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Listen to Mary Beth and Coach Meg here:
http://www.wellcoach.com/flash/cm02049_1.html
http://www.wellcoach.com/flash/cm02049_2.html
http://www.wellcoach.com/flash/cm02049_1.mp3
http://www.wellcoach.com/flash/cm02049_2.mp3
I recently asked coaches in the Wellcoaches community to submit a list of ten ways in which they want to thrive in the upcoming year. The coach who submitted the most compelling ideas would win a series of coaching sessions with me to further develop their ideas and create plans for making it happen. Mary Beth won the coaching sessions and shared her reflections on our first session in last week's blog.
Semantics Matter
Mary Beth, and others who responded to the call, were particularly inspired by the language of the challenge I put forth: How do you want to thrive in 2009? This is a very different question that those that we typically consider, such as:
- How do you want to change?
- What do you commit to do?
- What your resolutions for the New Year?
What is a Resolution?
Of course, it's been a long-standing tradition to set resolutions at the beginning of the year. Why challenge that process now? A resolution is "the act of resolving or determining upon an action, method or procedure." Sounds firm and concrete, doesn't it?
Resolved Not to Resolve
But, where is the life - the compelling force or energy that keeps one committed to the resolution when the going gets tough? Resolutions often sound more like a "should'"; things we think we ought to do if we were being "good." Resolutions often grow out of guilt and aren't sustainable because they rooted in what we don't want, rather than in hope and optimism.
What a Difference a Definition Makes
Now, consider the definition of thriving: "To grow or develop vigorously; flourish." Wow! By contrast, thriving is organic and flexible; it's about movement and expansion. When we focus how we want to thrive, we are more likely to find inspiration in our own possibilities. We think beyond the actions we want to take and imagine the results of those actions.
What About You?
It's never too late in the year to think about how you want to thrive. What inspires you? What are your possibilities? How will you grow and flourish? I would love to hear from you! Contact me and share your "Top Five Ways to Thrive" this year.
