It’s been too long since my last blog.  The good news for me is that I’ve been extremely busy and growing the practice.

As we gear up for the New Year, I want to challenge you with a critical question: What are your guiding principles?

Sounds like something that I should just assume, doesn’t it?  But, clear thoughts and convictions come from hard work and are the foundation for intentions and goal-setting.  And many people never take the time to invest the energy to be sure of where they stand.

I’m asking you to stop…….pause……and reflect on the following:

– Is there anything that you’ve been doing or believing because you’ve felt pressured by someone else or by a group?  Do you have your own clearly defined beliefs, convictions and life principles?  Our best convictions are those that are well-considered and owned after thoughtful deliberation.

– Personally and professionally, what is unquestionably important to you as you enter 2013? Are you committed to honoring these priorities this coming year?

– Are there any positions or stands that you know that you need to take, but haven’t yet?  Not every battle needs to be fought.  But some must be.

Sample considerations might be: What will you stand for at work?  What issues will you or won’t take on?  What are your beliefs about health habits?  What stands will you take in your professional or personal relationships?

The Benefits: Guiding principles and convictions can be calming.  Ambiguity can be unsettling.  Though emotionally mature people will learn to live with a certain level of ambiguity, these same people will also know what’s negotiable and what’s not.  Though possessing a certain flexibility, they will know where they stand on key issues.  And that certainty is calming.

The Power of the Pen: I’ve come to believe that one of the best ways to develop my thinking is to journal.  Find a notepad (or an iPad).  Get alone….by yourself….and, using these questions, start writing.  Don’t wait for “inspiration.”  Write what comes to mind.  Don’t judge it.  Just write it.  Take some deep breaths along the way.   Journaling has the same effect on the brain and the body as meditation……. it calms and clarifies.

Find a pen, find pad, find a place and find a time.  Have a meeting with yourself and get clear about what is important to you and what isn’t.  The demands are too many.  But the stakes are too high if you’re not clear.

Best wishes to you in 2013 and stand by for my next blog on Personal Strategy Planning.