Learning from Success

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as long as we live.”

- Mortimer Adler

I was recently visiting with a friend and I asked her about her holiday plans. She mentioned that she would be changing things up this year--instead of allowing the plethora of possible activities to automatically fill her calendar, she would be very deliberate in choosing a limited number of events while reserving ample time for relaxation and reflection. What a new perspective!

This time of year is a natural period for reflection. Just as animals hibernate and plants store up energy for a busy spring, we might choose to slow down and feast off the lessons we’ve learned in the past year. This message is the first in a three part series that will help you to do just that.

Though news sources would tell you that the world is falling apart, you know otherwise. You have experienced some exciting successes in the last year, and now is your chance to learn from them. These are the kinds of things you want to repeat in the future, so I encourage you to learn from them now. Consider answering a few questions before you start your week:

1) What went right for you in 2008? The answer may be tangible, like a goal you achieved, or intangible, such as a personal breakthrough. What did you do well that contributed to your feeling of success?
2) What were your most triumphant outcomes? Since those things already happened, what do they tell you about the success that is possible for you in the future?
3) Of all the things you did this year, what do you want to do more of in 2009?

I hope that this exercise leaves you on a high note. Keep your answers close to you--we'll be building on them in the next couple of weeks. Until then, enjoy basking in your success...Cheers!

Warmly,
Jenn