Crown your life with meaning.

Posted by Richeli - 15/12/08 at 12:12 pm

A recent study of a group of people over the age of 100 queried the participants as to what they might do differently if they had their lives to live over again.

Amidst a number of varied answers, three emerged as common to most, and certainly unveil a universal perspective:

Number one: I would risk more.

Number two: I would reflect more.

Number three: I would build something that lasts beyond my lifetime.

As so often the case with the “ laws of threes ,” each of these interconnect, even depend upon each other.

Consider career.

If we never take any chances, we never rise above average.

If we don’t stop to ponder the outcome of our efforts and study how we might improve our performance, we can’t possibly learn the lessons necessary to gain better results.

We remain mired in mediocrity, punch a clock, collect a check, watch the seasons change—even though we don’t.

What about relationships?

To attain any level of intimacy, we have to reveal ourselves, let our loved ones experience both the good and the more unique aspects of our persona, show our vulnerabilities, our fears, our weaknesses, go through the painful process of bonding through overcoming adversities, allow ourselves to fail so that those who care about us can help us get up, feel empathy and connect on a healing level.

If we don’t take the space to contemplate, we repeat the same patterns in an endless cycle, the same mistakes, the same omissions—which can only yield one possible outcome: the same.

“ Same ” will never lead to glory.

These seasoned reflections tie directly into the natural law of bounty.

First we must seed (originate a crop, risk failure.)

Then we fertilize (nurture, constantly watch and evaluate our progress).

Finally, we harvest (yield the fruit of our risked labor, enjoy the plenty that stems from our continued observation and consequent care.)

If we challenge this process repeatedly, we accumulate the wisdom that enables us to form and mold a healthy relationship or thriving enterprise, something that will withstand harsh tests and mature into lasting greatness.

Unfortunately, the report card on this journey comes out far too late to impact the final grade in any meaningful way.

Only a dedicated commitment early in the game will give us the room to cycle through the “risk, reflect, build” formula with enough frequency.

That quiet inner glow that bespeaks a profound bond of love, brings a twinkle and a perpetual smile, or the obvious confidence that accompanies financial freedom, both demand a uniform toll:

Time.

To pass this course, we need to hit life’s classroom early.

Perhaps we shouldn’t wait even another, single day.

Success Quotes

I will persist until I succeed. Always will I take another step. If that is of no avail, I will take another, and yet another. In truth, one step at a time is not too difficult…I know that small attempts, repeated, will complete any undertaking.
-Og Mandino

Some people plant in the spring and leave in the summer. If you’ve signed up for a season, see it through. You don’t have to stay forever, but at least stay until you see it through.
-Jim Rohn

Key Points

As we make our way into the heart of the holiday season, most of us are likely to fall mentally asleep, take a break, feel like we deserve it or even need it and generally lull ourselves into a brain coma that we awaken from a few days after the New Year’s Eve party effects wear off. And that’s fine. I’m a big proponent of mental breaks, rejuvenation, gray matter down time and the like. The challenge is that we then start the next year at ground zero, use a week or two to gear back up and eventually start rolling again.

I believe that constitutes a huge mistake, particularly considering the opportunity offered by the holidays and the general human slow down that the rank and file engage in.

Of the three points made in the study quoted above, number two “I would reflect more,” leads directly to number three “I would build something that lasts beyond my lifetime.” The challenge lies in that few of us give ourselves the gift of reflection.

A lazy person came up with the remote control.

Would you rather hit the nail harder or create a more effective hammer?

Sometimes, it’s better to walk around the wall than continue to bang your head against it.

And on and on.

Here’s a suggestion, especially if this is foreign territory and difficult for you. Make a decision to yes , rest, yes , visit with family, yes , enjoy a vacation AND at the same time do a little reflecting this year.

What worked?

What didn’t?

What could I do more of?

What could I do less of?

Where do I see myself next year?

Who is there with me?

Why am I doing what I do?

What do I want it to turn into?

Honor yourself with some quiet time, a dose of stillness and tranquility. The egg nog will not run out and you just might find yourself building something that lasts beyond this lifetime.

On a personal note, Happy Holidays to you and yours…may the New Year bless you with abundance…