If you’re excited about 2011, it’s not surprising. Most people start so strong in the first three months of the year. You’ll see them in their most determined and strongest shape. Looking from the outside, it looks like the person will make it big (or bigger) time this year.
But really, will the person with such a commitment and determination and the skills and bright hopes make it in the long run? Will the person really achieve his dream?
Not too fast. History tells us that not everyone who started strong finished strong. In twelve months, there are inevitable changes. If we are not ready to face these surprises, we will end up losing another year.
That’s why determination isn’t enough. Courage is not enough. Commitment is not enough. Skills are not enough. Hopes are not enough. Sure they can help you figure out some ways to face your challenges but hey, you need to do one thing that will help you get a perfect combination. Let’s start with this one: Abandon your extra baggage.
What’s in the future? Simple answer: Only what you take with you.
Every year, our calendar changes. Whatever it is that we take from our previous calendar is what we have in the new year.
There are many unnecessary extra baggages that people carry. That’s one reason they can’t move on. There are wounds, pains, sufferings, disappointments, frustrations, guilt, anger, sadness, regrets, and many more. However, extra baggage isn’t all about negative feelings, emotions, or circumstances.
Take for example the case of making a big deal out of previous achievements.
Whatever people have achieved in their lives, whether he is a student or a leader of a large corporation, is already a done deal. Now, what does “done deal” really mean?
It means that you have to think about it anymore. They are all nothing but achievement. Achievement always work in the past tense.
For many people who keep this sort of “accomplishments,” it’s really hard to move forward, too. Sometimes, if you’re number one, it’s hard to let go of it. Then, it goes to your head and there you go, living in the past!
Your medal in your primary school is yours. No one will dare to claim it and tell the world, “Hey, I was our class valedictorian way back in high school!” It seems like the world knows the real deal. I think it’s non-sense to hang on with our achievement, too.
On other level, some people call it “comfort zone,” a place where you don’t want to leave. It’s where you want to be for the rest of your life! And, who would really like to leave their comfort zone? A very few.
Achievement is nothing but another stepping stone to fulfillment. It’s not the end. Without achieving anything, people don’t get the necessary energy to move on and take bolder actions. Once you find fulfillment in what you do, then achievement no longer becomes a big deal for you. That’s the best sign of maturity, when there’s almost nothing that you fear about because your business is no longer about getting something but rather giving something out of your fulfilled self.
That’s why I tell people to forget what they have achieved and focus instead on another goal that will take them closer to their deepest desire. So, forget about these achievements and heartaches for they, too, are extra baggages.
Take note: One can’t move forward while staying put at the same time.