Trevor E. S. Smith | Are you sure?

“I got the shock of my life.”

“I could have sworn that...”

“I always thought that...”

 

Sometimes we do not get it right. We can be mistaken even when we are ‘dead certain’.

The only certainty is uncertainty. Have you witnessed an ‘I-could-bet-my-life-on-it’ error?

Being in error can have serious consequences.

As we wind down another year, why not take time out to reflect on things that you need to get right. Things that have a truly significant impact on your future and on the lives of your loved ones.

BELIEFS

What are the things that you believe to be true?

Focus on those things that guide your thoughts and your actions. Beliefs that prevent you from doing certain things or that prompt you to do others.

For example, do you strive to be a person of integrity?

If so, why is that important to you?

There is great value in testing the things that we hold to be true. It could help to reinforce our beliefs. At the same time, be mindful of the possibility that we could be wrong. Is it not wise to evaluate the very thoughts and beliefs that guide us?

As you go through this mini-stocktaking, a key question is to reflect on how you describe your current situation in your self-talk. What do you say to yourself about life?

Do you think about your status in positive terms? Do you think joyful thoughts?

Are your thoughts rooted in concerns about where you are?

What do you believe is responsible for your current situation?

Can you identify two or three reasons for where you are?

Do you believe that you could have influenced any of those factors for better or for worse?

If you are really honest with yourself, do you hold beliefs that could be limiting your progress?

Are there questions in your head about your ability to do things that could advance your career or improve your life?

Are you backing away from opportunities that you believe to be beyond your reach?

Are you sure about those beliefs? Test them. You might be mistaken!

HEALTH

Are you making assumptions about your health?

Have you taken care to verify the real status of your health?

Many serious medical conditions are not identifiable by readily noticeable symptoms. Avoiding bad news has never prevented the event from happening. Get regular check-ups!

FINANCES

What are your beliefs about money?

Is building wealth a regular part of your thoughts and plans?

How do you view the issue of wealth?

Do you fear wealth? Do you believe that wealth is for a select few and out of your reach?

What are two or three reasons for your current financial situation?

Do you believe that you could have done something to alter your current financial status for better or for worse?

RELATIONSHIPS

Well?

What is the state of your relationships?

Is there something that you could tidy up? A misunderstanding or confrontation that you have not taken the care to clear up?

What thoughts are you harbouring that stands in the way of improved relations? Is there a role that you are playing that is putting distance between you and someone?

Are you sure that you have assessed the situation correctly?

What if you are mistaken?

Why not test your beliefs with respect to this situation? Why not reach out in situations in which the relationship has cooled?

Remember, forgiveness is a wonder drug and a gift to you, not the other party.

SPIRITUAL ANCHORING

Is this an area of conscious thought for you?

However you respond to the issue of spiritual considerations, it is a matter of faith.

Whether you believe that there is a God or not, is a reflection of your faith that God exists or does not exist.

Evaluate your faith. Reflect on what you believe and why you believe it.

How secure are the foundations of your faith? What are the implications if you are mistaken?

Who does your faith inspire you to be? What are the outward signs of your being that individual? Are your actions aligned to those behaviours?

GOOD NEWS

Change is possible. Conduct this mini-stocktaking and take corrective action!

All the very best for 2020. Send me a note if I have added value to your life in any way.

ACTION

Ensure that your 2020 goals are achieved. Talk to us about how we can move you or your team to the next level.

- Trevor E. S. Smith’s Success with People Academy. We guide the development of high-performance teams. We are interpersonal relations, group dynamics and performance-enhancement specialists. We provide learning and productivity-enhancement technology solutions. We offer behavioural assessments from Extended DISC on the revolutionary FinxS Platform and e-competency frameworks in our SPIKE solution. Email: info@successwithpeople.org.