Last month, we had our yearly company meeting where we reflect on the previous year and the upcoming year. We did not just focus on the collective but we took time to really focus on our individual lives. There were four different categories written on sticky notes on the wall in which we had to complete accordingly. The four categories or groups were…
STOP: We listed something(s) that you will stop doing and that you refuse to carry into the future.
KEEP: We listed something(s) that have been working well for you, that you are proud of and that push you to be a better you. Things are things that you want to keep and continue doing.
RISKS: This category contained things that should or do frighten us. Because we do not know what may be on the other side, it is a risk. Failure, rejection and other things may be the outcome.
GOALS: In this category were things that we are striving for moving forward. Pretty self explanatory.
Something so simple was so valuable and imperative. Everyone does this though, right? We create vision boards and have parties. We create resolutions and post them on our walls… NEW YEAR, NEW ME right?... but this was different for many reasons. I feel like we are often very hard on ourselves and jump to what we need to better about ourselves without actionable and truly understanding where we fell. This creates a cycle because we never really get to the bottom of what’s stopping us from succeeding. Or at least I have noticed this in my life.
For a long time, I had never written down any goals. Erik and I began doing so for individual and collective goals a couple years ago. If I can be honest, before then, it just was not my thing.
Maybe I was turned off by the fad of vision boards.
Maybe because this was not something I was taught.
Maybe because I had never found a format that really worked for me.
Maybe it was because I did not value or understand the power of writing down your visions, saying things out loud and even having individuals around me who are holding me accountable, reminding me of those sticky notes and praying with and believing in me.
Maybe because I had never felt like I had so much to gain or lose as I do now.
I’m at a different point in life where every moment matters more. Every conversation matters more. Every opportunity matters more. Every gift that God has given me, matters more! It is my responsibility to live the life that I was given purposefully.
So as a risk (lol), I want to share my lists with you. My hope is that someone is inspired to write their visions out and start somewhere. I have personally experienced the effects of this. It serves as a constant reminder when we lose our way and forget who we are. It serves as a reminder that we are greater than our past and have the power and tools to overcome. It serves as a reminder that we are strong and capable. Every time we are able to look at these lists and put our best foot forward, it is a reminder that I am still living and have the chance to be better, do better and live a life poured out.
So… Here are some of the items that I wrote on my lists…
STOP
Underestimating myself | I talk myself out of a lot of things that I feel I may be unequipped to do. I think about all of the reasons why I can’t because of this. I’m just gonna go for it.
Negative thoughts | Often times, I jump to the problem of something. It’s not intentional and a lot of times I may not voice if verbally but I definitely think it. I try to foresee the worst possible which isn’t always bad. It’s what I choose to do or say in spite of. I know that I can improve my solution and faith-based thinking.
Stop being average | Produce what I know I am capable of, in excellence. There are times where I don’t give my all for different reasons. I allow my lack of confidence, talent and my thoughts get in the way of letting me be great.
Being scary (lol) | This kind of ties into EVERYTHING lol. I have let fear have the last say in some of my dreams, visions and goals. I’m not where I used to be but there’s always room to be fearless.
Only creating when I feel inspired... | It’s a terrible mind trick and habit. It’s already inside of me… these visuals and drawings and so much more. I just need to start. Whether it’s picking up my paint brush and just starting painting or taking my camera with me everywhere I go with the expectation of capturing something that is worth it. I sit and wait for inspiration when it’s there if I see it and pay attention.
KEEP
Trying new things | I am usually scared but I have been doing it anyways. Lol. I’ve found some cool things that I enjoy doing.
Being kind to others | I never know what someone is going through so the least I can do is be kind and show love to others… with wisdom of course lol.
Working out | I started back working out and it feels great. I have always been athletic and it doesn’t feel good to feel out of shape.
Investing in others |
Investing in my dreams and visions |
Creating |
Talking to people more; being intentional about relationship building |
RISKS
Getting a puppy | Taking care of a pup is like a second job. Lol. Been there, done that and i’m excited to do it again. We are in a different place and have more resources and time to take care of a pup than we did before.
Building more relationships | Opening up to people puts me in such a vulnerable place. Can go super good and develop into a lifelong friendship or someone can take advantage of it. I don’t always know people’s intentions but it’s a risk I am willing to take.
GOALS
Reaching out, connecting with people (this is literally in every category so it’s a big deal lol
Get a puppy
Picking up violin again | Haven’t played in 6 years and it’s not an easy instrument but I remembered how soothing and therapeutic it was.
There you have it! As mentioned previously, I only listed a few… didn’t wanna bore you lol. Feel free to comment yours as well! I want to pray for you as you push to be better than you were yesterday. Thanks for reading.