5 Things: Issue 2
A weekly dose of inspiration
A Reflection
A friend of mine recently shared a post on her socials that challenged the notion of goal-setting at the start of the year. Now, if you've been following me for a while, you'll know that I'm a big fan of year-end reflection and goal setting. It has helped me in so many ways over the years.
That being said, I've also been learning about non-Western and de-colonialized ways of being and existing over the past few years, and I know that seasons are an important element in how we operate. Indigenous beliefs around seasons often emphasize the interconnectedness between nature and human life. They view each season as a unique and sacred time, guiding their practices and rituals to align with the natural rhythms of the Earth.1 In Eastern philosophy, seasons are seen as a reflection of the cyclical nature of existence. They teach us the importance of embracing change and finding harmony within the flow of life.2 Each season is seen as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation, inviting us to adapt and evolve along with the natural world.
Interestingly, I've yet to actually complete the goal-setting portion of my annual year-end process.
I spent time leading up to December 31st reflecting on the year that was. I wrote out things I'm proud of and lessons I learned and weighed the various facets of my life on a ten-point scale (family, career, love, fitness, etc.)
I named my 2023 year. (The Year of Convergence)
And although I started drafting some themes to focus on this year, I feel stalled.
Yes, it could be that I was immersed in my Mexican holiday with my family. Or nursing myself back to health after contracting the flu upon our return home whilst juggling work deadlines.
But reading that little reminder shared by someone I respect and love has given me pause to think about my annual ritual. I'm going to give myself space to be in tune with the season we find ourselves in right now before completing my goals and intentions for the year.
To sum this up, while I think that reflecting on the prior year and setting intentions is very valuable, it’s important to engage in some form of intention setting.
Whenever that natural year-end feels right for you.
I’m contemplating setting goals based on the seasons this year rather than a calendar year. Let’s see how this plays out.
One Piece of Business Advice
Business connections are key to success. You can build a network of mutually beneficial and supportive business relationships by honing your skills, practicing, and showing commitment.
Professionals often deal with different types of business relationships. Every day, you interact with your team and stakeholders, so it's important to prioritize collaborative success.
A rapidly changing market requires companies to create strategic business relationships.
The process of building relationships tends to unfold more organically when you provide something valuable, educational, supportive, or distinctive.3
What unique value can your company offer to potential partners that would make them want to build a strategic business relationship with you?
One Mastery Tip
Be true to your word.
Being true to your word is not only a sign of integrity but also builds trust and credibility with clients and colleagues. By honouring your word, you align yourself with the principles of "The Four Agreements" outlined by Don Miguel Ruiz or Robert Cialdini, a renowned psychologist and author of "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion". This fosters an environment of open communication and mutual respect, creating a solid foundation for successful partnerships and collaborations. It's also a powerful way to establish and maintain integrity. When you consistently follow through on your commitments, you not only gain the trust and respect of others, but you also reinforce your own self-image as a person of integrity.
We can also look to Simone de Beauvoir. She believed that integrity is not only about keeping promises but also about being true to oneself and living in alignment with one's values and beliefs.
It is a continuous process of self-reflection and authenticity, which ultimately leads to a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.
Today's Quote
“It does not require many words to speak the truth.” – Chief Joseph
One Resource
At the core of your being, your values are what you find most important. You can understand what drives you and shapes your behaviour by identifying your values. Life is most satisfying and meaningful when we align our behaviour with our values.
Values are your foundation. It can be a driver, influencer, guide, course corrector, or decision maker.
Check out this Values Worksheet to more clearly identify what you hold dear.
And remember, values change over time and deepen as you understand yourself better. Values can also be situational – so the values that are most important for you at work may not be identical to those in other parts of your life.
Final Thought
I’ve signed up to raise a minimum of $500 to support Dress for Success Kelowna in their Your Hour, Her Power fundraiser.
Between now and March 31, 2024 - get one coaching session with me for the donation amount you choose to donate to this initiative.
On top of that, if you wish to continue working with me, I'll personally donate 20% of my coaching income from your next two sessions.
This money will go towards dressing services, as well as career and leadership programs to help women feel more confident to thrive at work and in life.
Thank you for reading Strategy.Mindset.Growth. This post is public, so feel free to share it!
https://firstnationspedagogy.ca/interconnect.html https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/tijih/article/view/34007?utm_source=pocket_reader
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/chinese-metaphysics/ https://getpocket.com/read/3931822336
https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-build-business-relationships/
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