When Steve Harvey starts to speak, laughter is around the corner. However, this versatile TV host has spent a few weeks as a laughing-stock.
His sin? Steve had announced the wrong winner of the 2015 Miss Universe. But that is not the gist of today’s post. This event reminded me of Steve’s video from 2014: “You gotta jump to be successful”.
As Steve says, your gift is like a parachute. But parachutes don’t work unless you jump. How far you soar depends on your willingness to risk that first jump.
His message provided for deep reflection for me. I thought and agonized about the year ahead. “What do I need to do different?” I asked myself. It isn’t just about setting goals. I need to make sure I get them done too. Otherwise, I’m toast!
At the beginning of a new year, I choose a word for the year. This word is a representation of the goals I set to accomplish. Selecting the word affords me the luxury of reflection and the gift of motivation. With it, I am able to visualize my success.
And this is my word… RISK.
The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” ~Mark Zuckerberg
1. Reload
My friend is a film producer. There are two accessories that he owns in multiples: high-capacity SD cards and rechargeable batteries. A fresh batch must be ready during shoots. If he runs out of any of the two, his valuable camera is only worth a twig.
He needs to reload to capture the rolling vistas or smiling faces. To reload is to capture the moment and be prepared so that opportunity doesn’t surprise him.
This year, I will reload my thinking with great books, inspiring people and life-changing events. And when opportunity strikes, I will be ready to embrace it.
2. Inspire
Being reloaded inspires me to grow. But it is lonely to grow alone. Therefore, I will bring others along that path too. Inspiration is to fill [someone] with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Therefore, meaningful relationships are a must. I’ll seek some, re-evaluate others, and grow the valuable ones. To inspire is to be honorable, compassionate and make a difference.
If I own a mansion, do I build a big wall to protect it? What if I empowered my neighbors? Wouldn’t that provide for a stronger and better defense?
3. Savor
This last year, I worried a lot. The what-ifs were more than the what-can-be moments. When you are a one-income family and business isn’t growing as planned, you will have very many 3:00 AM days. I would wake up worrying if I didn’t do enough with my blog. What about my this or that?
In all the worry, I forgot to celebrate the small milestones I had achieved. My focus was more on the size of the waves than the power I could harness from them. Unlike a surfer who captures the power of the wave, I resemble driftwood.
This year, I will make deliberate stops to enjoy moments. Breath deeper, enjoy the sounds and appreciate others more. I will celebrate.
4. Keel
Finally, I will strengthen myself. A keel runs in the middle of the ship, from the bow to the stern. It serves as a basic foundation or spine of the structure, providing the major source of structural strength of the hull.
I have identified six pillars of growth and accountability. They are Personal, Business & Legal, Coaching & Training, Brand & Marketing, Financial, and Spiritual. These pillars are my keel and constitute my personal board of directors. Two wonderful people have already accepted to join this journey with me.
I can’t wait to fill up the other four pillars. The prospect of what lies ahead is exhilarating!
If we walk away from risk to keep ourselves safe, we waste our lives.” ~John Piper.
Q: What risk are will you commit to this year? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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