On the last day of the decade (quite a decade, huh?) I wanted to share a bit of wisdom I picked up from the the latest book I’m into right now. (The Corporate Athlete, by Jack Groppel).
This is wisdom to live by in 2010:
When we make our wants our needs, we are on the path to FRUSTRATION.
When we make our needs our wants, we are on the path to FULFILLMENT.
How many of us are caught up in a cycle of stress, debt, and worry simply because we have confused our wants with our needs?
Do we really need the big house, the new car, the exotic vacation, the latest sensory experience, the corner office? No. Those are things we want.
What do we human beings NEED? What are we made for?
We were made to move–our bodies were not designed to be sedentary. With no more mastodons to chase or saber-toothed tigers to run from anymore, we need to find time to get out there and exercise this year. Get the blood flowing!
After expending energy in active movement, we were made to recover energy with good food, lots of water, and plenty of rest. So this year, plan to “oscillate” between action and recovery with those blessed fundamentals.
We need each other, in love relationships, families, friendships, in communities and in teams we belong to. Let’s reconnect with all those who need us, and whom we need, in 2010.
We need meaningful work that expresses our unique talents and strengths in contributions to others and to a worthy cause. Let’s get clear on our top talents and find ways to apply them more fully to our work this year.
And finally, we need to feed our spirits in whatever ways work for each individual. When we ignore our spirit, we shrink our power. Let’s tune in to the meaning and purpose of our lives, and help others who may be lost find their way this year.
If we come to want what we need–for our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls–we will all, truly, have a happy new year.
Here’s wishing all of you the very best of belief, connectedness, and hope in 2010!
Happy New Year!!
BUILT TO LEAD 
Well written as always young Sully. Have a great celebration and get ready for an even better 2010…
Thanks Chet! You too.
Always back to basics…..Loved it! I am looking forward to 2010 – age brings wisdom in the things that are important in life and how to live your life.
Happy New Year to you and your family:)
Thank you, Kim, for your thoughts! Age can bring wisdom, but it’s not an automatic condition of aging. Consciousness, meaning in this case “tuning in” and “being alert” brings wisdom over time. At least that’s what I’ve found.
Jim,
Liked your blog and it inspired me to think more deeply about my own new year resolutions………I have to work on staying away from those Mastodons and Saber Toothed Tigers…….I ran into a few of them in 2009!
Pete
Great inspiration from Jim and Chet. NJoyed the blogging –it is certainly thought provoking, yet very actionable for me to follow through.
I hit the club a minimum of 3 days a week and often make 5. Does it help? Sure it does but at my age (older than jim) I do get tired in the afternoon…So be it.
Keep up the good work and lets stay in contact.
ted