Every year at this time, I break out a checklist of the 20 things that I would like to complete by the year’s end. I find it rewarding to use and it is a good day-to-day reminder of what little things to be focusing on that can ultimately add up to significant, positive results. I thought I would share with you…
Be aware of everything you put into your body
Do you know how this time of year kind of creeps up on you? There seems to be a dish of candy, a plate of cookies, or an extra bottle of wine almost everywhere we turn. A little nibble here, a small bite there, an extra glass now and then. Next thing you know, it’s January 1st and you are making a resolution to rid yourself of the extra 5-10 lbs. that miraculously showed up over the last 90 days.
Mend a broken relationship
You know exactly who I’m referring to. Pick up the phone, reach out to them, and fix that relationship that you know needs fixing. Even if it doesn’t work out the way you intended, you’ll feel better having attempted to make things better between you and someone you care about.
Send a thank you card
The power of the simple thank you is immeasurable and amazingly underutilized. I challenge you to show your gratitude over the remainder of the year by sending a handwritten thank you to someone each day. Don’t limit this to those you have a professional relationship with. Heck, your mother would appreciate it more than anyone on your list. Invest 10 minutes a day and I promise you; the impact will be immense.
Release others’ expectations
It’s one thing to have expectations of oneself and frankly, I hope yours are high. I’m not talking about leadership’s expectations here. I’m talking about others’ expectations that can often be unreasonable. We try so hard sometimes to please others. Honestly, it’s an effort we make that certain people will never appreciate. Don’t be attached to the in-law who criticizes what you are wearing or how you’ve decorated your home. If they don’t like what you’ve prepared for dinner… tough. Hey, let it go. Enjoy yourself and your family and care less about others’ expectations.
Perform a random act of kindness
It’s the little things. Open a door for someone or pay the toll for the guy behind you. It’s the little things that put smiles on people’s faces. And let’s be honest, we can all use the good karma.
Acknowledge your staff/friends
Your support systems… whether you are at work or in the arms of a consoling friend are paramount to your success. Let them know how much they are appreciated. We often take for granted the people in our lives who always are there to offer their support, so take some time to acknowledge how special they are.
Buy yourself something special
What the heck… you deserve it. Be nice to yourself. Go get a new pair of shoes, go get a facial or a manicure. Some of you have no problem spoiling yourselves while others seem to struggle with thought of doing anything for their own pleasure. If you are the selfless person who puts everyone else before self, I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and give yourself a little treat.
Fix that thing that needs fixing
The gate that won’t latch, the watch that stopped, or the smoke detector that has a dead battery… fix it. It’s the stupid little stuff that has a way of nagging at you. We know it’s not going to fix itself, so even if you must hire a handyman, get it done.
Drink more water
You know why… it’s good for you. Never enough water. Drink up.
Have a family dinner
I’m not talking about all of you in the car at the same time as you go through the drive-through. I’m not talking about one kid in the living room eating one thing, the other kid is in the bedroom eating something else, while you are eating… standing in the kitchen, while flipping through your social media. I’m talking about, once a week, family together, at one table, at the same time, enjoying a meal together. And dare I say it… no phones.
Make the effort to remember my name
You know how you met me at a holiday get-together? I come up, extend my hand, and say, “Hi, I’m Terry… nice to meet you.” And then one minute later you have no idea what my name is. We’re often so focused on our inner monologue that we don’t pay full attention when meeting someone new. It takes mental effort to connect a name to a face and store that in our memory. If we’re half-distracted thinking about something else, we’re much more likely to fail. Let’s get better at this one.
Leave a little earlier and be on time
“Oh, but I’m just a late person.” No, you’re not, you’re just rude. Being perpetually late tells people that you do not respect their time. Don’t make people wait… be on time.
Make that doctor’s appointment
You know… the one you are supposed to make when you are 40? 50? Or maybe because there is a funny-looking spot on your shoulder… make the appointment. Do this one now!
Exercise
Take the stairs. Walk instead of riding. You don’t need a gym membership for this one. Take a walk around the block. Better yet, find a walking buddy and hold each other accountable. It’s easy to make excuses. Stop!
Schedule a seminar
Could be a motivational topic. Perhaps something on financial planning for the future. Maybe a church retreat. It doesn’t matter the topic as long as you have interest. These can be life changing. Schedule it.
Do the right thing
This shouldn’t even be on the list because we all know this. I’m not talking about what to do when you find a big bag of money. It’s a karma thing with me. Maybe the checker at the store gave you 30 cents more than they should have. We all have that opportunity staring us in the face. No one is looking. Who would know? Do the right thing… consciously. You’ll feel better… trust me.
Try to be carbon neutral
Ride a bike, and shower more quickly. Put on a sweater and turn down the heater. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and less red meat and dairy. Reduce food waste. Recycle packaging and old clothes. Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot. It all adds up.
Make a duplicate set of keys
One of the best time management things I have ever done. Make a duplicate set of keys. Can’t find your keys? Grab the spare set and be on time.
Don’t overspend
We all want to participate in the spirit of giving this time of year. If you don’t have the money, don’t spend it. You don’t need to increase your revolving debt for me. There is nothing worse than getting through the holiday season only to be left with a spending hangover. A nice batch of homemade cookies or a nice card will be just as appreciated. And if your little ones don’t understand that concept, perhaps you need to educate them on financial realities.
Pray
The power of prayer is immense. Spend more time with your higher power, whoever they may be. Faith is one of the greatest things in this universe. Hope is restored to those who look to their faith. The world is better when we are in regular communication with those we love and those who love us. Prayer is a mighty thing… but only if you practice it.
I hope you can use this checklist… but feel free to make your own. Have a great weekend!
TERRY Talks 