Craving Paradise
Can you feel the annual rituals happening? Many have reviewed the year, looked at how it felt throughout, tried to let go of whatever ideas or memories didn’t serve them and have made promises for the new year. And now by the stroke of midnight tonight we will all be the new human beings we crave to be, ready to take on business and life just as surfers charge a big wave. Soon it will be paradise.
Read The Wave
Great surfers ride in the tube of a breaking wave, also known as a hollow barrel, beautifully. To do so, they must first read the wave. Do they backdoor in from behind the wave’s peak? If so, when? Will they pop up quickly inside? Once inside how will they adjust their footwork, balance, and stance?
If you consider your new year as a new wave to ride, then reflecting on your past and then looking forward is wise. Long time readers know creating a new year is a process that starts with acknowledging what is already there for you. That is, you read your past year. Then you fully resolve that everything is the way it is. What happened was exactly as it was supposed to happen.You forgive. You achieve total acceptance and peace of mind. Then you consider a tubular future you are willing to commit to!
Soaking Wet
Except mostly you will fail just as I did this year. Why? Because the biggest obstacle to a fresh rad you is your habits. I can declare Agile Rainmakers will grow 200%, How To Intern Successfully and Intern Management will be best sellers, and we will double the number of summer interns. But if my habits aren’t dissimilar I can expect roughly the same results, which is pretty good but not akaw!
How do you work on habits? Box yourself in for short periods of time with simple rules. Try 5 client calls per day or reading 3 pages of a book each day. Remember you won’t be perfect and you will fall off your wave and get soaking wet. What to do when you fall off? Smile - wipeouts are part of the adventure. Now do as surfers do and take off again!
Stall and Trim
Surfers make small feet and weight adjustments called trims to match the wave’s momentum. They shift their weight to the back of the board to slow down or stall. Why not do the same?
Slow down and adjust this year. A new habit could be to stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water when you wake up and one before every meal. Surely you would make better choices all day when you are hydrated, wouldn't you? Another possible habit could be to log receipts at day’s end. With just these two you’ll know your expenses and you’ll make better and better spending decisions that lead to a wonderful year of results.
Rather than make a resolution, practice stalling and trimming new habits. Take one small step at a time. Whet your hollow craving for a new you without resolving to barrel forward to your paradise.
Have a Happy New Year!
Here's to you and your awesome future.
Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!
Robert J. Khoury
CEO Agile Rainmakers