Sections of this topic
As the year comes to a close and I begin to reflect on the previous twelve months, I realize as adults we are always learning and re-learning important lessons. Many of the lessons learned this year were simply reminders of lessons learned years ago. Below is the beginning of my list which will serve as part one of the Twelve Lessons I Learned (or Re-Learned) This Year blog series. These lessons are universal in many areas of life.
Lesson One
It’s not about me. This is an important lesson that crosses many areas of my life. As a parent, teacher, and HR professional in the trenches, it is important to focus on the bigger picture. Parenting isn’t about the instant gratification of giving my child want they want at the moment, it is about giving them what they need to develop the skills and abilities that will carry them through life. That also applies to my students and those with whom I work daily. It is so much easier for me to just handle the situation or give them the answer. But it shouldn’t be about what is easier for me, It should be about what is best for them. It isn’t about me.
Lesson Two
Growth can be painful. This is another lesson that is applicable in many areas of my life. While doing many of my workouts this past year, I have heard a voice in my head, that keeps me moving. It’s the voice of some trainer from a workout DVD repeating something like this, “Don’t give up when it gets hard. That is when the body is changing.” It is the same in all other aspects as well. Use your internal dialogue to keep yourself focused on what you need and want to accomplish especially when it is hard. This is when you will grow. This is when change happens.
Lesson Three
Know where you want to go and make a plan to get there. I am sure many of you have heard the saying that the difference between a dream and a goal, is that the goal is written down and an action plan is in place. Don’t dream it, do it. Decide what you want to accomplish and get a plan in place to get there. If you aren’t sure where to start, don’t be afraid to reach out and get some help from someone in the field.
Lesson Four
Surround yourself with others and put yourself in situations where you can be your best self. Again, this lesson is so applicable in all areas of life. Regardless of what you want to accomplish or where you want to go, you will need encouragement and will need to avoid discouragement. Unfortunately, discouragement comes in all forms and can even be disguised as encouragement. Seek out situations that will keep you focused. Finding others with a similar goal or interest is a great way to start. If you want to run a marathon, find a training partner and use a gadget to track your progress. If you want to change the culture in your company, find a professional organization or a coach to help you focus.
Don’t forget to check back for the rest of the lessons. What lessons can you share?
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Sheri Mazurek is a training and human resource professional with over 16 years of management experience, and is skilled in all areas of employee management and human resource functions, with a specialty in learning and development. She is available to help you with your Human Resources and Training needs on a contract basis. For more information send an email to smazurek0615@gmail.com or visit www.sherimazurek.com. Follow me on Twitter @Sherimaz.
