2013 and Beyond

We have another 26,000 years to get it right  - what is your vision for Year 1?

The end of the Mayan calendar has caused great consternation around the world, with people cashing in their investments and giving them away; others going into major debt doing everything they have always wanted to do; or some, fear and trepidation about the end of the world; and, for most of us, looking forward to tremendous opportunities for change.

Do you look back over the last year to reflect on what went well and celebrate? Are you grateful for those times? Do you reflect on what did not go well, and seek lessons in that? If you spend a couple of hours with that exercise, take a deep breath and turn your focus toward the present and the future – good for you. The past serves to inform us. Now, let’s get on with it.

What would you like to see happen in 2013? Let’s walk through the overarching steps needed to create movement.

• Think big; think the best and grandest ideas you have. This is the time to dream. As leaders of teams – bring your teams together to brainstorm. Encourage creativity. Don’t edit anything. Have a good time. Clarify the ideas into intentions, break down barriers and live outside your box. Practice being authentic, open and non-judgmental.
• Revisit your mission, both personal and organizational. Work with your team to narrow your wall of ideas down to six or seven possible, yet challenging, aspirations for the New Year. Visualize the outcome – and step backward to determine the path that needs to be taken to reach fulfillment of that outcome.
• Work with your team to tell your story. Listen carefully as people engage and share their ideas so that you might refine your vision. Begin to broadcast your vision to others. Set your goals, and get feedback. Make your proposals.
• Connect your passion with your projects. Identify the strengths and passions of your team members, and begin to create dream teams for each project as you align personal values and priorities with organizational values and priorities. Highlight your service to others, and the gift of giving.  Your abundance will come from there.
• With your team, plan your steps to success. Remember to think of all possible distractions and obstacles that may arise – these are your challenges – and create a strategy to deal with them. When you do this step well, you will deal with them with ease and grace as they appear.
• Are you ready? Take a short break. Take a deep breath. Get centered, take the first step, and have fun. Make your dream a reality.

My biggest dream for 2013 has little to do with me, and everything to do with me. Being from the United States, and having survived one of the ugliest elections in history, my dream is that our Congress (our elected officials) will learn how to play well with others and get down to the business of running our country in cooperation and good will for the greater good of the country and all its residents.  My message to each of them: “You were elected because the people in your states thought you were a leader. It is time for you to step into what that means – in all its glory. Examine your character, review what it means to be of service, stop throwing sand, listen to everyone (not just those with money), and lead us forward with humility, empathy, love and grace.” I feel like I should add an “Amen” to that.

What are your dreams for 2013? I would love to hear from you as you begin to create the next 26,000 years.