What are you Thankful for?

At the end of the year, as I write my Holiday letter, I think about all that has happened over the past 12 months.  It is a time for me to acknowledge the year and all that has transpired, the people and events that have touched my life, and how grateful I am for it all.

This is a wonderful time to reflect on “What you are Thankful for?”  I am thinking about the people you work with and those present in your lives.  What have they done that you can acknowledge and how can you let them know they have been seen and appreciated?  I fondly remember a boss and mentor of mine who always had a high bar for achievement and accomplishment.  One year during my performance review, I asked to “swing on the bar for 5 seconds.”  He seemed puzzled.  My comment to him was that I like having a high bar set for me, because it is one I also set for myself.  However, I wanted a 5 second Victory Swing before he moved the bar higher.  In essence, I was asking for that moment of appreciation and thanks for a job well done.  He generally acknowledged my success by moving the bar and moving on to the next new thing for me to do.  What I really wanted was a pause and moment for acknowledgement.  I encourage you to take a bit of time over this month to thank and appreciate those who have made your work and life better.

And, what about you?  This is a great time to acknowledge what you are grateful and thankful for in yourself.  Often, as a coach I see this is as a place where people rarely spend time and effort.  We look outward and sometimes miss the opportunity to observe the personal progress and accomplishments made.  Take the time to relish in your successes and treasure the great things you have done.

This is the time of year for all of us to be thankful and bring this perspective and power into the upcoming year.  It provides a strong platform from which to launch the New Year.

Happy Holidays and Best to You and Yours in the New Year!