So, the first month of this year is now history. Did you notice how quickly it disappeared?
It seems to me that the first month mark is an ideal time to take inventory. What actions have you taken so far? Some of my most sustainable improvements have started with something seemingly small.
For instance, I have cut back on the amount of news I consume since the beginning of the year. I noticed that I had become way too hooked into the 24-7 reporting cycle. This new practice seemed risky to me. What if I completely lost track of what's happening out there? Could I ever catch up if I got behind on all these important and urgent developments? I decided to chance it.
So far, so good. I have remained reasonably up to speed with events. By spending less time watching and listening to the news, I have actually found a little more time to think, to think about what those events mean to me as a small business owner, business coach, educator and consultant. What those events mean to our clients. And what those events mean to me as a citizen of my community, as a citizen of my country and as a citizen of the world. And, more importantly, which of those events call for action, and what actions should I take?
It's a little thing for sure, but by choosing to go from being a news junkie to a more moderate consumer of the stuff, I have noticed that I feel a little better about life in general. And I think that's a good thing.
I happen to believe that leadership is mostly about "the little things." The little choices we make, the little things we do when no one is watching, the little habits and practices we form. And I like that, because I can sure commit to a little thing here and there.
And surely, as the little things accumulate and multiply, I will become more effective in my personal and work life, ultimately helping me to be of greater service to others.
That's very good news. That means I can take this year and make it one of my best yet, one little thing at a time.
"Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny." -Mahatma Gandhi
