Image by Scott Clark via Flickr
Okay, so by now… you know that we’re all about inspiring you to dream and think bigger. And that bigger thinking… can apply to your work life and your life outside of work. Right?
So, since this week is the kick off to all things HOLIDAY… I thought I’d throw out a simple but powerful question that can guide you as you navigate these next few weeks.
It’s needed isn’t it?
Maybe it’s the candy… the commercials… or the 82 big dinners… but during this time of year it’s easy to loose our focus. Isn’t it?
It’s easy to get a little bat poo crazy around the holidays.
During this time when we want to love well and be thankful… we can get stressed out. We can freak. We can get grumpy. And… as a result… we miss it.
Somehow we can miss it all… can’t we?
We can miss time with family. We can miss those moments with friends. We can miss the true gifts that come with this season. So… here’s what I suggest.
And again… it’s simple.
It starts with a question.
STEP 1: Ask The Question
Ask yourself…
“What are some things I would I LOVE to EXPERIENCE over the holidays this year?”
That’s it.
Simple… right?
Step 2: Write It Down
Hey… if you’re a journal person go ahead and write out a long response. Make it pretty. Dig deep and enjoy the process.
But if you’re not a big writer… that’s okay too!
Simply answer the question by making a list.
Seriously… just come up with a list of things that you’d LOVE to EXPERIENCE.
Now… I don’t want to assume anything… but I’ve gotten to know you pretty well over our time together.
So, I’m going to guess that “getting stressed out” isn’t on the list… is it? And I’m betting that “over scheduling” isn’t there either. Oh, and I’m betting that “over spending” is nowhere to be found.
But what might make it on the list for you?
Loving well? Connecting? Resting? Laughing?
I don’t want to make the list for you… but I’m betting that some of these might make your list. (They made mine.)
Step 3: Put the List Somewhere You Can See It
What might happen if you gave yourself even 5 minutes to think about this question and then you wrote down some of your responses?
What might that do to your focus?
More importantly… what if you put your list somewhere that you could be reminded of what’s most important for you in the coming weeks?
A bathroom mirror? The fridge? The sunvisor in the car?
What if that not-so-subtle reminder was there to help you remember what you most want to experience over these specific holidays?
Give it some thought… and see where this simple question takes you. (Oh… and do me a favor. Leave a comment with a few things that made it on your list! I’d love to hear some of the things that you came up with!)
BONUS STEP: Ask the Important Peeps in Your Life the Same Question
That’s right.
Consider this the gold star bonus!
But here’s the thought: Take the next step of asking this question of everyone in your family. Then… compare notes. See what they get.
Share this question with your friends. See what they get. My guess is that your lists might be somewhat similar.
And… heck… dare I say it… but these lists you create might just help you to get on the same page about how you want to do the holidays this year.
Be ready.
Your lists may confirm some traditions… AND… your lists may rock the boat on others.
- Some gatherings might get smaller and more intimate.
- Other activities might get bigger and louder.
- You might find yourself spending less on gifts and agreeing to spend more time together… instead.
- You might go out less and spend more time around your own kitchen table.
- You might agree to venture out to see people who you haven’t seen forever.
Who knows where your list might take you!
But hey… that’s what this is all about… right? I mean… sometimes… bigger thinking is all about looking at old things from a new perspective. And sometimes… it’s all about applying old wisdom to new things.
So ask the question of yourself and remember what you’d love to experience. Then ask the question of others and compare notes.
Whether you ask your family while you’re around the dinner table or in the car… or whether you ask your friends by forwarding them this post and agreeing to share your lists…
ASK THEM.
And just see what happens.
My hope is that this simple little question will help you to experience a whole lot more of what you love this holiday season!
Keep dreaming BIG and helping others to do the same,
Mitch Matthews
Sometimes when we’re going after a big dream or goal… we need to try something new. But that can be tough… can’t it?
