Best version

Today marks a new day. A day of choices. A day of decisions. These decisions and choices, good or bad, decide the direction of our day, week, month, year.

JJ and I celebrated our 16th anniversary on the 2nd. A few years ago I started making sure JJ and I have a few meaningful conversations over our weekend getaway or however, we decided to celebrate our anniversary. This year we were discussing how JJ feels he has never chased after money when making career decisions. On a side note, this is the man who has been working for the same company (even though there have been company name changes) for over 20 years. Anyway, he mentioned how as long as he feels he is doing his best, providing good customer service, and still feels he has a passion for doing what he does, he is good. JJ went on to tell me this is why he has resisted setting goals. I then, of course, needed to remind him goals are not just set for our career.

This conversation got me thinking though. So many times we set career goals and fitness goals. Some of us set financial goals, but do we truly think beyond that. My conversation with JJ continued. I asked him to forget about career goals and to think about a personal goal. What would it look like for him to be a better version of himself? Would it be more focus on a spiritual goal? Fatherhood goal? Maybe being more present as a son, brother, or uncle? Again, what would it look like? How would it make you feel? How would it make those around you feel? It is important that we not only verbalize it, but that we also feel it. I asked him to pick only one area. Then we discussed what the first step would be to improve and grow in that. I encouraged him to break it down into baby steps. Many times we set the goal, but we don’t take the time to break it down. After five days we have forgotten about the goal. I encourage you to write on a sticky note what that first step is, and then put the sticky note on the bathroom mirror, refrigerator, or in your vehicle so you see it every day. A goal that you do not revisit daily is just a dream.

We all can set goals. No matter our age. No matter whether we are stay-at-home moms, children, or grandparents. Just ask yourself the right questions to determine your goal. I would start with this question, to live out my purpose in what area do I need to improve upon? Maybe it is a career goal. Maybe it is a health goal. Maybe it is being more present with family. All these areas allow you to become a better person, which in turn will help improve all areas of your life. In this next quarter of 2021 what will you change? How will you become a better version of yourself?