We all know people that talk, post, tweet about all the things they are going to do, places they will visit and what they are going to become “someday” e.g. manager, president, CEO, rock star, etc. Some people are likely already coming to mind that fall into that category. The more pressing question is, are you one of them? The person you are today is not the person you will be in one, three or five years. If you don’t change a thing over the next 365 days, you’ll still be one year older and maybe a few pounds heavier. I know, not a happy thought but that’s how it tends to go unless you determine to not give in.
Ask yourself – am I the same person I was one, five, or ten years ago? I’m sure the answer is a resounding no! You have grown personally and professionally; acquired new skills; moved to a new job or even country. Who you were is now history and is being viewed through the rear view mirror. Let’s stop looking backward, turn around and start focusing on the future. I believe the more important question is “who am I going to be in 12 months from today?” Check how you are seated – are you facing forward and looking through the windshield or driving in reverse looking through the rear view mirror?
The scenery changes and the view only improves when we act decisively. Moving forward is not just about throwing our old baggage (negative attitudes, fears, anxieties) off the train, bus, shopping -cart whatever…, it’s about getting new luggage, and probably less of it, and getting on a different train on route to an entirely new destination.

Think of the person you want to be in a year or two. The future is a moving target that can only be estimated and requires constant course correction to actually be realized. The person you are today will disappear and be replaced by a stronger and more capable person – only if you are growing and risk moving forward. Every day, you have the opportunity to write a new page in the story of your life. If the pages repeat, or are boring, no one will want to read it and you will have no one to blame – it’s your story. Write it carefully and thoughtfully.

“You will never stub your toe standing still. The faster you go, the more chance there is of stubbing your toe, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere.” — Charles F. Kettering

Become the best YOU possible!

• Reflect – Consider on your aspirations carefully. What are you passionate about? What moves you AND has a positive impact and benefit on others?
• Strengths – Reflect on what comes easiest and most naturally. What do you enjoy doing the most and brings you tremendous intrinsic value? Hint – when you have worked hard and long, delivered tremendous value and everyone is raving about what you did, you’re on point. Others will validate your strengths – make sure you’re listening, acknowledging and accepting of their input.
• Authenticity – Become your own person. Don’t copy anyone else’s style or message — be original and create your own. (we already have too many knock-offs and wannabe’s in circulation. How many more Elvis impersonators do we need?) Decide who and what you will be based on your aspirations, goals and abilities.
• Network – Join groups, organizations and associations that pertain to your talent, passion and purpose. Get exposure to others that can help you grow and expand your talents and develop your skills. Being around like minded individuals is inspiring and engaging.
• Stretch – Set stretch goals and commit to achieving them. Follow through with what you start. Don’t let a slow start or bad day throw you off track.
• Journal – Keep a journal, dream sheet, or bucket list to capture your thoughts, plans aspirations, successes and lessons’ learned.
• Confidence – What’s the worst thing that could happen when you try? You fail! Yes, but at least you tried and in the process learned something about yourself, what works and what doesn’t. Seems like pretty good information to me!

Don’t back into the future – you’ll get a sore neck.