Love the piano tip. When I had one, I'd aim to practice 5 mins at a time, and wound up practicing longer. Unfortunately, one time that led to forgetting I had water boiling on the stove. It totally steamed up the kitchen Eek. 😱
I remember introducing Will Bowen's challenge to myself and my organization many years ago. It was very powerful. Thank you for the reminder as I'm in need of reducing my complaining.
Someone introduced me to Stoicism months ago with a different emphasis and it kind of turned me off. The way you introduced it has given me a renewed interest and I'm going to start studying it.
I love the idea of focusing on actions rather than outcomes for goal setting.
Thank you for the inspirational ideas that will help me set the tone for the new year.
I love this approach to focusing on the lessons of the past year, thanks for sharing Lou.
I’ve always been goal oriented as well, but the last few years I’ve found myself floating around without something concrete. This year I’ve learned that is because I no longer desire a particular benchmark, or thing, but more of a way of being and feeling. I focus on how I want to show up in my life, what kind of energy do I want to exude and be around? This is the goal-setting I’m going to focus on in the coming months, as well as getting off sugar which is pretty big for me! It’s interesting because changing something as big as alcohol, sugar, or exercise will have a big impact on how we show up every day and yet I have learned that my brain is trained to want a tangible benchmark to mark the goal, such as a certificate or race medal!
Oh, I hear you about that tangible benchmark! I kinda want to know if I'm progressing, "moving up the ladder," or getting to the next level or whatever it is. I think that's why I was so hooked on that measurable element of a goal. I love your intentions, and I have similar ones too — not to mention getting off sugar! 😂 Cheers, Donna!
Lou, your point about other people's successes highlighting what's possible resonated with me, but it also sparked a slightly different thought. While it's true that their achievements can inspire us, they can also become a yardstick we unintentionally use to measure our own worth. I've found that true contentment comes from focusing on my own unique path, celebrating my own small wins, and recognizing that my journey is not meant to be a carbon copy of anyone else's.
I so appreciate this thought, Alexander and will keep it in mind as I consider my intentions and goals for 2025. It is a fine line — between being inspired by and measuring ourselves against — and it's so easy to cross over. Thank you!
Yes, I think a balance would be great. I don’t think I disagree about the reframe you have provided (it’s quite compelling) - it’s probably just me! I create very unrealistic expectations of myself! Haha.
I loved reading your recap, Lou! You mentioned how you've mentally shifted comparison-itis to realizing that it shows what is possible for you. Gabby Bernstein calls it "driftwood." 🥰
May you have a wonderful rest of the holiday season and a New Year, my friend! 🥰
Lou, my biggest lesson was recognizing how interesting life could be outside of my career. For many years, I was such a workaholic, and the majority of my energy went into excelling at my career. I have been off work since June, and these six months have been amazing. Once I allowed myself to be free of the rat race, I started feeling more fulfilled. Thanks for this great reminder to reflect on our experiences.
I can totally relate, Matthew! (Although, in my case, I think the bit about me that's a workaholic never really went away. It just got redirected 😂) Happy Holidays! 🎄🤶
Lou, I’ll bring the biscuits and you supply the tea and I will watch “Love Actually” with you EVERY time! Love it, always have.
Great roundup of lessons learned. It’s true about making too many of life’s rocks too big. Some are really the pebbles if you let them. Happy Holidays!
My "lessons learned" (oh gosh, this term brings back old memories ...):
- Avoid using the word "try". Either do or don't, there is no "trying".
- Share "thoughts"; keep "opinions" to myself.
- Absolutely no unsolicited advice.
- Practicing piano 5 minutes a day is way better than playing 1 hour once a week.
😅
🙌 🙌 🙌 LOVE THIS LIST, YI! Thanks so much for sharing! 🤗
Love the piano tip. When I had one, I'd aim to practice 5 mins at a time, and wound up practicing longer. Unfortunately, one time that led to forgetting I had water boiling on the stove. It totally steamed up the kitchen Eek. 😱
Sounds like you had a wonderful practicing time! 😅
My biggest lesson learned was a goal: do something hard every day.
🙌 🙌 🙌 Cheers, Alice!
I remember introducing Will Bowen's challenge to myself and my organization many years ago. It was very powerful. Thank you for the reminder as I'm in need of reducing my complaining.
Someone introduced me to Stoicism months ago with a different emphasis and it kind of turned me off. The way you introduced it has given me a renewed interest and I'm going to start studying it.
I love the idea of focusing on actions rather than outcomes for goal setting.
Thank you for the inspirational ideas that will help me set the tone for the new year.
You're welcome, Brenda! Here's wishing you all the ver best for this coming new year. Cheers 🥂
I love this approach to focusing on the lessons of the past year, thanks for sharing Lou.
I’ve always been goal oriented as well, but the last few years I’ve found myself floating around without something concrete. This year I’ve learned that is because I no longer desire a particular benchmark, or thing, but more of a way of being and feeling. I focus on how I want to show up in my life, what kind of energy do I want to exude and be around? This is the goal-setting I’m going to focus on in the coming months, as well as getting off sugar which is pretty big for me! It’s interesting because changing something as big as alcohol, sugar, or exercise will have a big impact on how we show up every day and yet I have learned that my brain is trained to want a tangible benchmark to mark the goal, such as a certificate or race medal!
Oh, I hear you about that tangible benchmark! I kinda want to know if I'm progressing, "moving up the ladder," or getting to the next level or whatever it is. I think that's why I was so hooked on that measurable element of a goal. I love your intentions, and I have similar ones too — not to mention getting off sugar! 😂 Cheers, Donna!
Lou, your point about other people's successes highlighting what's possible resonated with me, but it also sparked a slightly different thought. While it's true that their achievements can inspire us, they can also become a yardstick we unintentionally use to measure our own worth. I've found that true contentment comes from focusing on my own unique path, celebrating my own small wins, and recognizing that my journey is not meant to be a carbon copy of anyone else's.
I so appreciate this thought, Alexander and will keep it in mind as I consider my intentions and goals for 2025. It is a fine line — between being inspired by and measuring ourselves against — and it's so easy to cross over. Thank you!
Yes, I think a balance would be great. I don’t think I disagree about the reframe you have provided (it’s quite compelling) - it’s probably just me! I create very unrealistic expectations of myself! Haha.
I loved reading your recap, Lou! You mentioned how you've mentally shifted comparison-itis to realizing that it shows what is possible for you. Gabby Bernstein calls it "driftwood." 🥰
May you have a wonderful rest of the holiday season and a New Year, my friend! 🥰
Thank you! And happy holidays to you and yours my friend! 🤗🎄🥂
Lou, my biggest lesson was recognizing how interesting life could be outside of my career. For many years, I was such a workaholic, and the majority of my energy went into excelling at my career. I have been off work since June, and these six months have been amazing. Once I allowed myself to be free of the rat race, I started feeling more fulfilled. Thanks for this great reminder to reflect on our experiences.
I can totally relate, Matthew! (Although, in my case, I think the bit about me that's a workaholic never really went away. It just got redirected 😂) Happy Holidays! 🎄🤶
Lou, I’ll bring the biscuits and you supply the tea and I will watch “Love Actually” with you EVERY time! Love it, always have.
Great roundup of lessons learned. It’s true about making too many of life’s rocks too big. Some are really the pebbles if you let them. Happy Holidays!
On Love Actually: I'm in, Sally! Happy Holidays! 🎄🤶