January is over...pick up a rear view mirror a composter, a cool notebook and a flashlight. (And then buy chopsticks and a valentine)
Well, you don't actually have to literally do that. It would involve a trip to the auto accessories shop, a housewares emporium, an office supply depot, and a hardware store. Then, you'd need to go to Chinatown and Hallmark. And really...who has time for that? Especially with all this snow we've been having here in New York.
I'm just using them all as symbols to talk about the whole process of looking back, detoxifying and learning, setting clear and visionary goals, and forging ahead with purpose and heart.
As the end of the month nears, I reflect back on all the things I set out to do at the start of the month and, amazingly, I did them all. Don't dwell on what's behind you (because then you might crash). Just take a long hard look at all the good things that happened...those that were planned and some that just came out of nowhere. And even if you didn't get done everything you set out to do, you have a notebook (but more on that later.)
Of course, I made a bunch of mistakes in January, but that's what the waste recycler is for...even trash can have a purpose. We all need to look at how we may have screwed up, analyze why, and pick out the little life lesson gems from the refuse heap.
The notebook (or other writing device of our choice) is to capture goals for February, because as we all know, writing stuff down and sharing it with others is the first step towards actually doing it.
And next, put some extra batteries in your flashlight or headlamp and forge into the next 28 days. You've celebrated your January successes, learned from your mistakes, and emerged 31 days wiser.
I'm really looking forward to February. It's the Chinese New Year -- the Year of the Rabbit. It's supposed to be a placid one, which is just fine by me. And I have all of those wonderful "supplies" from January. Just add to your "tool kit" a pair of chopsticks (for precision) and something heart-shaped (always useful, because having heart is always important -- even in business), and we'll all be just fine...placid, soulful, and prepared!
Anything else you have in YOUR February tool box?
Combination fork/chopsticks (for those with manual dexterity issues)