The end of the year is almost upon us.   What sort of year has it been for you, and what does 2010 and the next decade have in store for you?  

I’ve been surprised by how many people are saying that they can’t wait for this year to end and for 2010 to begin.  It’s clearly been a challenging year for many people around the world. 

But, with all challenges come great opportunities – opportunities to learn more about ourselves, to test our resilience and our commitment to a particular path or course that we’ve adopted.

So, as the year draws to an end and you may wish to reflect on the past 12 months by asking yourself these questions:

• What were great things happened for me in 2009?
• What am I grateful for?
• What would I like more of?
• What would I like less of?
• What do I need to do differently next year?
• How am I going to do that differently?
• What support and resources do I need to make these changes?

On that note, I’d like to share with you a poem by Rumi that I received from a colleague earlier this year:

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
 ( From The Essential Rumi – version by Coleman Barks)

So, perhaps life has thrown some curly ones at you this year.  Remember, though, they’re the experiences and challenges that will shape you into who you’ll become in the years to come.  So, as Rumi said, welcome them!

And 2010 ?   What does that have in store for you?  No idea?  No crystal ball?  Leaving it to chance again?  Well, perhaps that’s what you need to change! 

Take the time in the coming weeks (especially if you’re lucky enough to be in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoying time away on holiday) to reflect on what you really want for yourself and start making a plan.
 
If you’re going on holiday, you’ve probably made some plans, got out a map and worked out how to get to your destination the quickest, how long it will take etc etc.  So, why not try that out for your own life in 2010?   Create your road map for 2010 and navigate your way to your destination.
 
If that all sounds too hard, and you’re in Auckland (or would like to come to Auckland), I’m running a couple of one day workshops in the New Year – on 23 January 2010 and again on 13 February 2010, to help you create that plan. Your investment is small – $150 plus GST for the whole day.   Want to know more? Email me at yvonne@strategicdirection.co.nz  or call me before Christmas or after 11 January 2010 on +64 9 376 1457 for more details.

All that remains is for me to wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas season and all the very best for a happy and fulfilling 2010.

Tags: challenges, crystal ball, goal, Goal Setting, Guest House, New Year's resolution, opportunities, plan, review, Rumi

This entry was posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2009 and is filed under Goal Setting. Both comments and pings are currently closed.