Are you ready to leap into the New Year? Here’s how!

Last week I got together with my friend and fellow speaker, Mike Rayburn, to do some planning and goal setting for the New Year. We had a very productive two day session, discussing all aspects of business, as well as our families, fitness, and spiritual journeys. We really pushed each other to “Go for the Bold.” In other words, it isn’t enough to set safe, predictable, or easily achievable objectives. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right … and BIG.

So, you could say we “Super Sized” our goals, to the point that they were exciting, challenging, and even a bit intimidating. Then, to confirm our commitment, we shot the video you see above. It was a lot of fun to do. But also (as strange as this may sound) it made our goals and previous discussions seem more real and more achievable.

As you get ready to “Leap” into 2012, and as you envision the kind of year you want to make it, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

Into Action

1. Set goals that stretch you. Don’t stick with what is comfortable or seek to simply replicate your past success. Envision and commit to a new plan – one that makes you a bit uncomfortable and would make you ecstatic to achieve.
2. Consider all aspects of life. Think through your objectives and goals in all five of your life spheres: Work, Relationships, Health, Spiritual Growth, and Personal Interests. Develop a plan of action that will challenge you to grow multi-dimensionally, not simply in one or two areas.
3. Plan with a partner. Whether you do this with a friend, your spouse, or a business associate, having someone to hold you accountable will make a tremendous difference for both the planning process and (more importantly) the follow through effort. Choose someone who will support you, and you will support, to make sure you stay on track for success.
4. Commit, Commit Commit! You don’t have to jump off a roof into a freezing pool (in fact, in the way of a disclaimer, let me plainly state you should NOT do this. Mike and I are trained professionals with a vague idea of what we are doing.) But I KNOW there is something you can do (safely) to boldly punctuate your pact. Take action to celebrate your commitment and launch the year with excitement.

I look forward to continuing to be your friend and encourager in 2012 … and beyond!

Happy New Year!

Dan

And more fully experience and enjoy your holidays.

This time of year promises to be a “break” for us – an opportunity to relax, connect with loved ones, recharge our batteries, or deepen our faith. However, the reality can be far from our imagined or intended version of events.

For many of us, the preparations and plans (decorating, shopping, making travel arrangements, and such) become added burdens to our lives. We must suddenly handle all of our usual tasks and responsibilities AND take care of holiday “to do’s,” as well.

The downside of this is that we may lose the feeling of specialness, or the meaning and purpose behind our celebrations.

My hope and plea is that you are able to find and enjoy, in the midst of the madness, the moments that truly matter.

Space Between the Throws

The study and practice of high level juggling has taught me volumes about managing a “full pattern” of objectives. As I teach these principles, one of the points that consistently resonates with audiences is this one:
No matter how much you are handling, there still remains some space between your throws and catches.

It is in the spaces between our actions and tasks that we can experience peace, joy, and purpose. Yet, too often, the tendency is to ignore or race past the spaces in order to get to the next thing, obligation, or task. We hope that, at some point, we will have our tasks accomplished, so that we can then experience peace. Yet that moment doesn’t come or, if it does arrive, disappears like morning mist, in the heat of the moment or winds of change.

“Space” is a gift that is difficult to wrap. But it is absolutely free of charge, and yours to both experience and give away, if you can remember a few simple guidelines.

Into Action

1. Look for the Spaces – Spaces are everywhere, if you just notice them: a pause in your conversation to fully connect with someone special, a moment to take a deep breath and experience the moment, or a purposeful minute of solitude to give yourself a break. Once you start noticing and validating the “spaces” in your life, they will expand and multiply.
2. Be Present – Your full and uncompromised presence is the greatest present you can give yourself or your loved ones. “Show up” with your full self.
3. Simplify – The concept “less is more” never really caught on with marketers and retailers. Listen to the noise of what the world tells you, and you will never have enough. However, once you realize that you already have enough, the little things will take on new and wonderful significance.
4. Pace Yourself – Slow down your experience, physically and mentally. Set your own pace, instead of responding to arbitrary demands.
5. Remember the Purpose – When tempted to run frantically in another direction, reconnect to the meaning behind your intentions. If the purpose isn’t there, then release yourself from those burdens. Where there is purpose, embrace it wholeheartedly, and hang on!

Some friendly, purposeful reminders:

• Renew your relationships with friends and family.
• Deepen your faith, and give thanks for what you have.
• Celebrate the end of your year, and look forward with excitement to 2012.
• Rest. I mean, really rest. Renew your body, mind and soul. You deserve it!

From our family to yours, wishing you joyful celebrations, with room to spare!

Dan