Inspired by Danielle Omar’s blog post, “My Three Words” I decided to come up with my own guiding principles for 2012. These replace the specific resolutions that although made with good intentions all too often fall to the way side, rather quickly, so I thought I would give this a try.
My four words are posted in big letters on the wall next to the computer and I look at them often. They encompass all aspects of life, both personal and professional and they have become something of a mantra to rein me in when I feel out of control, so here they are:
FOCUS
So much of life is spent multi-tasking that it’s hard to do think about or do just one thing at a time. There are some times when I’ve spent the whole day doing a little of this and little of that but not getting anything really done. This is when I need to pull back and focus – focus on one thing with laser like intensity. Focus and get it done which leads me to my next word.
PRODUCE
Produce, accomplish or in other words, GET IT DONE. This guiding principle is meant to help prevent me from procrastinating, whether it be writing a pitch letter or article, doing the laundry or exercising first thing in the morning. Having goals is part of it, but actually achieving certain things is what I’m looking for.
ORGANIZE
In this time-crunched, information-loaded world, organization is essential. It is not only important for success in life, but vital so that you don’t get overwhelmed by nonessential information like junk mail, junk e-mail, spam and the like. As an obsessive reader and writer over the years I’ve collected a unbelievable amount of papers, articles and magazines I hope to read one day that have been piling up like mountains around me. Decluttering is painful but necessary. Organizing my work space will not only make me more efficient but will make me feel lighter and freer. Besides, as I tell myself often, with the internet, most of the information is only a button away so why keep more papers?
So, what’s the best way to eat and elephant? One bite at a time.
CONNECT
My goal this year is to stay connected with people, whether they be professional colleagues, old friends, new friends or just acquaintances. Everyone that passes through your life brings something to you personally. I want to focus on connecting with the people and the places that are important to me, connecting with people I can help or who can help me. Connecting is what makes us feel loved, wanted and needed.
Here’s to a good 2012 New Year!
Diane
Diane Welland, M.S., RD
