Most of my advances were by mistake. You uncover what is when you get rid of what isn’t. R Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983)
At this points in the year I like to pause, step back and really look at things from a different perspective than my daily and weekly view.
I like to look at the/my big picture, the macro view and look at certain things that I don’t sometimes see every day. There are so many amazing things that develop and unfold over time, and inside of that unfolding are reasons to be hopeful, encouraged, proud or concerned and on alert.
One of the great ‘big picture thinkers” and one of the greatest minds of our times was author, futurist, inventor R. Buckminster Fuller. For more than five decades, he developed pioneering solutions that did “more with less” to improve human lives. Here are some of the things he invented and the books he wrote by looking at the big picture of the world and time he lived in.
Your mid year review
What can your big picture show and tell you at any given time?
Here are 7 things to review that look into the heart, soul, motivation and determination that really drives all of the reports, metrics, indicators and results.
Triumphs
Take a look at all of the difficult things you have had to overcome, manage, maneuver, and emerge from, and be very proud of the grace and poise in you have shown.
Victory over challenges
Life is unexpected and throws us curve balls daily. It is by working through those curve balls, that we gain the most wisdom, strength and resilience. Things that come too easily are not appreciated the same as things we fight hard for.
Those pleasant surprises
There is a delightful balance in seeing some of the pleasant surprises that surface unexpectedly everyday. An unexpected call, an extra sale, a new connection that opens a new door, a random act of kindness. Pay attention and look for them, they are there.
Daunting disappointments
We work hard on making things happen. The thought, the effort, the action and then puff, they just don’t happen. People, situations and institutions all can disappoint us. One of Juan Carlos Ruiz’s 4 Agreements talks about “Don’t take anything personally”. Disappointment is tied into expectations. We can only do our part, put in the effort and the rest is really out of our control.
Significance of gifts
Those little gifts that we give and receive that infuse us with energy and hope are little encouragements to help us and others keep going. Go ahead and send that hand written card, show some simple human kindness and anonymous generosity and use all your talents, abilities, and spirituality daily!
Reliability of relationships
When we look at and asses our support systems, networks, sphere’s of influence and all of the people in our lives that are so integral to our well being, we should ask: are we nurturing them back and mutual? Are we pruning relationships and letting go of those that no longer work?
Daring to dream
What would it all matter if we didn’t have dreams of what could be? We set those intentions in motion, prepare for things to happen and be ready for them to happen. Some of the greatest thinkers, inventors and successful people started with a belief that anything is possible and persevered because they believed.
Here are Entrepreneur.com’s 100 Hottest Companies.
Here are 5 Business Conversations to Have Today.
Some of the results from my mid year review?
- I am getting more referrals.
- My support system is strong.
- I continue to allow myself to transition in my career and personal life.
- I continually change and tweak things to make them work better.
- I focus more on gratitude for what I do have not what I don’t.
What is your mid year review revealing to you?
Author:
Deborah Shane is career author, branding/media strategist, nationally published writer and speaker. She hosts her Toolbox Blog and a popular weekly business radio show that has over 42K downloads! She is a regular contributor to several national blogs and websites, including Smallbiztrends.com, MonsterWorking.com, Blogher.com, Personalbrandingblog.com. Her book Career Transition-make the shift is available on Amazon.com and all major book sellers. Deborah delivers smart, no-nonsense ideas and solutions, which make her a popular go-to resource for national media including CNN, CBS, Fox. Engage with her @DeborahShane, and visit her at www.deborahshane.com.
