Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

“Love Thy Neighbor”

For Christians, this commandment from Jesus has deep meaning and is applicable all year. However, during the many holidays of the winter season, it’s a great time to put this powerful phrase into action and think of how we can serve, care for, and nurture others inclusively.
While this is a joyous time for many, it can also be a time of sadness as we reflect on the memory of loved ones, both family and friends, who are no longer with us. Or, perhaps due to their vocation, are unable to join in the festivities…maybe they are deployed in a foreign country, maybe they are in a service field and have to work through the holidays, or maybe they live far away and are unable to make the trek home. It is easy to fall into a state of melancholy or sadness, to give in to judging others who display joy, happiness, and elation.
What if we change our perspective? What if we apply the Attitude of Gratitude that we discussed in November and coupled that with putting Love Thy Neighbor into action? Wherever your emotions may trend this month, I challenge you to create a Love Thy Neighbor intention for every day and practice it throughout the day. Not only will you positively impact the lives of others, you will elevate your own attitude and energy. You will discover your joy, your peace, your elation by serving and supporting others.

 

Let’s Talk 2022 Goals

It’s that time of year again; whether at work, at home, or for personal growth and development…now is the time to plan for next year! Most everyone has heard of the acronym SMART relative to goal setting. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound. In most manufacturing and engineering environments, SMART goals are second nature. How second nature is it to apply these goals at home or in our personal lives? If we are using the SMART goal approach…why do so many people fail when setting New Year’s Resolutions?
According to a 2018 article in Psychology Today magazine, the top 4 reasons for failure include:
1. The goals set are not clear.
2. We feel overwhelmed by the goals that we set.
3. We become discouraged (impatient).
4. We are not ready to change.

Two Strategies for Achieving the Goals you Set!

• After you apply the SMART approach; tie your goal to a value or core belief that you feel strongly about. For example, if your goal is to run a 10k, tie that goal to your value of serving others by creating a Support My Cause fundraiser for that 10k. As you progress through the training, thinking of your Cause will help keep you disciplined, committed and focused.

• Add AIM to your approach. AIM SMART! Ever notice how your local gym is super busy in January then not-so-much by February? Putting the AIM SMART approach into action will help head off those 4 failure pitfalls cited in Psychology Today magazine.

A = Acceptable minimum; the least you can do to achieve the change that you want.
I = Ideal; what is possible, if you really stretch!
M = Middle; the mid ground, what feels good to you on a given day.

Create your own super power by combining BOTH strategies! Tying your goal to a deeply held value or belief brings meaning to the change you are striving to achieve. Adding AIM to your SMART approach provides a range of success so that you stay committed to your desired change, long term.

Contact me to learn more about AIM SMART and other iPEC foundational tools, skills, and knowledge to boost your performance!

Own Your Path

Want to achieve the goals that you set? Would you like to feel a sense of inner peace, joy, and fulfillment regardless of what may be happening in the world around you? How about optimizing your performance in every moment? Would you like to elevate your leadership effectiveness? How about feeling energized at the end of your day instead of exhausted? If any of these questions resonate with you, the solution is one click away! Schedule your free consultation to take your first step toward becoming the very best version of YOU!

 

Diane Wilhelm

 

You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can always choose your attitude!