“Some people live 80 years; most people live one year 80 times.” –Zig Ziglar
One of the great mentors of my life has been Bud Lamb—my former pastor and wise-guy. I’ve provided a link to his new book at bottom.
He often refers to himself as a slow learner.
He says that he navigates by resistance—only changing his habits when he hits a wall, and the old way just isn’t working anymore.
He says it takes a lot of time to stop fighting the change that needs to occur deep within his character; in his soul.
Our conversations have helped me to realize that I am a slow learner too.
I usually won’t change until the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of making the change I need to make. I learned this principle in the first year of graduate school, but arrogantly assumed it didn’t apply to me, only to other people.
One of the greatest tragedies of life occurs when we refuse to learn an important lesson—and continue to make the same mistakes, year after year.
Don’t set out into 2021 without a plan.
Take the time to consider what life is trying to teach you.
If I leap into 2021 without clear priorities and intentions—I’m like a boat that leaves the harbor on a long journey without calibrating my compass, checking my map, reinforcing my sails, and stocking the right supplies.
The first storm I hit will either knock me off course, or destroy my vessel.
If you didn’t read my last post on creating your Life Plan for 2021, go back and check it out, along with my free PDF Life Plan template.
2020 proved that our plans will need to be adapted, but make sure you have a destination in mind when you leave the harbor for 2021.
Here are some questions to get you thinking:
- What is the most important lesson life is trying to teach you right now?
- What do you want more of in 2021?
- What are the most important areas of your life to focus on in 2021? (health, family, finances, work?)
- Who do you want to be in the coming year?
- If 2021 was a successful year for you, what will have happened by next December?
- What will be your greatest challenge to achieving your goals next year?
May you lead yourself, your families, and your teams, with grace and courage in the new year.
We’re almost there.
You can do this.
Goodbye 2020.
Happy New Year!
Parker
*If you have enjoyed Parker’s Blog, check out The Next Peak Podcast where Parker Co-hosts every other episode.
Suggested Resources
- Chasing the Sage by Bud Lamb
