I have an idea. I actually have a ton of them; all the time. Some I seize and others I file away. Often forgotten, but occasionally resurrected.
Anyone who knows me and the work that I do, knows that I’m a bit of a self-improvement junkie. I’m captivated by our human struggle to grow and challenge ourselves. I love to read the science and research behind what makes us tick, as well as the true-life dramas that unfold before us each and every day. I’m a sucker for the underdog and for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Because there is always someone who shows us that it can be done.
We’ve been brainstorming lately at Refuse Ordinary about a new program we plan to launch by the beginning of 2014 designed for business owners. It’s a year-long program intended to help people get to the next level in work and life (I know, how cliché; don’t worry, it will become less cliché as we put some more meat on the bones over the coming months). I share this because this is where a tangent idea has sprung up. What if we each took a year and we did something to make it extraordinary in a very specific way?
I liken it to the Chinese calendar. But instead of the Year of the Dragon, we have the Year of Gratitude or the Year of Taking Risks. In other words, we choose an area where we want to stretch ourselves and we devote activities and mindfulness toward the things that will help us grow in that area.
While there is nothing radical about this idea, I’m excited by the possibilities of it all. Creating communities of like-minded folks, exploring areas of interest with greater intention, and going deeper into an area than we would normally indulge ourselves. It means we would read more in this area, engage in more opportunities, have more conversations and seek out others who felt a similar interest and yearning.
So what would you focus on for a year, if you were so inclined? I have many thoughts running through my head including creativity, unplugging, nurturing relationships, spirituality, fighting for a cause, creating products, mentoring, optimal health/nutrition, and adventure.
I like the idea of a year because in our world of quick fixes, it would be refreshing and, I believe, more impactful to have a steady focus for a significant chunk of time. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a year. It could be a season, a month or even a week. Heck, I think we could all agree that if we focused, I mean really focused, on gratitude (or anything else for that matter) just for ONE day, it could leave an indelible impression. So would you like to take the challenge? Let’s start with a month, we’ll call it a “practice month” just to ease into things. August is here. What will it be for you…the Month of ?
For me, August will be the Month of Creativity. That means, I will be focused on creating and diving into the creative process. In other words, I will commit to finding a way to explore creativity in some way each day of the month. Join me on Facebook and share what you will do in August so that by the time Labor Day rolls around, you can look back and see real growth.
