Reflections
The Impact of Being Purposeful
This posting is going to sound a bit like I'm tooting my own horn. That's because I am. 
Ok, that's not strictly accurate. It doesn't feel so much like tooting my horn as it feels like acknowledging some substantial progress I have made in my work and my life. And, I'm of course writing this to invite you to do the same for yourself.
I am currently out of town for about a week, working on a project with several colleagues. The project has been an "in-your-face" reminder of how far I have come in several areas.
Specifically:
- Setting limits and boundaries.
- Making purposeful choices about where I put my time, energy, and money.
- Thinking strategically.
- Thinking longer term.
- Allowing time/space to enjoy the journey – especially when I'm busy.
- Hitting the "pause" button to step back, look at the big picture, and focus on the right priorities.
I see so many people around me running on a treadmill, rarely stopping to ask themselves where they're headed, or why they're running in the first place! As I see the team around me spinning around in a flurry of activity, I could see that same pattern happening.
So, I did my thing (which I only have become better at in recent years). I hit the pause button, asked where things stood, what our key priorities were, and then set about putting the structure in place that we needed. The result was a much more orderly operation, more coordinated teamwork, a better and more efficient result, and way more fun. How great is that?
My invitation to you is for you to look at your life and find places where you could maybe do this for yourself. In my experience, it's well worth the effort.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:39 am
I felt the need to look up purposeful, because I feel like my life is heading in so many great directions, and was sitting here reflecting… and googled “purposeful life”.. and your blog spot came up, and its the first one I saw… and read… very uplifting and good self questions. I looked for the date to see when you posted… it was like a year ago .. ha.. and I’m just now seeing it.. but at any rate… glad I did! Great job!… I didn’t think you were tooting your own horn, you found a way and a direction in life…and feeling good about it.. and asking for others to join in!
Thanks!
May 28th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Dear Jamie,
Thank you very much for your reply. I’m glad to hear that this was useful to you. Sorry it took me sooo long to reply to you – looks like we’re in sync – you saw my blog entry long after it was written, and I saw your comment long after it was written! All the best.