this year?
Is there something better?

Keep, discard or adopt.
Here’s to a Happy New Year and even happier new you!

Filed under:
Comment