What We Want to Give Thanks for … NEXT Thanksgiving!

Just one week ago most of us did what we normally do on Thanksgiving … ate, ate and ate some more. Chances are that we all feasted on   all things ‘Thanksgiving’ and our plates ‘runneth’ over. Isn’t that part of the tradition?. I’ve found that many people, as a part of their traditions, ask those at the table to recite the things for which they are particularly thankful. The range of ‘things’ is endless … from good health … or loving family and friends … or successes they may have experienced.

So this made me curious. I wondered what I would like to be able to give thanks for at next year’s dinner? I mean really … why not spend a bit of time looking forward and identifying what are we aiming to have, earn and accomplish just 1 year from now … Thanksgiving – 2016? Then, with each item on that wish list we have the ability to create the plan as to how and what we can and need to do to make our wish list a certainty.

This can be exciting. Consider these examples and related plan that will enable you to achieve your goals:

• Our Jobs
  • What we might want:
    What do we want to be doing in a year? Is it a new position with more responsibility? A different department wherein we get to be in an area of greater personal interest? Mastering other skills that will enhance our value to our company and the potential of greater earnings?
  • The action plan:
    What are the skills that you lack in order to advance in your field or move to that other department? What are the ways you can learn them? A Course? Some reading? Finding a mentor who can guide your learning and your progress? Who are the best people to discuss your desire and plan with within the organization so that the effort you make is a solid one?

• Our Relationships
  • What we might want:
    With whom do we want to become closer … as with a friend, a work associate or a family member? And why is this important? What will it add to our life in general or our feeling accomplished, the desired warmth and connection?
  • The action plan:
    What are the specific relationships that you want to better or establish? What has or is in the way of your having been able to do this sooner? What can or do you need to do in order to get around the barrier … a conversation? … A letter? Help from an intermediary?

• Ourselves
  • What we might want:
    What have we long wanted to master as new skills and just never have gotten around to it? What hobby have we often wished we had the time to pursue to say nothing of learning the related capability? What pursuit has always interested us and yet we have always found the reason that we couldn’t, shouldn’t or can’t? It is a sport, being an artist or traveling? What is getting in the way of moving forward on anything that is just for YOU and your sense of fulfillment? Why? What do you fear that keeps you from making the leap?
  • The action plan
    There’s something to be said for the Nike slogan … “just do it!” What specifically do you need to learn in order to pursue something that’s all about you? Can you learn this through research? Or is there someone with whom you can connect who can get you started and be your champion through your process? What’s that? You say you don’t have time? Come on … just make time because you can. Envision what it looks like from the other side … the accomplished side!  

Thanksgiving ’16 seems like a long year away. It may be long and yet,  we know it will be fast.  Just imagine … sitting around your table and giving thanks for all that you accomplished because you dared to dream it and plan for it. Congratulations! It’s a great feeling isn’t it?

Mike Dorman