Monday, April 6, 2009

The "R" Word

I know what you're thinking, the "R" refers to the big ugly word that is spilling from everyones lips since January and before...recession. There, it is out in the open now. However the "R" I'm referring to is REVIEW.
We are into April, we are finished the first quarter of the year if you think about it. As a result of the continuous change around us I thought it apt that we take a chance to review the year so far.

What has happened to you since January?
What changes have you made?
What changes have been forced upon you?
What lessons have you learned as a result?
How are you getting along with your way of living?
Do you need to change some habits?
What is your current belief about the world and your place in it?
Have you achieved anything this year that you set out to do?
If you have how have you celebrated this or acknowledged your achievements?
If not then what happened to throw you off course?
How do you cope with stress?
How are you adapting to change?
What kind of values do you want to have for the next quarter?

This is a great chance to stop, take stock and then go into the next 3 months with a plan. The reason this year is being approached in a quarterly manner is because we are experiencing change on a grand scale at a fast pace. If you have a long term goal and you are still moving towards that at a steady pace - Good for you! If you've been thrown off course from your long goal just take this opportunity to outline small steps for the next 3 months to keep you on track again towards the bigger picture.
So keep moving, plan where you can and watch your thoughts! If you find yourself doing the 'what if this happens?...' thinking then you've allowed your thoughts to wander too far into the future and away from the plan of action you've compiled.
Return to the present moment and ask yourself :
"What action can I take in the present moment to help me towards my long term goal?"

In the worst case scenario where you are simply having a bad day just quote
Scarlet O'Hara out loud in your best Southern Belle accent - "After all...tomorrow is another day" - It is a sure way to get you smiling!