ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS…AND BEYOND

Every year at Christmas I wish for the same things. Achievable goals. Not gifts.

So the Christmas season is always a time of reflection for me. I think it is for most people.

As we approach the end of another year, we look back on what we’ve accomplished and how we might have done things differently, and then we set intentions for the coming year.

In recent years, I’ve taken to reflecting every day. Not merely in prayer, but taking time to observe my life and behaviors. Finding ways to ensure that I don’t walk through my days on auto-pilot.

Self-reflection leads to stronger self-realization. This, in turn, leads to opportunities to better oneself.

Some might see this as a waste of time. Or something extra for their to-do list—one more task that they don’t have time to squeeze into their already busy lives.

I get that. But taking time to reflect, often makes time too. Or at the very least, produces better results.

Wouldn’t it be worth taking time now, in order to free up time later?

Taking on an accountability partner for my career last December was a perfect example of this in action.

At the suggestion of a colleague, who is also a dear friend, we became accountability partners. We check-in with each other once a week. Our meetings serve as an opportunity to set goals, to reflect, and to provide support to each other.

The meetings take at least an hour each week out of our busy schedules. However, they have brought us more opportunities and work than we ever dreamed. My own opportunities have multiplied twenty-fold as a result of taking the time to set weekly intentions and reflect on them with an objective and supportive partner.

Why?

For the reasons I mentioned above. Also, two eyes are better than one in finding opportunities. And—a biggie for many people–because it isn’t always easy to stay self-motivated. Even with the best intentions, life gets in the way.

Which is another reason why I think reflection on a daily basis–and not merely an annual basis–is so important.

Five Christmas’ ago, I almost died. The doctor who admitted me to hospital couldn’t tell me enough how lucky I was to be alive. And for months afterwards, the constant pain convinced I wasn’t out of the dark.

I still feel like I’m living on borrowed time.

With any brush with death, it’s natural to reflect on one’s life. So when I come to December each year, I reflect on my life, as well as the past year.

And every year since that brush with death, I’ve wanted the same things for Christmas…

…to find ways to improve myself and to improve the lives of others.

I don’t yet know how to do that on a big scale, so I achieve it in the ways I can—mostly through daily self-reflection, kind words, and gratitude towards others.

We all have different goals, ambitions and intentions in life. All intentions are good and valid as long as they don’t hurt others. But we don’t always make the time to see these intentions through to some kind of resolution.

I challenge you this Christmas to set the intention to reflect on your life more consistently–not merely at this time of year. Yes, it will take time–both to do, and to make a habit. But the time spent will come back to you in other ways.

In doing so, you’ll find you’re apt to achieve more.

So tell me…

…what do you want for Christmas…

…and beyond?

I’d love to hear your intentions for the coming year. If I can help, I will. Even if it’s only a listening ear to keep you accountable and self-motivated.

In the meantime, Happy Holidays!