First of all, before I start, I need to revise the subject line because I don’t believe in mistakes but, rather, opportunities to learn. I also don’t think it does any good to “beat myself up” or play Monday morning quarterback. Rather, I do believe it’s important to pay attention to what worked and what didn’t work (or could have worked better) as I move forward.
I’m sharing things I’ve learned this past year and hope it will spark a light for you. 
Here are my 3 biggest learning opportunities this past year. (I think I like this name better. What about you?). They are in no particular order.
#1. As many of you know, my heart belongs to my four-legged amazing Cairn Terrier, Cali. This past year, at 15 years young, she has made many visits to the emergency room. Whatever it takes, I make sure my girl gets the best of care. However, I realized with all I was doing for her (there’s a routine in the morning that can take about an hour with all of her medications and walk), I was starting to neglect me. It was time to get back to my flight attendant roots of putting the oxygen mask on myself first. Once that big realization hit me, I joined a new gym and started attending classes. Over the last few years, I had felt a bit resistant about going to work out, but I’ve noticed a change in my attitude. I realize this time is a gift for me, and I plan on enjoying it. This change led to eating better and exercising more. As a result, I find myself more energized, focused, and creative during the day. Oh, and I have more fun!
#2. I’ve learned to understand the difference between decluttering and minimalism. Decluttering is about organizing and finding a home for everything. Whereas, minimalism is about surrounding myself with less and only with what matters. The problem with decluttering was that it felt like a never-ending job. I was always straightening up and putting things away. There was often too much stuff and too little space! After practicing minimalism along with decluttering, there are fewer things for me to deal with. I see more open space when I look around, and, as a result, my head feels clearer. Exterior clutter in my home led to inner confusion in my brain. Now, I find it easier to focus on and accomplish more during the day.
#3. Throughout the day, I am continuously checking to determine what is important and aligned with me. Depending on which researcher you ask, about 70% of our daily actions/activities are the same that we did yesterday and that we will do tomorrow. It’s easy to get caught up with doing the same thing every day without checking in. When that has happened to me in the past, the results weren’t what I wanted. With my Mom’s passing a few months ago and my Dad two years earlier, the importance of making sure (as much as possible) that I am a deliberate creator of my life has been greatly reinforced. That focus is what makes me the happiest in my life and enables me to reach my goals (both professionally and personally) with much more ease and speed. I trust that the Universe (or higher power) has my back as I move forward. Letting go of the “bright shiny objects” and the belief that I “must” do something has made my journey lighter and I now travel with clarity. It’s a happy place to be.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again,
but expecting different results.” ~Albert Einstein
Now, I turn the mirror to you.
What have been your most significant learning opportunities this past year?
What would you prefer to do instead, so you achieve different results?
It wasn’t always easy to accomplish all of this. There were always twists and turns on the journey.
The reason I was able to come so far so quickly is I’ve always had fabulous resources. I invest in getting the best resources I can, especially with my coaches/mentors. Are you ready to get support to move to your next level?
There’s an expression I first heard in the entrepreneurial world, “you can’t see the tip of your own nose.” This saying means that you often don’t even see what needs to be changed because it’s always been that way.
Maybe you don’t believe it can be changed?
Maybe you don’t know how to change it?
Maybe you don’t even know what to change?
I’m here to help. Contact my team to get started.
Be Brilliant,
Kate Beeders, The Breakthrough Success Expert and Founder of BRILLIANCE Builders™
Tap into Your Zone of Brilliance and Breakthrough Your Financial Glass Ceiling
P.S. Have you checked out my upcoming events. Click here to learn more and get specially priced tickets.
